Lac d'Emosson (alternate route)

I decided to tackle Emosson again, twice to be precise.  After talking to some friends I learned that my first time up I took the road less travelled.  (Leave it to me to find it.)  Rather than the super steep switchbacks in the beginning, followed by the walking the planks over the nonexistent road at the entrance to Finhaut, this route has nice sweeping and more consistent climbs on the approach.  Of course both routes meet up at the top of Finaut and follow the same great climb to the top of Lac d'Emosson. 

Sign marking turn

Short tunnel.  Note the road peeking through the trees in the background.

River below the bridge

Town of Finhaut, built on a hillside. 

Finhaut

Somebody parked my dream car, Austin Heeley. under the overpass.  Had to stop and look. 

When in doubt take the road that leads up.

Climbing to Emosson shows a great view across the valley.  At te bottom of the road (not in picture) is where you turn off to Emosson.  That road is the climb up Forclaz, another great ride.

My little Orbea held up.  Still no problems with the machine, just the engine.

Lac d'Emosson

The way home.  Mont-Blanc is the smooth peak set back on the right-side. 

Looking down on Finhaut from Emosson

My favorite switchback on the route.  Figured if it was worth repeating on the bike then so was the photo.

Stream running along the route as you get closer back to Chamonix.

Last downhill descending Col des Montets towards Chamonix.  Mont-Blanc and the glacier make for an incredible backdrop on a great descent.

• 40 miles (RT)
• 5,400 feet of climbing total
• Final climb
• 6.36 miles @ 8.2% (per MapmyRide)
• Starts at 6%, finishes at 10.7%
• HC - Yes, just found out it's ranked

My first time doing this (alternate) route I did 3:15 (RT) riding time with a 30 min. break at the top to catch up on emails for work.  Earlier this week I did it again.  This time kept the camera in my pocket, and stopped at the top only long enough to put on a jacket.  Got it down to 3:05, trying to save a little energy for later.  And to think we do 40-miles back home in 2 hours.

-ML