So after tackling La Berarde the previous day, our guests (a very friendly bunch of Aussies) wanted to go for the big one – the Galibier. Luckily, the road had opened only the day before so we were clear for a shot at the highest pass in the area, at 2645 metres (although you knew that, given my banner picture above!).
The climb itself is long but steady – and there are quite a few flat and even downhill sections along the 45km from Bourg D’Oisans to the top of the pass. We headed off in the morning and made good progress – a tail wind helped a little with the fight against gravity! After a quick stop to get some more water at the top of the Col du Lautaret (2058m) we carried on up the turn off to the Col du Galibier. We were only expecting to be able to get to the road tunnel (about 1/2km short of the top) as the last part of the climb was officially closed, however as we got nearer the rather ineffective barriers and odd cyclist to be seen on the road up near the top motivated up to keep going. Luckily the road was fine (the other side was still covered in snow but from the south it was clear to the summit), and we managed to make it all the way. At the top, there were a fair few cyclists enjoying the sun and the atmosphere, and we stuck around for quite a while enjoying the moment.
I’ve climbed up the Galibier a few times now but this was one of the best – the fine weather, the good company, the banks of snow still high next to the road and the great atmosphere at the top made it a ride to remember!
This is the first time I have done a ride with snow on the slopes around me and no road barriers. The scenery was spectacular, and the whole ride was a wonderful experience. I was initially reluctant to ride though the barriers and make it to the very top but with some encouragement from Kevin I did it and then questioned my initial hesitation. The atmosphere at the top was electric. What a fantastic day on the bike!