Watch my Relive video here!: https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvynMkjkKO

We left the Chateau d’Isenbourg in bright sunshine and a tailwind.

    Check this video clip: IMG_4838

Today was another breathtaking ride climbing in the Alsace region and the challenge was the Haute Categorie Le Grand Ballon. First ridden in the 1969 TdF, it has been part of race 6 more times. We rode the route which took us up Col Amic first.

 The Grand Ballon looming in the distance…

               
 

The Grand Ballon is 17.7km at an average of 8.1% grade.

The descent video clip: IMG_4901

After starting the descent, we entered the Vosges region and half of our group made a wrong turn, including me. The choice, even though it was the correct route, was down a very steep 3 km loose gravel road/path. Jim, Bruce and I, even Sam,  chose the paved alternative. However this took away the route map on our bike computers. Sam seems to recollect riding in the general area and finally got us going in the direction of our destination. 

       

But the bonus was we got to ride on one of this year’s Tour de France routes, when we rode through Thillot. We had some lunch looking out on the TdF route.

Today is July 10, the Tour went through these roads on July 8, the signage was still up.

 

Continuing on through the village of Lure, signs and banners were up announcing that the town was selected for the Grand Depart for the Women’s TdF 3 days from now on July 13. To be awarded a Grand Depart is a huge financial shot in the arm for a town, similar to hosting a Super Bowl etc.

    IMG_4902  Check this clip

After 147 km of fantastic cycling, 6,308 ft climbing and lots of laughs, we reached our destination just outside Cubry. And another grand chateau, the Chateau de Bourne, built in 1495.

Check this video clip: FullSizeRender

   
     hanging laundry in my room window! 
Dinner

     
   
Life is good in Chubry!