Author: Will

A fairly huge mountain bike ride, Col hunting in the beautiful Vallée Verte – south of Lake Geneva.

There is a well known “secret” among mountain lovers. During the endless, gray, depressing days this time of year – there is often plenty of sunshine if you just go high enough.

Col de Crozet is in the middle of a tiny ski station in the Jura mountains above Geneva.

This is a fantastic climb high above Lake Annecy – worth re-doing on a clear sunny day as views everywhere.

Wow are my legs tired.

I have completed my main 2008 Challenge to cycle 160,000 metres of vertical ascent (or one foot for every minute of the year). There is no doubt that my silly challenges have kept me motivated.

It was overcast all day in Geneva – on the other side of the mountains. A huge cloud wall was on top of the Juras. I was in a little sunny micro climate valley.

One of the longest and biggest climbs in France. Val Thorens is the highest resort in the world famous Trois Vallées ski area (Courchevel, Méribel, etc).

A lessor known but challenging climb south of Chambery.

Relentless and very steep

It’s tough to say much about Alpe d’huez that hasn’t been said a hundred times before. But I will say that October is a fantastic time.

Last year Le Cycle magazine called Mont du Chat possibly the toughest climb in France …. for me it’s far too short for that honour, but it’s hard work.

PS – cyclists should check before every ride that their tires are in good condition.