Day 7 – Route des Grandes Alpes – Barcelonette to Guillaumes
Today was an easy day with stunning scenery. We left Barcelonette and began the 30km ascent up the Col de la Cayolle. Within only a few kilometres we entered a narrow gorge that gently climbed to the col. In many places the narrow road would not allow a car to overtake a bike so we peddaled furiously to a passing place. Thankfully the road was quiet so we were able to fully enjoy the view, with overhanging rock faces above and a sheer drop below the road to the gorge. The valley then opened out and we could hear the sound of sheep bells as an enormous flock was herded along the riverside by ‘les patous’, mountain dogs raised to protect sheep and that ofter wear a barbed collar to protect them from wolf attacks. At the col all was quiet with beautiful scenery reminiscent of Snowdonia but without the rain! The descent was another 30km on empty roads save for enormous herds of cows wandering at will. Today’s ride was 65km🚴♀️ and 1580m ascent.
1580m of ascent and you call it an easy day! You must be getting very fit. Looks great
Easy compared to today (15th)! We muddled up the hotel booking and found we have had to climb half of tomorrow’s col. Total climb 1860m, and Strava tells me we have consumed 3000 cal each.
So, no blog tonight, just a beer and a sleep and will catch up tomorrow