It had rained all day but the weather said sun from 4pm, it started drying out at 3pm so I gave it an hour or so for the roads to be good.

This is effectively a rest day. A little ride up to Coiromonte via the hair pins. Riding out of Pettenasco is hard - a series of steep ramps at 15% but by the Coiromonte climb I was warmed up a bit.

Relaxing the legs after the drive over from France. Managed not to miss the short cut turn back to Orta this time.

The Col du Rousset is just of the Freydieres climb but the lack of surface on the north side means it is rarely visited by bike. Just two other riders on Strava, both on MTBs.

A "before work" but more importantly a "before it gets too hot" tour, Almost exactly the same date as last year and same time and power, more or less.

A new way to the Col des Ayes for me, Via les Hurtieres (pretty climb with almost no cars) then in the village via the Col de la Croix de Theys and a 2km gravel section to rejoin les Berts and the col

The number of times I've ridden past this little dead end climb I finally decided to see where it goes. In fact the hamlet of le Frènet is quite extensive with some cute chalets etc.

Rebooting my cycling career with another climb across the valley, apart from the danger of being squashed by a speeding driver crossing over the valley it is much closer than the right bank for climbs

I've got the summer road bike fixed and working so decided to take it out for a spin. first real climbing this year and a return to an old favourite.

Quite a good ride today. 47 minutes for the climb (VAM of 940 m/h) which is not too bad. Nice to be feeling on better form due to cycling a bit more.