Bike at the car, ready to set off for Col d'Madeleine.
Mountain views.
What is this dude? Swedish Bicycling Chef?
Such a pretty view.
Small village in a small valley, mountains.
Resort town near the top of Col d'Madeleine.
Mountains near the top of Col d'Madeleine. It's steep and windy.
zomg, at the top! (technically, the ride is only 1/4th of the way done)
Slovokian dude I met on Madeleine. He re-rode the last 1km so I could take his picture at the top. He was also happy because (Slovak) Sagan won Worlds a few days before.
Bike in front of some industrial railcars. This is a very industrial part of France.
It took several miles of detour plus investigation before I finally found a hotel/restuarant that was open. I was told I could only have a Croque Monseur, but that was perfectly fine for me- I needed food.
Truly delightful.
Delightful. Every time.
This sign instructs giving bicycles nearly 5 feet. The sign appeared in many areas of France, especially places that tend to have cyclists.
I was going left.
Little village along the climb back up to Col d'Madeleine.
Pretty little waterfall.
Only 4km to go! Pretty brutal.
View near the top of Madeleine.
Panorama showing the nested switchbacks.
Anti-gay-parent graffiti.
Back over the top, views towards La Chambre.
Heavy traffic while crossing Col d'Glandon.
My croque monseur. It was certainly worth the detour and extra distance.
