Day 8 - hitting the high point ... what an Adventure

Col del Sommeiller is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.993m (9,819ft) above the sea level, located in the Alpi Cozie between the Italian and French border. It's one of the highest roads of Europe. This beautiful 26 kilometre climb above Bardonecchia has it all: hairpins, alpine dams, a lake at the summit, and views to die for!
Awoke at 5.50 it was still dark the half sleeping tablet worked what a great sleep. The bells of the sheep and Marmots calls gently sent me to sleep.
Brewed a Coffee in the dark and ate a nice couple of nougar bars that Vladimir had left me.
Geared up and headed off lifted the barrier gate and we were on the trail that was closed yesterday.
First section was not too difficult although I was a bit shaky. Going straight into off road from awakening probably not ideal.
It was absolutely freezing and I had to stop a couple of times as could not feel my left hand (clutch...) right hand heated grip still works. Even though my bike fan was working hard the exhaust was stone cold. I used old Mountaineering techniques and put my gloves inside my shirt and hands under my armpits.
Then a rocky section I tried m to ride the smooth line I hit a large rock with my tool tube totally destroyed it... took it off and will bin it ... it’s had a good life. Good job it broke as I would have been an off for sure given the impact.
It was foggy but occasionally I allowed myself to relax a bit and look at the views.
The last km or so was rough and rocky and had to just point bike in the general direction have a loose grip and hang in for the ride!
Finally at the top past snow and ice I could feel the air temperature drop dramatically and I chilled as my nervous sweat cooled in the mountain air. Breakfast of coffee and porridge at the summit. Actually flew my drone for a minute but it was too cold for the batteries and ted flashing warnings came up and it landed itself (its first flight was recorded at 2892 m).
I had a sense of elation at achieving the top and this tough trail especially solo. As little as three days ago I would not have even attempted this trail. Vladimir was right when he said achieving or completing some of the hard sections that we rode together over the past few days would improve my skills. I felt much more at home and confident on the bike.
After undressing out of my wet gear I went back to the Auberge had a coffee and a shower.
On the way to the Ferry I met some fellow TET riders both Africa Twin riders Jonny murcott and Dave Morrall both from UK.
So I’m ending my adventure on a huge high having ridden one of the highest and most dangerous roads in Europe.
This has been more than a physical journey of riding my bike it has also been a spiritual journey one of increasing my awareness of what is going on around me and taking the time to just me. Many of the people I met would not have even approached me if I had arrived late and left early.
This adventure has not simply been about reaching the high point in terms of physical metres but also about the adventures and the people I have met. I trust you enjoyed sharing my journey, till next time. To see the trip movie simply like Macgregor_images ob that most popular social media site.