Sto imparando Italiano. In Italy, on the south side of the Mont Blanc tunnel, Vallée d’Aoste (French) — or Valle d’Aosta (Italian) — is the smallest and least populated (official) region in Italy. Historically part of the Kingdom of Savoie, both French and Italian are official languages and many of the place names are distinctively French sounding. It is also completely mountainous. In the local tourist office one can get a fabulous collection of cycling route cards (photo above), with info of rides of all levels of difficulty. Here is a map with many of the climbs listed on the…
Author: Will
Will
Happiest while cycling uphill.
First, let me just say that Col d’Evosges was a revelation. It’s an amazing climb. The Eleventh Great Ride of the Year On a nice early spring day, it seemed the perfect time for a little Col hunting in the Haute Juras. Five small Cols that I had never visited before. Starting from Ceignes, I descended the D1084 (the missing part from the map below). A fun, cliff road that leads to the gigantic French Resistance memorial: “Monument aux Morts du Maquisde l’Ain et du Haut-Jura” . The rest of the route is on quiet roads. First turning right and…
This is a great loop in either direction.
Meribél Mottaret is the high point in the middle valley of Les Trois Vallées
I often get asked if I only cycle up mountains.
I may have a new hobby! Cycle up a famous mountain. Then rent cross-country skis at the summit, and explore some more.
Below is a map of my favourite big climbs by mountain bike in the Alps. (OK, there are a couple of rides from the Juras and (scroll down), the Pyrenées). A few pics first: Cycling to 3000 metres: There are endless huge climbs up high on little farm tracks, or old miltary roads, or ski-lift service tracks, or etc. Usually I find these routes just by staring at maps. Often these are the greatest days out, as there will be ZERO traffic, and just the great outdoors. To skip the map, see here for a fairly complete list of blog…
At its core, this blog is about Col hunting. Generally on a bike, but occasionally on cross-country skis.
My first ride of the year without snow: wow, heat wave. Philippe’s bike seemed fully loaded. Could there be beer for lunch?
Col de Pierre Carrée, at 1844 metres, is the highest col anywhere near Geneva that is open all winter.