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Jaunpass, Gruyère Loop

By • May 17th, 2009 • Category: Climbs, Cycling

JaunPass

Jaunpass

I had hoped to cycle up the Jaunpass during the Tour de Romandie a couple of weeks ago, but the climb was canceled due to snow(!) up high.

So – after a week in Canada (flat rides!!) – and a promising forecast, I was determined to climb this.

The mapped 94 km loop is a fantastic – surrounded by picture perfect Swiss Alps all day long.

Starting at the picture perfect perched medieval village of Gruyère, we avoided the busier road, following the Swiss national cycling routes 4 climbing towards Château d’Oex, then Saanen, and then reaching the top of the 1st climb at Schonried.

A superb descent to Reidenbach – the start of the steeper part of the climb to Jaunpass.


Bike route 183944 – powered by Bikemap 

We didn’t set any speed records but Eric and I spent the next several hours enjoying simply beautiful Swiss Alps country side.

“Jaunpass” is just inside German-speaking Switzerland – the french speakers call it “Col de Jaun”

Jaunpass, Is a beautiful and steepish climb. It’s sort of like 50% of an epic, legendary climb. All the ingredients, just too short.

Start: Reidenbach Distance: 8.5 km Ascent: 670 metres (around 8% avg.)

At the top, the weather was clearly changing, with storm clouds forming. So we decided to skip a summit beer and hurry up and descend:

Jaunpass

I am going through a “take photos of cows” phase.

Cows & Jaunpass

Swiss Cows, Clouds, and Sky

No cow, just me:

Jaunpass

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is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
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4 Responses »

  1. EricEric on May 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm:

    Just to add my 2 cents : the first col we passed (which had no sign) is called the Saanenmöserpass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saanenmöser_Pass) and the rock climbing mountains above Abländschen, which I mentioned, but had forgotten the name, are called Gastlosen. Thanks for the great ride.

  2. WillWill on May 18th, 2009 at 6:14 pm:

    Eric,

    Thanks for the info.

    I knew that Saanenmöser had to be a pass. cool

  3. BastienBastien on May 18th, 2009 at 6:33 pm:

    Superbe route, superbe paysage; bien joué :)

  4. Dave Mc.Dave Mc. on May 19th, 2009 at 10:01 pm:

    Liking this new post. I’m heading over to Evian, and Grindelwald this summer. You site has inspired me to visit.
    Going to ride some of your past rides!
    -Dave

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