I had hoped to cycle up the Jaunpass during the Tour de Romandie a couple of weeks ago, but the climb was canceled due to snow(!) up high.
So – after a week in Canada (flat rides!!) – and a promising forecast, I was determined to climb this.
The mapped 94 km loop is a fantastic – surrounded by picture perfect Swiss Alps all day long.
Starting at the picture perfect perched medieval village of Gruyère, we avoided the busier road, following the Swiss national cycling routes 4 climbing towards Château d’Oex, then Saanen, and then reaching the top of the 1st climb at Schonried.
A superb descent to Reidenbach – the start of the steeper part of the climb to Jaunpass.
We didn’t set any speed records but Eric and I spent the next several hours enjoying simply beautiful Swiss Alps country side.
“Jaunpass” is just inside German-speaking Switzerland – the french speakers call it “Col de Jaun”
Jaunpass, Is a beautiful and steepish climb. It’s sort of like 50% of an epic, legendary climb. All the ingredients, just too short.
Start: Reidenbach Distance: 8.5 km Ascent: 670 metres (around 8% avg.)
At the top, the weather was clearly changing, with storm clouds forming. So we decided to skip a summit beer and hurry up and descend:
I am going through a “take photos of cows” phase.
No cow, just me:
4 Comments
Just to add my 2 cents : the first col we passed (which had no sign) is called the Saanenmöserpass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saanenmöser_Pass) and the rock climbing mountains above Abländschen, which I mentioned, but had forgotten the name, are called Gastlosen. Thanks for the great ride.
Eric,
Thanks for the info.
I knew that Saanenmöser had to be a pass. cool
Superbe route, superbe paysage; bien joué 🙂
Liking this new post. I’m heading over to Evian, and Grindelwald this summer. You site has inspired me to visit.
Going to ride some of your past rides!
-Dave