While waiting for the weather to change for the better, I did a short ride around the outskirts of Aosta, Italy. Beautiful roads and beautiful views were my reward.
Barrage de la Grande Dixence
I rode from Conthey, in the Rhône valley, to visit the tallest gravity dam in the world, La Barrage de la Grande Dixence
Derborence
An amazing bike ride from Conthey up out of the Rhône valley and along the beautiful Derborence valley to the protected natural area around Europe’s youngest natural lake. And one of the most interesting tunnels I’ve ever seen!
Col du Sanetsch
For my first ride from the Rhône valley in Switzerland I took on the climb to Col du Sanetsch, “the most demanding climb in Valais”
Montchardon
I finally got to do this ride to visit the intriguing Buddhist temple of Montchardon, in the Vercors region of France
Refuge Laval
I revisited the scene of yesterday’s wet descent from Col de l’Échelle to see what it looked like in the sunshine, and I ventured further up the valley to find a virtual paradise on my way to Refuge Laval
Col de Montgenèvre
Another ride from Briançon, this time over the Col de Montgenèvre into Italy, then back into France via the Col de l’Echelle.
Col d’Izoard
I rode from Briançon and around La Boucle d’Izoard via Guillestres, to climb the southern ascent of the legendary Col d’Izoard. A lunar landscape awaited me…
Col du Granon
Another high Alpine pass ticked off my list today, I rode the tough climb from Briançon to Col du Granon on a sunny day, enjoying views over Serre Chevalier and the Guisane valley
Col du Sabot – Success!
I re-attempted the steep climb to the wild and desolate Col du Sabot and this time I managed to do the whole thing in one go, before the rain came again.