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A High Mountain Pass And High Prices
Day 6
By Bogger
It had been quite cold during the night and we awoke to clear and sunny skies. Hooray! As we are staying another night in Barcelonnette it was a lazy start again to the day. A couple of French ladies amble past our encampment and ask where we are from and what our plans were. They suggested a couple of nice ride outs and departed. Nige, however, had decided what was on the cards today.
A ride to the summit of the highest road in Europe, the Col de Bonnet.
The road to the top was just a massive series of switchback hairpins. The higher you went you could feel the altitude sucking all the power out of the engine. It was relatively slow going - all 9,000ft of it. It was also a mecca for the hard core cyclists. Fair play to them.
The mileage for the day was only 45 miles, either all uphill or all downhill. On the way back down we had a coffee at what must be one of the remotest cafes in France and were back in the second most expensive supermarket in the world, Barcelonnette's Carrefour. No beer tonight... Errrrr... just red and white wine. Well a change is as good as a rest as they say.
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Let The Chaos Commence
It's a typical start to a trip and overall things seem to be going well. Except for the weather. And the traffic. And the suspect motorcycles. And the disorganisation.
The Chaos Increases
Whilst muppetry and stupidity abound the world needs a hero - in the meantime Bogger will have to do. Fear not brave reader, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. I fear it may be a train coming towards this lot...
More Progress, Less Chaos
It's a considerably less chaotic day for Bogger and pals as they make their way south through France. And yet they encounter muppetry on the roads and something's been troubling our heroic author.
And Finally The Alps!
There's a disappointing level of breakdowns and mayhem for Bogger et al today. Luckily the stunning scenery and clement weather makes up for this. Shame about the traffic eh.
A Lazy Day In Barcelonnette
In an unexpected turn of events - today is definitely lacking in chaos. It's just a quiet, peaceful and pleasant day for Bogger's crew. It'd be perfect if he could buy the right beer.
A High Mountain Pass And High Prices
Without any disasters or mayhem let's hope Bogger's climb up one of Europe's highest roads comes with some spectacular images.
Inappropriate Alpine Off-Roading
Bogger et al take a dirt track shortcut across The Alps. It'll be fine, I mean he's still here to write up this report isn't he? There's also a video to accompany the words in case you're not convinced.
More Mountains And Mayhem
After achieving the impossible yesterday today's journey is merely improbable. This time the Col de l'Iseran is the challenge alongside a regular dose of disaster.
The Business Of Miles
It's a short one from Bogger today. They're in the business of clocking up miles in the hope of getting home on time, there's not enough time for tomfoolery. Oddly there's always time for a beer though.
Miles, More Miles, Cafes And Campsites
Many more miles on the French roads today along with cafes and pretty French towns. This is still very much the business of getting back to blighty, more's the shame.
A Cafe Lost In Time And A Funfair
It's another hard day on the road for Bogger and pals. They enter a time warp in search of refreshment, take a moment to remember, then get giddy at the fair.
Reader's Comments
nab301 said :-
Looks stunning and you managed to get there with a 2012 road atlas!
Nigel
22/06/2024 09:06:55 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Well done Bogger and team. Actually, there are higher roads even in France but the one you climbed was the highest one with tarmac. I always thought the Iseran, which I went over many years ago on the Commando, was the highest but turned out I was wrong....
The highest gravel road in France is the one in the link.
https://www.dangerousroads.org/europe/france/9204-col-des-ruillans.html...
22/06/2024 10:24:03 UTC
Bogger said :-
Lots more climbing to come including the Cold de L'Iseran. I don't think the roads have changed much since 2012.
Bogger
22/06/2024 12:35:47 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ooooh, nice coffee.
Gotta love the mountains.
Those poor little tiddlers.
Upt.
22/06/2024 13:13:25 UTC
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