Col de Sarenne (Part 2)
July 12, 1998

There's really no comparison between Col de Sarenne and its more famous neighbor down the road--whereas Alpe d'Huez is teeming with cyclists and tourists, Col de Sarenne is largely deserted except for hikers and backpackers and the occasional family picnicking in a little corner.

(Below: The final turn before the long, steady 8% stretch to Col de Sarenne at 6,500 feet)Final turn to the summit

(Below: The...(grunt)...summit...(pant)...almost...(gasp)...attained)
Almost at the summit

I decided to keep going for about a mile past Col de Sarenne because the area was so beautiful. I wanted to go all the way down the other side, but I needed to go back down Alpe d'Huez to take pictures.

(Below: Ernie and me at Col de Sarenne)
At the Summit of Col de Sarenne

The road immediately past Col de Sarenne on the other side is extremely steep and exposed in places. But the view is again tremendous.

(Below: A steep stretch on the Ferrand side of Col de Sarenne)
Steep descent down the other side

(Below: As best as I can determine from my map, the snow-capped peaks
are part of the Massif de Ecrins, in nearby Ecrins National Park; also visible
at the base of the foreground cliffs is the town of Besse, 1,500 feet below)
High cliffs and Besse