Col de la Madeleine

Pouring rain for several days.  Not much to do but read and wait for a break in the weather.  Col de la Madeleine was my last 'must do' famous climbs to complete on this trip.  We rise early as the break in the weather will only last till midday.  

The climb starts in La Chambre, a total of 19km in length with an average of 8.2%.  The switchbacks start fairly quickly and you must find your groove and settle into a rhythm.  It's warm with no wind, though we are shaded most of the time from the sun, which is good. 

For over ten kilometres, the roadside kilometre average gradient markers are 10%, then 9%, then 10%, then 9%, absolutely no let up. Nothing much to do, but just keep going, at this stage I am feeling pretty good, happy with myself.  I don't stop, switchback after switchback, no photos today.

After the 12km marker, it eases to 6%, then 8%, a couple of 7's, then 8% till the finish.  It's unrelenting. The trees fade into the distance as we enter the alpine pastures, ride past a ski resort with lush green 'easy slopes' and I see the clouds hovering the peaks.  I am hoping the weather will hold off.

Nearer the top, there is a section of 500 metres at 12.5%. The cows to my right are all lying down chewing the cud, 'yes I think to myself, I wouldn't be standing here either'. 1km to go the clouds descend, I am now in white out with a few metres visibility ahead of me.  Still at 8% I'm up and down for short bursts, out of the saddle to ease the aching back muscles. A male rider wizzes past heading back down, yells out 'Ole Ole Ole' trying to motivate me as it starts to drizzle.  I get out of the saddle again, the road below me has turned pink with painted images, now I definitely know, I am going to make it.


It's cold, we quickly dress, cover everything as the rain starts to settle in, getting heavier by the minute.
I stop to take a quick photo of the famous pink road. I reverse the camera and show you the funny side of being covered up, just the 'schnoz' out in the open so my glasses don't fog up.  You gotta laugh......


We make it down safely, through pouring rain, switchback after switchback till we fall below the clouds. We are soaked through, squish squish in the shoes.






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