Col du Marais and Col de la Forclaz
Looked a little grim starting out but with every kilometer, the grim gave way to sunshine. We lost two of our group who headed to Provance to visit the hill towns.
We rode out of Annecy to the east along the lake and then headed up to Thones and Col du Marais. The climb is one of those that takes you through small farming villages one after another. These weren't up and down rollers but for every 100 meters you climbed, you probably lost 10 or 20 on a quick drop down. At Thones, your correspondent snagged a great raspberry tart which surely beats the average Cliff Bar. Our fans today were cows...lots of cows.
After descending, we started up the Col de la Forclaz. Frequently on the Tour, Forclaz is only 9 km but has sections over 14% and averages just under 10%. We rode in two groups with Speedy Jack staying back now and then. At the top of Forclaz, there were spectacular views looking down over Lake Annecy (see photos). We descended and picked up the road just north of Talloires and cruised back into town. A quick trip to the chocolate store, gelato and to check on our rental car for our drive down to Ventoux tomorrow. The rest of the folks were packing up their bikes as they are leaving in the AM.
About 48 miles and 5160 feet climbing. All in all, great day with the weather again working to our favor.
