Thu, 1 June 2017
Vertical Climbed: 889 meters (2,917 feet)
Vertical Descended: 863 meters
Rating: 4
Description
A 730 meter climb from Voreppe on this hidden gem. The gradient is a leg breaking 11% average (4km over 12%) with ramps of 17%. So somewhere for the true climbers or riders who enjoy sweat and toil. The climb has a bit of traffic visiting the monastery. Although the road is SW facing the high rock walls and southerly aspect mean the suns beats down on the climb throughout the day. Ride it early or outside the summer months to avoid the heat.
Trip Report
On paper it didn't look hard, I'd start early and it wasn't yet too hot. Ride along the cycle path to Voreppe then do the short 730 climb. However some route finding errors meant that I was a bit tired and hot when I started. The climb was harder than I anticipated, much harder, even with a 34x28 gear and I was pleased to reach the car park for the monastery at the end of the road. It is a dead end, nothing for it but to turn around. I stopped in Voreppe for a much needed coke and thankfully a relatively flat ride back home. Over 100k and a not particuarly stunning VAM of 776m/h on the climb.
Very hot and dusty.
