Col du Mont Cenis (both sides) & Col du Petit Mont Cenis
August 16th, 2012A fairly magical route climbing both the French and Italian sides of Col du Mont Cenis, as well as a brilliant detour up to the Col du Petit Mont Cenis.
Archive for the ‘Climbs’ Category
Cycling Above 3000 Metres!! Orelle – Col de Caron / Col de la Montée du Fond
August 14th, 2012Part of my 2011 Challenge was to ride above 3000 metres by bike for the first time. Injury delayed this goal, but I hadn’t forgotten. 
Plan du Lac
August 13th, 2012Thanks to Ashley for pointing out this truly spectacular high altitude (2385 metres), fully paved, climb in the Haute Maurienne Alps.
Col du Glandon (& Croix de Fer) – Photo Essay
August 7th, 2012I have had the good fortune to cycle Col du Glandon twice this summer. To watch the Tour, and on bike-only day. Nice.
Col du Mollard and Above Chalmieu
August 5th, 2012The Mauriennne Valley is full of many of the biggest and most famous climbs in France – see here – but there are also many other lessor known gems that shouldn’t be ignored.
Col d’Izoard – both sides
July 28th, 2012I was the last day of my five-day Haute-Alpes trip. Not much better way to finish than visiting the beautiful and famous Col d’Izoard.
Lac de l’Hongrin
July 25th, 2012Beautiful vineyards, a challenging climb, a long tunnel, military checkpoints, an alpine dam/lake, and a beautiful castle – this loop has it all. And most of it is virtually deserted!
Col Agnel
July 23rd, 2012At 2744 metres, Wikipedia lists Col Agnel as the 3rd highest paved mountain pass in Europe. This monster has been on my list of “to-dos” for ever. Woohooooo!
Col de la Bonette – Col de la Moutière Loop
July 21st, 2012My plan was to use my tired legs to steadily climb the north side of Bonette, descend the south side, and then find an “interesting” way to return.
Cols Cayolle, Champs, and Allos
July 19th, 2012The quintessential south Alps loop. Three beautiful, long, not-crazy-hard Cols – all above 2000 metres. Approximately 120 kms and 3500 metres of climbing.
