Annecy to Col de la Forclaz

The girls wanted to spend the afternoon sightseeing and shopping in Annecy.  Haute Transfer (http://www.hautetransfer.com/) made the trip effortless and worry-free for them.  With that being done I had some time on my hands to enjoy a nice ride.  I was lucky enough to have Charlie working the trip, so when I caught wind of that I told him he needed to bring his bike so we could ride Forclaz together. 

To clarify, there are two different Col de la Forclaz, the one between Chamonix and Martigny, and this one in Annecy.  In the 2009 Tour de France, Annecy played host to Stage 18, a time trial around the lake.  Col de la Forclaz has been a climb on many stages of the Tour throughout the years as well.

Leaving from Annecy is beautiful.  I had been here once before, years ago but only for a few hours.  As I rode along the lake I'm reminded why the Tucker and Verhaaren families are so fond of this place.  We set out along Annecy next to the lake.  It was a nice, yet warm day (in the 90's).  The park and the beaches along the lake were crowded, and I'd soon get a reminder of the heat again.

The path was nice and relaxing, but after a couple miles I wanted to get on with the ride, enough of the traffic-calming measures.

Just prior to the turn up the climb I quickly recognized the paragliding school and landing-zone where I flew years ago.  Not a single thermal that morning back then, but one of the best flights in my life.  Many wings and pilots can be seen in the distance, with one paraglider seconds from landing.

We've taken care of the beginning of the climb already, but when you see racers names painted on the road you know something good must lie ahead.  At this point we're 6 miles into the ride, and 2 miles into the climb.  Let the fun begin!

Certainly a beautiful overlook, but I have to admit I took most of these photos on the way down, not the way up.  The better the view, the steeper the climb, and I was in no mood to fiddle with the camera while trying to climb.

Charlie and I rode next to each other most of the ride.  We were chatting at first, then eventually as the rode got steeper, and I became shorter of breath, I also became more quiet.  With a couple miles to go Charlie started pulling away.  I wasn't trying to beat him up the hill, but I did want to keep him in view.  Later on after we finished I told him I was ready for him to stop for a break at any time but I wasn't about to ask for it.  Then when by the time he made a corner and disappeared from my sight I contemplated a break, but passed on the idea when I realized I had less than a mile to go. 

Once at the top we were met by a young cyclist from Netherlands, on holiday with his family.  Joram Bosker came up Forclaz from the other side of the road.  I told him how crazy the Dutch are and how they were the loudest cheering section of the Alpe d'Huez the previous year.  He didn't argue the point.

Charlie and I in front of the monument before descending.

Another great spot for paragliding.

While the ride was an enjoyable 24 miles, the climb is only 10 miles of it.  The easiest of it at 2.0% and the hardest at 12.6%, with an average in the low 6%.  One of the most beautiful climbs I've done!

Tour de France (TDF) Stage 11 - Albertville / La Toussuire - Les Sybelles

An exciting day!  Today we're off to watch Stage 11 of the Tour de France from the Col de la Madeleine...but first we get to climb it.  Col de la Madeleine is a 25.5km, HC-ranked climb.

We met our transport Haute-Transfer (http://www.hautetransfer.com/) at 7.00a for our 2-hr drive to Albertville.  I was happy to be met by Charlie whom I knew from the previous year when we spent the day at Alpe d'Huez.  After grabbing a couple croissants and a few other goods from the bakery we were off.  Along the way we got to hear about Charlie's recent 30-day trip where he rode from Chamonix to Athens.  He rode with a friend for the first 9-days, then continued along alone.  He travelled through 9 countries (if I'm not mistaken), including the likes of Turkey, Slovenia, and Albania.  A pup tent, sleeping bag, change of clothes and a handful of spokes.  What a ride.  And the good news?  He packed his bike and is about to ride with us up Col de la Madeleine.  Of course I instantly translate this to mean that we'll start together, but by the time we reach the top Charlie will have finished lunch, a couple cups of coffee and read the Financial Times cover to cover.


 A fan that's obviously camped out for a few different Tours.

Todd and I stopped to admire the view.  Waterfall behind, beautiful view of the valley in front.  We stopped a few more times on the way up.  I'll claim it was to make sure we took full advantage of the time to see the scenery, however some may argue it was an excuse to catch our breath.  16 miles of climbing, you make your own conclusion.

When we saw the 3km to go marker I exclaimed to my buddy Todd that I was feeling much better about it,.  Being almost finished usually gives that extra kick.  Then as we continued around the bend the steeper climb and handful of switchbacks came into view.  In nearly the same sentence, I told him that I no longer feel so good about where we were!  It's fun seeing the route from a distance, outlined by cars and campers.  5 of the switchbacks are in view. 

A little musical accompaniment for the climb.  People from all over the world gather, waving flags and showing their heritage, supporting their racers.

Once we reached the top of Col de la Madeleine Charlie (not in picture), Todd, and I stopped at the cafe to get a little rest, bite to eat, and drink.  The views and the weather were both great.

On our way up we scouted out a good spot to view the race.  As we finished our lunch at the top the pre-race parade had just commenced.  We stayed at the top of the hill and enjoyed watching the caravan drive by throwing out swag.  Unfortunately it meant the road was now closed, so we were forced to find an alternative route down.  We took a combination of a cow trail and traipsing across the hillside. 

We left our bikes just off the road.  Everyone else does the same thing so it's understood to be little risk in having them stolen. 

We found a great place to watch, 1km from the top of the 25km climb.  The lead cars are just in sight with a handful of riders leading the attack.  We have 5 switchbacks to watch them climb through from this spot.

 

Looking at the mountains in the distance we can actually see the top of Mont-Blanc.

Charlie (left), Todd (center), and myself (right) enjoying the race.

The attack group coming by.  When they first came into view they were rather tight.  By the time they made it up another 1km (the 5 switchbacks) they were beginning to string out.

Some of the team and race cars passing by.

The Wiggans group passing through, where the crowd cheered just as loud for them as they did the attacking group. 

The crowds were certainly smaller than on Alpe d'Huez, but this also meant that on the Col de la Madeleine we had better viewing opportunities.

As we got back to our bikes and got ready to descend we realized that Charlie was missing a brake pad on his rear brakes.  We could find it around so he gave a quick tune-up to the front brake to make it as tidy as possibly, then began the descent as-is.  I followed closely behind in case there were problems.  Of course if he got out of control I'm not sure what I'd be able to do other than having the best view in the house.  For most the 16 miles down he opted not to clip in, and instead rest on top of the pedals.  This became apparent when we hit a tighter turn and he precariously dangled his leg out to help shift his weight. 

Made it down, safe and sound.  Had a great time with my good friend Todd and our new friend Charlie.  A trip I'd highly recommend to any cycling fan.