The climb to Romme is steep! It begins as a bit of cliff street proper beside the autoroute. The second the street turns up there may be this welcoming signal:

The native joke after all is “Tous les chemins mènent à Romme” (All roads result in Romme). 🙂

There are maybe 15 hairpins on this difficult, quiet 9 km climb.

Observe, it’s potential to go above Romme to 2000 metres (Tête de la Sallaz). Nevertheless it requires a mountain bike. See right here for a map and outdated experience report.

Col de la Colombière has made many Tour appearances, however 2009 was the primary time it took this “third manner” through Romme.

From Romme (1300 metres), one can nearly see Col de la Colombière far within the distance:

The route descends Romme for a number of kilometres and joins the primary route (a part of the Route des Grandes Alpes) at Le Reposoir. Right here it’s 7 more difficult kilometres uphill.

The ultimate 3 kilometres get steeper on a enjoyable near-cliff street. No matter wind route ….. it’s all the time in opposition to the wind. 🙂

I noticed fairly a couple of cyclists:

Me, waving on the digicam!:

Lastly, because the map beneath exhibits, I merely descended down the primary north facet again to the beginning.

This was onerous work however enjoyable. It’s been too lengthy between adventures. I hope everyone seems to be properly and getting vaccinated quickly. Doreen and I acquired our second doses final week!

For gravel followers: See this unimaginable route that climbs Colombière, briefly descends, traverses unpaved to the wonderful Col des Annes, then returns to Reposoir on tough again valley path. Excellent.

Stage 8, upcoming 2021 Tour de France: