Day 3 – Flumet to Bourg Saint Maurice

A gentle roll downhill from the hotel for a kilometre or so was the warm-up for the day then we were straight into the first climb, the Col les Saisies (1432m). This was a 10km climb between 7 and 8 percent most of the way. The day started fresh and after the first half of the climb got even cooler as we reached the summit. By now the routine of throwing on another couple of layers for the descent had been fine-tuned and we were off.

 

The downhills are proving to be very popular and the usual suspects hit the front and made the most of a very good road surface and some open and fast flowing corners.

Then it was through the truly authentic and unspoiled mountain village of Beaufort and we started the 20km climb to the Cormet de Roselend (1968m). The scenery just got better and better as we gained in elevation, with fantastic views not only of the gorge but also the valley below. We stopped for lunch after 11km and thoroughly enjoyed the pre-ordered hot soup and a warm café, and from here it was a very scenic final 9km to the top. 

Again, we threw on as many warm clothes as we could find in the support vehicles and it was a 20km dive to the valley below. A top speed of 103kph was recorded and the smiles on everyones faces at the bottom told the story of another awesome descent. 

The corners started off as open flowing with a very good road surface and we rode easy, until Dallas decided to put the pressure on and took a flyer of the front. We all stepped up of course, and the road changed to a small single lane with the occasional white drop of paint in the middle. It dropped down the side of a a very deep gorge twisting and turning - the corners very sharp and falling away below the front wheel. Dallas kept applying the pressure and Leigh, Dave, Geoff, Mike and JR enjoyed the ride. Some hard over on one side while others had the bike laid over the other way. Only one car interrupted this free fall down the valley towards Bourg Saint Maurice.

From here it was a short ride through town to the hotel and some much-needed relaxation.

We were very fortunate to be in the home town of Domonique and she invited us to her home for a kir aperitif before dinner. It was great to see the inside of one of the many thousands of chalets we see every day scattered throughout the mountains and enjoy the very warm French hospitality.

From here it was out to the restaurant her daughter works in for dinner and refuel for the long 48km climb that will take us up to 2764m on the Col de I’Iseran tomorrow.