Villaroger (Bourg St Maurice) to Lanslebourg
The Iseran
Early up, then faffed getting the bike sorted after last nights puncture (up to 120 psi with the resident track pump). This is my favorite part of the day getting everything packed up like the littlest hobo and moving on.
Firstly the descent from Villaroger back to the iseran road. Next there was the long climb to the Tignes dam.
Met some brits at the dam and chatted for a bit then pressed on to Val D’Isere for a spot of coca cola the king of energy drinks. There are a few long scary tunnels on the way to val.
The col ascent from val is only 14km long as you are already high, and it was a nice sunny day at this point. Also only a few km greater than 7% height gain. Col du Pré was steeper in places.
Chilled at the top in a cafe with the brits and chatted physiology and about other things with a nice tart to nibble on.
Then I went for a wee walk and stood on some snow, this was good as it means I have September in the bag, having stood on snow every month this year. I hope October to be easy if it snows here, but I cant be sure.
The descent again steals the crown. More straight sections for speed and 20km for length. On the way down I was racing a van and a motorbike and we passed under a group of paragliders which was a really good experience; I couldnt stare tho as the descent commands 100% concentration.
Cruised down the valley to a place called lanslebourg where there turns out to be a hostel (auberge de jeunesse) unfortunately the warden is not very friendly. Met a cool aussie.