Day 20 Tue 31/05 - Freezing Climb to Col de Iseran

Today distance : 49.1 km   Total: 1021.3 km          Today Temp : 4 - 11°c                                                                                        Today Spending : 7.5 euro    Total: 212.8 euro         Time on Bike : 4 hr  55 min                                                                              Today Ave Speed: 9.9 kmh  Max: 52 km Today Ave Climb:5%     Max:  Trip Altitude : 1012 m    Max:2770 m

This morning the weather was not sunny but cloudy with dizzling rain, having been told by the owner of the campsite that the weather could be worst on top of the mountain.Ivan/Annie opted out of the ride by taking a taxi ( 80 euro) instead.As for me, I am gamed for it as I started the ride at 11 am, left Ivan/Annie behind but agreed to meet up again at the 1st campsite available. The summit of the Col de Iseran standing at a height of 2770m about 16 km away, the initial climb was not too bad at all with 8% gradient and the dizzling rain on and off, did not bothering me, but the last 3 km  was a torture, steep  and shilvering cold couple with strong head wind,I can feel the numbness in the fingers and feets.I had to put on extra clothings at one of the wooden hut.When reaching the top,there is no place to take shether and the only building meant for a restaurant was closed, worst thing is I had to replace the rear brake pads due to badly wornout on earlier desent.On the downhill, riding very cautiously as the the road condition is wet with many sharp corners.At lanslevillard campsite ,i met up with Ivan/Annie again who rented  a whole caravan for 25 euro, but I prefer to camp out.