Day 4 – Route des Grandes Alpes – Valloire to Briançon
Today, as anticipated, was the biggest climb so far. The 18km Col du Galibier is an iconic climb in the Tour de France and no less iconic to the humble touring cyclist. It climbs slowly up a spectacular valley from Valloire, but at the 10km mark it starts climbing steeply from the head of the valley towards the distant but unseen Col. As the ascent continues the scenery becomes more stunning and the steep drop from the roadside ever more scary!
Happily, we made it to the top to secure the daily ‘another col bagged’ photo. Just below the col, at the start of the descent, is a café where we celebrated with a ‘Col du Galibier’ beer! Then it’s a massive, and initially 12% descent, for 35km to reach Besançon. Again, the scenery is breathtaking, much like the Scottish highlands but higher and with glaciers on several mountains. Overall 57km 🚴♀️ climbing 1275m.
Everything about your tour looks fantastic and Ryan is green with envy!