An early start from Briancon today heading across few more mountain passes on the way to Valberg :
- Col d’Izoard
- Col de la Cayole
- Col de Vars
We decided to start with a ride up to the Citadel on high which was great. Already up to 24 degrees we needed to keep moving. So glad I took the mesh jacket, later in the day it topped at 33 degrees, even at altitude in the ski towns.
A shorter mileage today due to the slower switch back passes. The Izoard (the Lizard as we called it) started off with hairpin after hairpin as we climbed up .. really tight stuff, but then eventually topped out to amazing alpine forest area and river valley just as two fighter jets came screaming through the valley right past us at low level followed by the boom and scream of the engines … I nearly fell off !
In the afternoon we were up and over the Cayole. This was quite a narrow single track pass quite hard on the suspension and traffic, mostly bikers but then on the descent the road follows the river and an amazing balcony road. The final part of the ride Brayf’ had researched well and chose a sublime red rock gorge loop back in to Valberg with some sheer drop balcony sections. A bit scary, but great fun. I just closed my right eye and didn’t look down ! Can’t wait to replay the go pro footage and have another look.
- Gorges du avian
- Gorges de Daluis
Night stay at:
Hôtel Blanche Neige,
10 AVENUE DE VALBERG 06470 VALBERG
Very basic small room in quiet closed up ski town.
Not much option for food. Clean room descent breakfast.
Ideal for one overnight stay to break up the RdGA.
Parking on other side of road, but very safe with cameras.
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| The planned route. |
YouTube Video Playlist. Select Menu of rides from top right in player.
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