Page 10 - TT2018 Official Routebook

Day Two: Saturday - Flammerans to Corrençon-en-Vercors – 227miles

Day Two of our jaunt, Toadsters, will see us cover 227
miles before we reach the hotel in the Vercors. We will
see off the first 100 miles on the Autoroute to ensure a
reasonable time of arrival at the hotel, as we really need
to beetle on South, as most of our play time will be in
the Alps–Mediterranean this year.

Immediately after leaving the autoroute, we will be
straight into familiar Toad Tour territory. I have found a
new 25mile section of road, taking us along the top
edge of the Albarine Gorge that we normal follow from
Ambérieu-en-Bugey to Aix-les-Bains. Narrow, hairpins,
blind corners in the forest and an ascent and descent of
2,000 ft. The lead cars will have to be bold and run blind
to on-coming traffic…oh yes, the tour has really started!

Then quickly onto the Col de l'Epine at 1012m. Narrow,
Autoroute utoroute very pacey, with numerous blind hairpins and a rapid
A
ascent. This was the pass where I had my first
experience of running with Lisa at full chatter. I was
driving at maximum talent, with Lisa firmly stuck to my
tail lights, only to discover she’d driven the whole pass
with a half inflated front tyre! Sam’s voice still rings in
my head, “She’s still with us Dad!”. My respect for her
as a driver has never faltered since.
Then on to a firm favourite, the Col du Granier at
1,134m, over shadowed by the monstrous rock Mont
Granier which can be seen form far and wide in this area
of France. The Col du Granier forms the northern
gateway to the Chartreuse. This 25mile section of road
is probably one of my most favourites runs in this part
of France. Stunning scenery, fast winding roads, through
New small villages and picturesque wood land. Locally known
Section as the Grenoble’s rich boy test track. As the afternoon
draws to a close, who knows, as it is a Saturday, we
Col de l'Epine might even have a Fezza or Lambo or Massa to do battle
with to maintain our Toad honour!
Col du Granier
We will then drop down into Grenoble where we will
The Chartreuse need a Crit'Air, clean air sticker to avoid an unwelcome
fine and then onto our last big climb of the day. The
Route de Saint Nizier is a fast and sweeping 3,000ft
Route de ascent from the valley floor up to the Vercors National
Saint Nizier Park. If the traffic is favourable it will be epic and a
stunning climb to finish off, what hopefully, will be a
truly memorable day. The Hotel is new to us, it’s a SPA
skiing lodge type of affair, cosy, with lots of pine and a
fine restaurant/bar and ample parking!!