Revisiting Ski Station Risoul by Bike - 1850m - From Guillestre

Just a few days after our twilight ascent of the Col de Vars we wanted to get out on our bikes once again and make the most of another sunny morning in the Queyras, but with the unexplored cols some distance away we decided to revisit a climb we'd first tackled more than 6 weeks beforehand! The climb from Guillestre to Ski Station Risoul is 14km long and 6.1% gradient, rising from 1000 to 1850m at the top, a summit finish in the 2014 Tour de France. Setting out this time from the 'official' start closer to the Gap - Briancon road, rather than Guillestre centre, we began to tick off the kilometres as the temperature rose. Although we had visited this ascent before every day is a new experience and as we climbed higher and the peaks of the Ecrins came into view looking along the Durance valley we once again felt elated to be able to enjoy such spectacular scenery.

Arriving at the top we made the extra effort to cover the final 20m to the summit market in the village centre that we'd failed to find on our previous visit (so of course making it even more important that we came back!) However, the real treat was sitting on a bench, in the sun with the slightly chilly breeze at 1850m on our legs and just revelling in the view and appreciating the moment. It was a lovely ride.

Ride done on August 25 2015

Another beautiful day for a bike ride, looking back to the Ecrins national park.

The road is just as steep as we remembered though!

Amazing switchbacks, looking along the Durance valley to the peaks of the Ecrins National Park.

It's hard not to stop and take photos. 

With so much green forest, blue sky and sunshine it's a fantastic morning to be on a bike. 

Just a few kilometres to go, the signs of the 2014 Tour de France visiting are clear on the road. 

Arriving into Station Risoul!

Views back to Glacier Blanc that we'd visited the previous year. 

Another sign of the Tour de France visiting.

Wrapped up for the descent. It's so beautiful here though it's hard to leave.