I rode the climb from Bedoin to the top. The route most used by the tour. Bloody hell its steep. There is a 7km section in the middle through the forest at 10%. No hairpins to get your breath back on just a relentless climb. Snow gates were closed above the cafe, but I snuck under and rode to the summit. Snow was 10 feet high but the road had been cleared. Respect to the tour riders, how they have the legs to sprint for finish i’ll never know.
I had about 5 mins at the top before the freezing wind whipped up some icy mist or low cloud. Visibility was nill for the first few ks downhill. I was worried I’d hit another rider coming back up. Cloud cleared at the cafe. Got hot chocolate to thaw out. Its amazing what a 10% climb looks like going the other way.
Top afternoon. I might have a bash at the other two routes up before the end of the week. they are supposed to be easier.