Col Hunting in the Haut Beaujolais
By Will • Oct 8th, 2012 • Category: Climbs, CyclingI like to consider myself a fairly good “Col Hunter.” But my friend Bastien is a true expert.
I like to consider myself a fairly good “Col Hunter.” But my friend Bastien is a true expert.
I had never cycled the steep roads to Chalets de Bise and Refuge d’Ubine. And there is nothing better than doing a a couple of climbs for the first time and being pleasantly surprised.
Col du Joly is a perfect example of the many challenging, beautiful and quiet climbs that cyclotourists bypass while riding the Route des Grandes Alpes.
A very scenic loop of mid-altitude cols starting from St-Lary-Soulan in the French Pyrenées.
I had previously thought that Col du Tourmalet (2115 metres) was the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenées, but in fact it is Port de Boucharo (2270 metres).
The snob in me enjoys the fact that during my last three visits to Bourg d’Oisans I have cycled something other than Alpe d’Huez. More seriously, this is a sign that there is lots of great cycling in the region.
Deep in the Vanoise Alps, starting in Bozel, is this 20 kilometre climb that ends a few kilometres above the small ski station of Pralognan La Vanoise.
Are you visiting Bourg d’Oisans but searching for something quiet, scenic ….. and easier than Alpe d’Huez?
For the first time in ages (years?), I followed with no idea where I was going as I was with a group of expert route planners.
A fairly magical route climbing both the French and Italian sides of Col du Mont Cenis, as well as a brilliant detour up to the Col du Petit Mont Cenis.