Click on Icon for link to ride details. Or click link at bottom of map for larger map. Zoom controls top left. I have "sadly" yet to cycle the sad faces
One of the great rides from Geneva – 127 kms and about 1700 metres (5600 feet) of climb.
Given that I am now a member of Team Poseur, I was of course more worried about eating than riding. So we stopped for lunch at the Chateau de Clermont for a three course feast – very civilized.
Col de la Biche and Col du Grand Colombier are two of the hardest unknown climbs in France. In the Jura mountains, they are both “roads to nowhere” meaning virtually no traffic (I saw 5 cars in over 3 hours on the climbs).
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.
