Mini in the flow

We could already see our destination from the campsite. A French fort at 2772 m: Tête de Viraysse.

After quickly moving the car from the campsite to the next location, we rolled the first five kilometers downhill on asphalt. From now on, it went exclusively uphill on gravel. With an average gradient of 11-14%, we fought our way up to the well-preserved barracks Viraysse near Col de Mallemort. We wanted to take a closer look at the well-preserved barracks, but shortly after the entrance, a pack of dogs including Patou was waiting for us around the corner. With some unease, we turned around immediately and did not disturb the new residents of the barracks any further.

With less gradient but technically much more demanding, we went up the last 200 meters in 18 hairpin bends to the fort. There were no insights possible as it is privately owned. Whoever owns it, have fun visiting. The narrow serpentines path is the only way up.

Short chat with a French couple who admired our endurance on the bike (courage!) and rested with baguette and chili sin carne from yesterday to recover from the strenuous climb.

From now on, it was only downhill. First, downhill the previously strenuous serpentines (they were even more fun downhill!) and then a crazy beautiful trail downhill again. Mini really got into the flow and was hardly brakeable anymore. The trail was flowing until shortly before the parking lot where Asap was already waiting for us. Next stop: Guillestre, a familiar campsite from last year.