The Ascents
Starting in Encamp, the road ramps brutally to 14% and then just as you begin to hope for rest, kicks again to 17%. You get some respite through the village of Vila and then the road ramps again to 13% average for nearly 2k. The vegetation is thick here, but as it thins out, so the gradient decreases and you get amazing views back to the valley you have climbed out of. The rest of the climb is much easier on you... other than the odd 10% ramp.