Col de la Faucille is one of the best know climbs in the Jura Mountains.

Riding through Hotonnes we noticed a great old “penny-farthing” bike on display.

I knew it was a stupid idea, but at least I had a backup plan.

Oh, and no parking your tank here!

Mountain Math: One Medium climb + One Medium Climb = One Big Climb

This photo of the Alps in the distance gives a pretty good idea of what I mean when I say “getting above the clouds.”

At about 1,250 meters (4200 feet) the paved road ended and I ran into snow. I wasn’t sure where the actual Col was and I hate to climb a Col and not find the sign at the top

So I decided to continue climbing the gravel path through the snow.

I find that making myself a map showing all the great climbs in an area is extremely motivating.

Especially since it reminds me all the climbs that I have never done.

I knew the top was just about at the current snow line, so wearing four layers and with a balaclava for the descent I set off.

COLD! I am really pushing this late season climbing thing. But I had plenty of layers and my balaclava. So the descent wasn’t too horrible. Another great Jura mountain climb route without seeing a single car.

Every year local cyclists shake their heads at cowardly Tour de France organizers that run the Tour right by this Jura giant, but refuse to climb it. It’s just too steep!