Balcony ride

The sun was up, breakfast was ready, but there was little movement in the house. It seemed no one was getting out of bed till the last possible moment..... becoming a little weary perhaps.
But it wasn't long before refueling was done, adorned in lycra we were again rolling down the Ornon Valley road on route to a tour of the balcony roads etched into the cliffs way above the valley floor.
This is a most spectacular ride, possible because after the inevitable climbing out of the valley we get the rare opportunity to traverse heights at minimal/easy grades approx 1000m above the valley floor. The origins of the balcony roads is a question.... as to what possessed anyone to carve these into the cliffside.... possibly the original access to the alpine areas,.... whatever they now make for a most spectacular back road tour.
The ride was 80 km in distance and incorporated the usual 2000 metres of climbing..... there are no easy days.
Greg was today's guest rider, a friend and helper for Guy and Helen who happily cruised along up and down hill and dale while the 3 of us panted along beside/ behind attempting to imitate his cool ease of ascending ...Ha!  Was good company, knows the area well and was never out of breath enough to stop the banter.... not always so easy to respond.
Overall, another great ride... one of my favourites.
Then into the trough for a cool off, more food, watch the time trial on telly and do very little more. For once happy to relax and do nothing. Off to dinner in Bourg de Oisans tonight and maybe an early night.
A few pics of the day........
Au revoir
BB