We may not be fast, but we are determined. The biggest ride of our lives by far! Wow! Yesterday, Martin and I rode La Marmotte. 175 kilometres (108 miles) and 5,000 metres vertical ascent (16,400 feet).

Today I climbed the "Classic" Col du Joly.

My legs needed a day off, but the sirens of the Dauphiné were calling my name. On a last second whim, I jumped in the car to the base of Col du Granier - the first climb in today's race.

How's that for a trip profile? My left boob is a little smaller - but pointier (steeper!). Another great day watching the Dauphinée Libéré.

The plan was to cycle up Col de la Joux Verte. I knew the road was still closed, but it's been so warm we thought with mountain bikes that we'd be OK.

High above Lake Annecy - It's a magnificent and tough climb - and frankly today I suffered near the top. I am not yet fit or light enough for the July Tour d'Enfer. But at least the injury seems almost OK.

Col de Pierre Carrée is a big climb and easily the highest pass in my vicinity that is currently clear of snow. 21.4 kilometres (~13 miles) and 1350 metres (~4500 feet) of climb It starts just a few kms from the Col de la Colombière - but unlike it’s more famous (but [...]

Are you looking for a challenging cycle touring route in the Alps that visits some of the most famous Tour de France climbs? The Route des Grandes Alpes starts on the shores of Lake Geneva and crosses 16 of the highest French passes continuing all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Over 700 kilometres...

Stage 6 will see the Tour d'Enfer climb the mythic Col d'Izoard. Perhaps most famous for the exploits of Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet. There is a monument near the top to these two Tour legends.

On the way up to Tréchauffex I bumped into a Chamoix - sort of a deer. We eyed each other for a while and then went our separate ways.