Le Semnoz
By Will • May 8th, 2008 • Category: Climbs, Cycling
Le Semnoz (the top is sometimes called Cret de Chatillon) is the huge massif on the west side of Lake Annecy. The majority of the ride is through beautiful protected woodlands. The top is a small ski station.
The Climb: 18.3 kms (11.4 miles); Ascent: 1,210 metres (3,970 feet)
It’s a magnificent and tough climb - and frankly today I suffered near the top - I am not yet fit or light enough for the July Tour d’Enfer. But at least the injury seems almost OK.
Up top we had a beer and frites - with Mayonaise of course as Eric - my partner today - is from Belgium.
For the return we took the super scenic south side down to Col de Leschaux. Then skipped the primary way back to Annecy - instead taking the quieter and longer way via the D10 (then D10b) via St Eustache. It’s really a fantastic relaxed descent with great hairpins up high and ever improving views of the Lake down low.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2008 Challenge is to (again) cycle 160,000 metres of vertical ascent.
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Looks like a really great ride. Annecy is also a beautful town.
But the best part of your story is the beer and frites - nothing beats it after a long mountain climb.