Beautiful Beaufort – home of the famous cheese – is surrounded by Alps. There are twenty or so signed cycling routes – two of which are called “Mythic”, and five of which are called “Classic.” For more about Beaufort see Five Great Cycling Climbs in Cheese Country.
Today I climbed the “Classic” Col du Joly.
It’s a quiet, beautiful climb through a long, “dead-end” valley. The final 10 kilometres climbs out of the valley up to the Col unveiling unbelievable views of nearby Mont Blanc.
The Climb: 23.1 kms (14.4 miles); Ascent: 1,260 metres (4,130 feet)
Get Google Earth Earth or GPX file
The top is part of the Les Contamines ski station. At the Col, there are literally dozens of signed hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The road is a dead-end although it is possible to mountain bike up from the other side – with some pushing.
5 Comments
Jolly indeed!!
Another great picture… and great climb. I’m wondering… why the one high sock and one low? Just a crazy observation. Anyway, after your big ride last weekend and climbs like this one… you’ve got to feel pretty solid for Tour d’Enfer.
Hi Donald
Stylish eh? It’s a compression sock – I am still having calf problems ….. but I am too lazy to rest it …..
Oh geez… I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t realize you were having the calf issue… I know you had the injured ribs… but now this. You gotta tell Doreen to take it easy on you.
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