Bike route 363200 – powered by Map may not appear in RSS [...]
edited by: Andy Cline,
Cycling Editor
I obviously like to cycle … but often hiking is a better way to get up high and enjoy the Alps.
Here are a few photos from some recent hikes:
Every November we like to hike up high in the Grand Massif (Flaine) before the skiing starts:
Another dark, foggy day in Geneva, with low cloud cover. Only one thing to do …. get above it into the sun.
Starting from the village of Crozet is a fantastic deserted little forest road up the Jura mountains. We did see (and hear) a few hunters, but otherwise it [...]
I think there is nothing more beautiful than an alpine lake surrounded by alps.
And the Swiss have perfected building huge dams / lakes in the high Alps. Lac de Mauvoisin has been on my list forever. Today I finally climbed it.
[...]Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compestelle has been followed by pilgrims for over a 1000 years.
In medieval times it was one of only three pilgrimages offering a plenary indulgence – meaning the remission of the entire temporal punishment due to sin so that no further expiation is required in [...]
For much of the winter Geneva is under dark, depressing cloud cover.
But often it’s just a question of getting above the clouds for sunny weather and great alps views.
[...] 
Any second now Col du Galibier will be closed for 7 or 8 months.
An alpine heat wave and Eric noticed that Galibier was still open up until the tunnel and just perhaps we could get higher. So why not?
A perfect day on the biggest climb in [...]
The plan was to climb the steep and beautiful road from Aigle to Lac de l’Hongrin, proceed to Col des Mosses and loop back via Leysin.
The ride starts climbing at Yvorne through beautiful vineyards (can you spot me in a balaclava?):
[...]The road up to Col du Cenise is not only quiet and beautiful – it is one of the very steepest climbs I know.
Don’t confuse this climb with Col du Mont Cenis further south on the Italian border – details here
Starting in St-Pierre-en-Faucigny, I skipped the busier main [...]
A really fun, but challenging four Col loop through the French part of Les Portes de Soleil ski region.
[...]The French department of l’Ain (north and west of Geneva) has 27 signed cycling routes ranging in difficulty from short and flat to long and mountainous. The routes are well signed, usually on quiet scenic roads. Maps and route cards are [...]
A fairly ambitious route primarily on deserted forestry roads near Lake Annecy.
Starting in Annecy, the route starts along the Annecy bike path passing the entire west side of the lake. At Doussard, I left the cycling path in search of [...]
A superb loop through the Jura mountains – including eight Cols (three for the first time).
There were two principal climbs [...]
Switzerland’s Post buses are famous for providing bus service in remote and beautiful corners of the Alps. And in the Kiental valley in central Switzerland is the steepest Post bus route in Europe.
The valley is dominated by the snow-covered peaks of Blumlisalp at the [...]
Thanks to Pierre who suggested this route in a comment a few weeks back. Merci!
The route includes 3 Cols but the detour up Mont d’Or and it’s leg crushing final kilometre is the [...]
How good is that? Leave the road bike at home as these hairpins below are 100% cobble-stone heaven.
If you like cobblestones then I have the road for you.
The St Gothard Pass (2108m, 6915 feet) is in central Switzerland and an [...]
Now this is an interesting way to do Col de la Madeleine. First climbing Col du Chaussy and then following small, mainly unpaved, roads to Madeleine.
Col du Chaussy is probably [...]
I am not sure why it has taken me this long to climb Signal de Bisanne. Perhaps fear!
A great 84 km loop starting/ending in Megève featuring one of the hardest climbs in the north French Alps.
The first 20 kms are fast, mainly downhill. After leaving [...]
The Tour de l’Ain is a four day professional stage race taking place not far from home (l’Ain is the French department just north-west of Geneva).
A very cool feature of [...]
Today I saw more waterfalls, glaciers, hairpins, and tunnels than I have ever seen in a single day. As Martin and I cycled the Silver course of the Alpen Brevet cyclosportive in the high Swiss Alps.
Three truly unbelievable climbs under [...]
A beautiful loop through the Haut Juras – finishing with a superb climb through and above the Gorges du Flumen (map below).
The ride starts off easily enough along a typical Jura plateau, eventually reaching Col de la Croix de la Serra.
From here on the route is surrounded by [...]
This is not a complete map of passes, but contains most of the great climbs in the area (yes, I realize the map is bigger than the Dolomite region).
The Red pins are passes I have climbed. Blue pins are other climbs …. feel free to [...]
French Magazine Le Cycle currently has a special edition out, listing what it calls the 50 most beautiful routes in France. Eric and I decided to try one of their more mountainous suggestions. [...]
The Col du Galibier - one of the highest and most famous climbs in France - is usually closed due to snow until late June. This leaves a climbing season of just three, maybe four, months.
And there are only so many perfect [...]
Above: Contador and the brothers Schleck near top of last climb.
A great day watching the Epic stage 17 of the [...]
To become a famous climb in a pro Tour usually means the pass is either a key road linking different regions or the top is a major ski station. Col du Sanetsch is neither (thus lessor known), but is more difficult and [...]
I had the boys from the horn section over last night and we recorded this video:
Related PostsDolomites Map and Trip SummaryPasso Falzarego via CampolongoSella Ronda [...]
Le cycle magazine once called this possibly the most difficult climb in France. Maybe an exaggeration, but wow, this is difficult stuff, especially in the heat/humidity.
This is a great, quiet loop. Returning via Col du Chat, while only 638 metres, leads to fantastic views high above [...]
Another great loop starting in Corvara. This is basically the second half of the medium (106 km) course in the Maratona dles Dolomites - so it climbs Passo Falzarego (and 1.3 kms further Passo Valparola) from a different side than the [...]
Passo delle Stelvio (Stilfser Joch in German) is one of the most famous, beautiful, high, and fun cycling rides anywhere.
I was afraid of bad weather but lucked out (a little snow!) and enjoyed one of the greatest rides of my [...]
Col du Grand Colombier and Col de la Biche (map at bottom).
The heatwave/humidity and the steepness made this maybe [...]
A simple plan: Cycle up the steep, beautiful Jura road to Col de Combe Blanche (aka: Col de la Vattay or Col de Puthod) then descend to Nyon to watch the Swiss National Road [...]
At the top of Col de Portes is another Chartreuse monastery. I passed some friendly monks along the route who kindly cheered me on:
Another couple of great - virtually car free - climbs in the Jura mountains.
In the [...]
Doreen has cycled Alpe d’Huez, Ventoux, Galibier, etc. But she had never, ever cycled a century. At least not until today.
Starting in Annecy, we cycled beside the lake on the bike path to Albertville (and beyond) - turning around [...]
Cyclo-tourists coming to the Alps understandably flock to the Route des Grandes Alpes to do the famous Tour de France climbs.
But there are countless lessor known climbs that are as beautiful, much quieter, and often very challenging.
[...] 
Below: Two cows and the actual Croix de Fer (Iron cross) over our shoulder.
A truly perfect day cycling.
Today, Martin and I cycled up Col de la Croix de Fer via the Col du Mollard - and watched the Dauphiné Libéré at [...]
A fun day watching the Dauphiné Libéré near the top of Mont Ventoux.
I have cycled this road a few times before, and it [...]
Below is a map of major cycling climbs in the French Pyrénées.
I have cycled the purple markers (details below). The yellow markers are major climbs that I have yet to do - maybe next time. The red flags are just a few minor Cols (there are hundreds more). Feel [...]
The west side was still closed to cars but I had spoken to a couple of cyclists yesterday and knew that I should [...]
Broadly speaking, the famous climbs of the Pyrénées can be split into two categories:
1. Old mountains routes
2. Purpose built roads up to newish ski stations
The former have usually been in the Tour de France 50 or more [...]
Another great day cycling in the Pyrénées as I work my way towards the giants.
Starting in Castillons, this great ride starts with 10 easy kms to warm the legs up.
[...]
I really wanted to cycle this famous climb, but it didn’t fit into the schedule. Unless …. I added it as a second ride on Day 1.
Sometimes compared to Alpe d’Huez - it has very similar statistics (but Beille is a bit longer and [...]
I am in the Pyrénées mountains for the first time ever. Currently the weather is perfect.
For the first ride, I cycled the last two big climbs that will be included in stage' [...]
Oh, no. I am losing one of my domestiques!
Barry contacted me a couple of years ago when he arrived here and we have been riding together ever since. But now he is [...]
Doreen survived her 3 day cycling boot camp in the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors with one final great ride.
As a final project, we climbed the Col de Chalimont (from the north side) and then went offroad - [...]
Doreen and I are spending the long weekend in the beautiful Le Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors - famous for it’s savage gorges.
It’s our first time here and we started with a great loop (map at bottom) from Villard de Lans - through the Gorges de la Bourne and then [...]
Wooohooo! The bigger Alps climbs are starting to open.
A pretty big day. But fun.
The route: Both sides of Cormet de Roselend. Just over 80 kms and two huge but beautiful climbs.
[...] 
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, [...]
Another fantastic day cycling and watching the Tour de Romandie.
My plan was to cycle both side of Col du Marchairuz and then watch the race up top (map at bottom).
The climbs:
From Aubonne: Length: 20 kms [...]
I brought my photographer today to video my stage victory: (the secret is to leave two hours before the peloton)
Chapeau to the race organizers. This stage was designed for the fans.
The lazy could watch near St Croix and see the Peloton pass three times - including the finish.
On my bike, [...]
I had a fantastic evening yesterday watching the Tour de Romandie Prologue in Lausanne.
It’s amazing how much access is given to fans at events like these. One can walk right up to all the team buses and see (or chat with) the athletes. [...]
Part of the Trophée Label d’Or FFC - The Scott 1000 Bosses (official link) is a well known cyclosportive in the mountains around Lyon, France. Bosses means bumps/hills.
The plan was [...]
My Starbucks jersey made its debut today. It was a present from my friend Steve who races for them in the USA. It adds a little caffeine in my legs.
My greatest cycling skill? Climbing? Descending? Time Trialing? [...]
My mountain behind home.
I have now reached Col de la Croisette from all four directions in 2009. Although it always takes me the longest to get the courage to climb the super steep north-east side from Le Coin.
Below is the last of about 10 [...]
The Grand Prix Von Bern is the biggest running event in the german part of Switzerland with over 20,000 participants.
It’s tag line is “The most beautiful 10 miles in the world.” And it’s a great course weaving through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bern - the Capital of Switzerland.
Below [...]
Six Cols!
Col de la Croix Biche Col de Menulles Col de Mallebranche Col de la Frétallaz Col le Parc Col de la Croisette [...]
It’s that time of year where cyclists all over the world break out their silly [...]
A perfect day.
Starting from Annecy, after a couple of kilometres, this stunning route is on a deserted forest road, climbing the mountain overlooking the north-east side of Lake Annecy.
It’s not the toughest ride, [...]
An early easter ride with Eric and the wives.
My three faithful companions wanted to help me with my 100 Col challenge - and today’s route included five (see map)! But I think only the Col des Pitons will count towards the challenge as the direction of today’s route passed [...]
As the ski stations close for the season, now is the perfect time to climb cleared and empty roads.
[...] 
Although Mont Revard is only a little over 1500 metres high, the climb starts beside Lac du Bourget at just 250 metres - making for a big climb.
The climb:
Distance: 21.3 kms (13.3 miles)
Ascent: [...]
I have already done Col de la Croix Fry in 2009 (via the superb Col de Plan-Bois), but I had told Eric so many times what a great early spring climb it is - that he wanted to have a look.
It’s south-west facing road is almost always dry [...]
Map first today as I thought the elevation profile was pretty cool.
The biggest ride of the year so far. A loop around Lake Annecy, +100 kms, over three beautiful climbs. The big Cols are still three months from opening," [...]
A beautiful day.
Too nice not to ride so a last second decision to meet Eric and climb Col de Cuvéry and make a loop via Col de Belleroche.
If you are a fan of cross-country skiing or seeing huskies pull a sleigh ….. Col de Cuvéry atop [...]
Above: Contador was just flying (photo by Philippe).
As luck would have it, I have a cycling friend that lives in Saint Etienne (today’s Paris-Nice finish). Philippe had kindly invited me to come see stage four of the Paris-Nice race after first exploring [...]
It’s time to launch my 2009 climbs map. Call me stupid but I find it motivating to start each year with an empty map and try and fill it with rides. Only rides with pretty big ascent are included. Feel free to suggest a ride.
For a map of all [...]
Today my bike GPS was worth its weight in gold.
The plan was to ride a hilly loop in Les Bornes region on the other side of le Salève' [...]
Above: Cycling with the Skiers
At 1844 metres, Col de Pierre Carrée — just above Flaine ski station — is the highest road [...]
A fantastic winter loop up to Col des Glières. In December we did this loop in the opposite direction - details here. But, during winter, doing the ultra steep East side makes a little more sense as it is not cleared as well as the west [...]
OK, we are pushing it a bit. This is a great summer route.
Eric volunteered for route planning duties and selected the amazing single lane road up to Sommet d’Andey (1100 metres) then linking to Col de Solaison (map at [...]
There is a currently a lot of snow around. So it’s either stay on ploughed roads or brave the powder.
The ride: A great little loop in the Jura mountains with fabulous views of Lac du Bourget - the biggest lake in France.
Starting in Ruffieux -the little road up to [...]
I hate riding indoors.
But this week I logged 240 kilometers on the indoor trainer, which is more than the rest of my life combined. I just couldn’t get myself to ride out in the awful weather. I am not sure why.
But today, the falling snow looked too inviting. [...]
After surviving the 2008 Marmotte and a few other events, Martin and I are still gluttons for punishment.
More than 20,000 people entered the lottery for around 9,000 places to compete in the 2009 edition of the' [...]
(tilted tripod - uphill is actually to left)
It had never occurred to me that the legendary Joux Plane might be rideable in winter.
But while skiing at Les Gets a couple of weeks ago, I could [...]
How does a 32 kilometres bike ride take over 5 hours? Ice, Ice, more ice, snow, hiking, etc.
Sometimes great rides require a bit of sacrifice.
The price of this amazing Jura mountain climb above Geneva was a pretty treacherous descent.
It never occurred to me that it would be [...]
![There were two principal climbs [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/maz700.jpg){kind=link}
![The route includes 3 Cols but the detour up Mont d’Or and it’s leg crushing final kilometre is the [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/landoz700.jpg){kind=link}
![I had climbed both sides of Oberalppass in the morning and it was hot. But if I didn’t do the Klausenpass now, it would be next year. This is a big, beautiful climb with plenty of [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/klausen700.jpg){kind=link}
![Andermatt can be the start point for four beautiful +2000 metres passes (Furka, Susten, Gotthard and Oberalp). The mornings goal was to climb both sides of Oberalppass starting from Andermatt. Exactly like Gotthard Pass, the west [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/obereast700.jpg){kind=link}
![If you like cobblestones then I have the road for you. The St Gothard Pass (2108m, 6915 feet) is in central Switzerland and an [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/gottsouth700.jpg){kind=link}
![Col du Chaussy is probably [...]](http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/chaus700.jpg){kind=link}
