Many people don’t realize there is a lot more to do than just climbing the usual Tour de France route.

Col de Solaison seems only to be there for the pleasure of tourists, and amateur climbing cyclists in particular.”

- Atlas des Cols des Alpes

2007 has been a great year on the bike.

This time of year, I like to look back through my blog with Doreen to remember some of the highlights.

Up top there was about a foot of snow, but it was hard and seemed rideable so I continued on.

The Venice of the Alps. Here are my top 5 Cycling Climbs from beautiful Lake Annecy.

I started to run into snow and ice on long stretches shaded from the sun. My tires were slipping and I considered turning around - but I promised myself I would descend the crazy parts by foot.

There are endless cycling trails around the Geneva area. It’s just a question of knowing them. Today, Doreen and I did a beautiful leisurely 2 hour ride on various paths just west of the city. The perfect weather continues.

Perhaps the best three days of (challenging) cycling I have ever done. Even a lousy photographer like me couldn’t help but take some great pictures - it’s paradise here.

Col du Galibier via Col du Telegraphe is the biggest climb in France in terms of altitude gain. I can get to the base of Telegraphe from home in an hour forty-five - as it starts right next to an autoroute - sweet.

What a great Bastille Day. Doreen and I cycled up the Col de la Colombiere to watch the Tour de France. People and cyclists everywhere and hot!
We rode up with Brian - his first week in Geneva and already cycling mountains. Martin and Barry took the train from Geneva and bravely [...]