Val d Isere

The route had me go through Val d'Isère on the way to Col de l'Iseran, one of the most famous high Alpine passes. As I approached Val d'Isère, an electronic sign said the pass was closed. I stopped for lunch to check the website. A landslide closed the pass. I hope nobody was hurt and I'm glad that I was not there to be involved in it. I stopped for lunch and to recalculate.

Lunch was a creamy squash soup and raspberry tart. For a place that looked like a tourist trap, it was delicious. It was served with mozzarella to sprinkle in the soup. I swear that French raspberries are bigger and more flavorful than American berries. Maybe it's just their skill in preparation.

The planned route was 92 miles but I rode a total of 164 miles because there is no detour possible from Val d'Isère to my hotel in Val Cenis. I had to backtrack and go far to the west and approach Val Cenis from the west instead of the east. It would be like going from Connecticut to New York City via Albany, NY.

At least the rain stopped in Val d'Isère and I peeled off the rain gear. In exchange, I was on roads with trucks.

My detour passed through the Col de la Madeleine. It was a vertigo-inducing ride.Read more