Col du Galibier on a Cycles Routens Tandem

Saint Michel de Maurienne. Our 'Cycles Routens' tandem - la 'belle machine',
ready to go, while...

... we enjoy second breakfast with coffee, pain au
chocolat and croissant aux amandes

A great view opens already after the first switchbacks.

First leg: Col du Télégraphe, time for early lunch.

On the long yet steep straights between Valloire and Plan Lachat.

The heat of the day rose faster than we could climb
to reach cooler elevations. Thanks to the many
water points along the route two large bottles were
sufficient for the two of us. 

Break at Plan Lachat with excellent blueberry cake
and panna cotta. We made another stop here on our
way down.

One of the last turns above Plan Lachat.

Its only about here that one can see the col for the first time.

Approaching the tunnel shortcutting the col for cars.

Unison. The stoker compartment is rather short compared to modern frames,
but we like the stability and the feeling of connectedness of this vintage
frame geometry.

The varied climb from Saint Michel de Maurienne alternates between tight
turns and long straights.

Summit picture of our Routens tandem on Col du Galibier.

Routens tandem in its natural habitat.

The view on la Meije recalls memories of numerous mountaineering and ski
mountaineering excursions (here) in the Massif des Ecrins. 

La Barre des Ecrins.

Descent. The old brake systems are reassuringly capable: the Maxi-Car rear
drum takes a lot of heat load and the overall speed in check, while  the
MAFAC Racer center pull brakes provide good control in the turns.

Hairpin turns above Plan Lachat.

Back on Col du Télégraphe. The last little
ascent from Valloire is already forgotten.

Col du Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne, map. 

Col du Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne, elevation profile.

More information on the climb on cols-cyclisme: Galibier depuis Saint Michel de Maurienne