Sunday was car-free, bike-only day on both side of Col de Joux Plane. Another fun, traffic-free ride up a famous col. It’s been one of the wettest summers I can remember. But the rain held off, and a usual it was a pleasure to cycle in the glorious silence of the mountains.
See here for more upcoming car-free days in the Alps
I took advantage of the closed roads and cycled slowly up and down both sides (map at bottom), enjoying the friendly ambience and free snacks at the summit.
Col de Joux Plane can be combined into several great loops with one, two or all three of Col de la Ramaz, Col de la Joux Verte (Avoriaz), and/or Col d’Encrenaz. For example see links below for a couple of loops:
See here for a third way up Col de Joux Plane by mountain bike.
Col de Joux Plane has become one of my favourite winter climbs. The famous, Samoëns side is sometimes cleared for access to cross-country skiing pistes. The adventurous can even cycle up and rent cross country skis.
I didn’t take many photos today, but I did have the good fortune to meet my friend Markus at the summit for a beer:
