Page 21 - TT2018 Official Routebook

Day Seven: Thursday - Chantermerie to Longchamp 1650 – 190miles

line astern, in tight formation with only meters between the cars, being expertly led by Mrs Dark
Knight in the ‘powder puff’ S2 Exige, under the, completely unnecessary, tutelage of the Dark Knight
himself. Her driving prowess was clear so see by all and any further improvement would simply be a
total embarrassment to the wider Toadster community. We’ve already got one lady who puts most
of to shame! Memories like this are just pure platinum gold!

It is also worth mentioning that I have discovered the name of a small pass on the descent from the
Roseland called the Col des Cylotourists. Small for these parts, standing at 1330m and somewhat a
bump in the road after the magnitude of the Roseland. However, in honour of our fellow road-using
cycling companions, who can only be described as the bane of our lives, I thought we could officially
rename this pass, in the annuals of Toad folk law, as the Two Finger Pass!
Then, as the afternoon draws to a close, with the supercharges pleading for relief from the
unimaginable abuse they have been subjected to during the course of the day, we reach the fabled
up-ramp to the Col de la Madeleine. Arguably the best approach unless of course you are
approaching it from the other side! We start the final ascent for the day, winding our way up
through one of the best narrow tight cornered, forested sections of roads in these parts. Exploding
past the sign post for the small village of Pussy, which to this day makes me giggle like a child. Clearly
they dropped the ‘La’ from its name as its gender is blatantly obvious….and I wonder if it wins the
most desirable village award! And finally, on to the hotel at Longchamp 1650m to yet another new
hotel!

It’s ironic that, what-will-be one of the best days of the trip, I was fearful it was going to be a
nightmare to get right, which in the end was the easiest to plan! Its Pathfinders c’est la vie!

So, a huge, high four finger salute to Day Seven……. and we have still one day left of the legendary
Toadsters Shenanigans!

Col du Galibier
Col de I’Iseran

Lac de Roseland Col de la Madeleine