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Published: March 19th 2018
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Just as in Les Saisies, I opted to descend into the valley for breakfast rather than fork out 10 euros for what admittedly would no doubt have been (and was later confirmed as) a delicious start to the day. Unlike Les Saisies, though, the morning was cool (14 degrees) as the valley was narrow and the sun hadn't yet cleared the ridge. Plus my legs were dead because of the lack of carbohydrates in last night's meal (note: pigeon is not a good recovery food!).
But this time I knew the road, traffic was light (no cows or trucks), and even the air itself was magnificent - the uncharacteristic lack of cars/motorcycles no doubt contributing to that effect. Once back down to the valley floor I was enjoying the wonderful descent along the river when I emerged from a winding tunnel and once again had to slam on the brakes and practice my skid control as the car in front of me stopped dead, fearing (unfoundedly, as he soon figured out) that there was insufficient room in the next tunnel to share with an oncoming bus . I had just regained my speed/rhythm and was resuming enjoying the ride when
this-is-not-a-t-junction
But it is a rollicking ride along the river! it dawned on me that inasmuch as the road simply followed the river down the valley, I was never going to hit an actual T junction as indicated on my cue sheet. Sure enough, I had descended an extra 3 km past my turn-off, so once again I got to do some extra climbing. But I also got some extra fun on the way down.
The road up to Col Saint Martin started off straight up from the river, but soon eased into a steady but enjoyable 7% climb, and when I thought I could see La Bolline I took a photo of where I thought the road was headed. As I rounded a bend a bit later it became apparent that I had mistakenly taken a photo of Rimplas, site of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, so when I came to its turnoff I felt obligated to make the slight detour (uphill) to check things out.
From the top I could look back at where I had come from and also see across to La Bolline, where I had to pass through on the way to the col.
The climb to the top was steady and
and-this-is-not-the-town-i-think-it-is
Rimplas from afar. La Bolline is around the corner. unremarkable (by now we have grown accustomed to long slogs of 7-8%), although I got a chuckle out of one sign near the top that displayed the 9% grade in red. Once over Col Saint Martin the sun gave way to clouds, but I got to enjoy a glorious descent before finally reaching a decision point just past Roquebillere. Since at that point the clouds were starting to look ominous, I opted to take the more direct route to the Col du Turini rather than accrue more mileage (and bag a few more cols), which had been my original plan. I figured if the weather was OK when I got to the top that I would merely backtrack down the alternate route up for a bit, and check out the viewpoints indicated on our maps.
The road up started off placidly, winding through La Bollene-Vesubie before growing increasingly steeper. Apparently the final few kms reached grades of 14-15% but no matter - the col soon ensued.
As for my plan to descend to the indicated viewpoints? With the weather decidedly cool (I actually had to put on my fleece for the first time) and the clouds still lingering,
the-road-to-the-fortifications
Where else would you put them but at the top? I chose to end the day exercising my arms instead of my legs.
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