Despite having climbed many of the hardest and biggest routes in France, there is a climb that starts from my backyard that I have been scared to attempt.
Our new house is at the foot of a little mountain – Le Salève – that overlooks Geneva and blocks our view of Mont Blanc. It stands alone between the Alps to the South and the Juras to the north. There are five ways up and the direct route is STEEP. Its a short climb but four kms in the middle at 10.5%, 12%, 13%, and 12%. This is leg numbingly steep.
Starting from my house it is straight uphill for 400 metres past the little chapel .. there is a brief stretch at 18%. Then a few kms before the real climb starts. The entire route is on a nice quiet scenic road. It was pretty hot , but I felt pretty good as the steep part started. I found my pace and just kept turning the pedals. Full of crazy hairpins, it made me laugh it is so steep. I even needed a new darker red for my Grade maps – I change the colour every 3% – and I haven’t made a grade map with a full kilometre averaging 12% or higher. Let alone 3 consecutive kilometres!
Super views of the city and lake of Geneva. A piece of Apricot pie and almostly intantly back home. Good fun.
2 Comments
I have just returned from the trip to the La Croisette using this path. I didn’t know that I took the cruelest path (newcomer to Geneva), as I only chose it randomly on the map. But the bitter surprise was waiting for me 🙂 This is the hardest climb I have ever done!
Mainly because of my current condition ( cycled only 300km this year) I admit that I had to stop three times for 3minutes to catch the breath. I found myself keeping trying to change to the eleventh wheel (which is not present), so I had to keep my easiest one (34/25). What gearings did you use? But one time, I will beat this monster!
I just did this route two days ago. I was in France to ride Mt. Ventoux and my wife did Ironman France in Nice and Alp d’huez. Driving back to Geneva to catch a flight to Montreal/Toronto. I had to pack the bike it was 8:30pm I thought one more ride just up this little road see where it goes. Wow I am so happy I did the most beautiful view at the top. My wifes bike It fits me if I move the seat. The gearing was perfect with a 11-32 rear 11speed and the compact 34 up front.