Tue, 14 May 2013
Vertical Climbed: 1,496 meters (4,908 feet)
Vertical Descended: 1,513 meters
Rating: 3
Took the train up to Montmelian to ride the cult climb of the Marocaz. It is a local favourite as the SE side has little traffic and is very Provencal in character. After a gentle warm up you arrive in the village Cruet and things get serious as the slope ramps up to 11% through the village. There is a water fountain on the left. Things then vary with gentle sections mixed with some steeper drags. There is a bit of recovery as the road flattens as it crosses the Nant du Crosaz on a narrow stone bridge. The final 3km are around 10-12% but things flatten as you enter a tiny hamlet 500 meters from the col. The road then rolls through a high Bauges plateau before the twisty descent down to la Boiserette. You can return to Montmellian via the vineyards of Chignin.
The detour around the lac de la Thuile is scenic but the road isn't always in the best condition.
Dry and sunny.