June 7, 2019
Annecy to Cluses
Col de la Colombière
We loved staying in the Hotel du Chateau. The room was tiny but lovely, the setting couldn’t have been better and there was a puppy. Perfect.
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What an amazing and wonderful day we have had. One that we will always remember. Brilliant weather, brilliant tour guide, amazing scenery, a fantastic climb and just so much fun.
We started the day with breakfast of course and fuelled up for the climbing ahead. The goal today was Col de la Colombière, which has been featured in the Tour de France 22 times, most recently last year. Last night at dinner Pierre not only encouraged us to do it as he said it was a beautiful ride (was he ever right) but he offered to come with us. Game on!
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We met Pierre at the side of the road, just before the Col de Bluffy. It wasn’t that much of an accomplishment but the TdF has done that too so we recorded the moment. There was another beautiful Chateau here as well. It was all so amazing. I just smiled all day. Every view was fantastic.
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All three of us had a good laugh on the next section. We were coming into Thônes when Keith suddenly veered into a building supply parking lot. We were looking for a baguette and he saw the sign for banquettes. All three of us were in stitches. Pierre led us to a great bakery.
This was followed not too much further up the road with Keith saying to Pierre “Why don’t you lead?” and Pierre said “No, I’m going to the top.” He had heard “Why don’t you leave.” Honestly it makes me laugh to think of it. We were so absolutely thrilled to have Pierre along.
Next he showed us the national memorial at Site de Morette. It is a very moving experience. Pierre explained that it wasn’t just young French soldiers who were killed but Spaniards, Italians and Poles. We walked up and down the rows of graves and it makes me want to weep. Most of these young men were in their twenties.
Then it was up through absolutely spectacular scenery to Le Grand Bornand. What a spectacular spot. We stopped for lunch there and we just loved it. Everything today was just so amazing. It is at Le Grand Bornand that the climb officially starts. There are three approaches to the Col de Colombière. This one was the most friendly for fully loaded touring bikes. Pierre made it a workout by grinding up in his large chain ring. Sheesh. I rarely got out of granny gear.
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Up we went. Such a great ride. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am going to throw some pictures at you.
Then, almost too soon, we were at the top. It was an awesome experience, made so much better by having such wonderful company. We told Pierre his speed to the top was going to ruin his statistics for the month, but he told us he would just discard it. Good idea.
Down we went in opposite directions. The descent to Cluses was so much fun after the slightly terrifying (for me) beginning when it was steep with nothing between me and the abyss. I took it easy at that point.
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Our arrival in Cluses was straightforward as once more the Chief Navigator took us unerringly to the hotel, the Hotel National, which we really like. We have had dinner and wine and toasted an amazing day. Thank you again Pierre!
Today's ride: 67 km (42 miles)
Total: 1,984 km (1,232 miles)
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