Crossing the Alps and Mont Ventoux by Bike

Hey Cyclists! So, here we go—departure this Thursday from Giromagny (90), still in bikepacking mode, but this time with my wife’s bike lol.

12 years later, back in the Alps for a crossing all the way to Barcelonnette. From there, I’ll head toward Vaucluse and face Mont Ventoux for the first time 🚴‍♂️. Until then, the Alps will most likely leave their mark 😅🚵‍♂️🚴‍♂️. I’m a bit nervous about the Col de la Colombière—if all goes well, I should leave a wreath there lol! The return after Mont Ventoux should be less traumatic (or maybe not).

A few photos below.

If you’re on my route, it’d be great to chat! ;) I’m also planning to film the ride (as usual), my impressions, etc.

Good luck with your preparations to everyone working on a project, and safe travels to those already on the road! ;) Gilles

That’s quite a ride indeed! Watch out for the heat, especially in the south and on Ventoux. Col de la Colombière is a good test of endurance—if you can handle that pass without too much trouble, you can handle anything. Safe travels!

claudio

Thanks Claudio, I don’t have very fond memories of that climb—those extra 15 kilos at the time probably didn’t help, lol. According to the weather map, it’s gonna get *really* hot in the next few days. Have a great day! Gilles

Hi Gilles, great minds think alike—I’m leaving Thursday too! The route you’re taking is amazing: the Alps, Mont Ventoux. With your training, it’ll probably feel flat to you. Me, I’m heading through the Vosges, Haute-Patate (sorry, Haute-Saône), Haute-Marne, Meuse, and Meurthe-et-Moselle. But if I get a case of the blues (thinking about the Atacama or the Gobi), not in Haute-Saône but later in the 52, 54, or 55, I’ll pedal faster to get back to the 88. Until then, I’ll cheer myself up with the Dive Bouteille!!!



Version without antidepressants

PS: Write a piece for the Chamber of Commerce when you get back, and then a great film for the Cornimont Travel Festival on May 14, 15, and 16, 2021. All my thoughts are with you, Luc

Oh yeah, the Colombière—pure treachery! Those last kilometers on the side feel flat, but it's more like 10%+ grade, and a little headwind just adds to the fun memories!!!

Hey, Too bad I set off for the Burgundy tour, otherwise I live near Le Grand Bornand and I would’ve gladly joined you for the Col de la Colombière climb. The pass isn’t that tough as long as you handle the first 10 km up to the rest stop well. You’ve gotta take it real easy until then because that’s when the real challenge starts. Safe travels

Hey luc

That bike looks so light without all your usual huge panniers—have a great trip!

Hey Gilles.

There’s a nice quiet little road that follows the left bank of the Durance. You can take it from Monetier d’Allemond to Gréolières and go for a dip at the Seven Lakes.

Hey Luc, Ended up pushing my departure to Friday (tomorrow)—got a bit of a headache since last night. I got so frustrated with the bathtub siphon—either it takes me 5 minutes to put it back together or an hour, unfortunately... lol Yeah, the Alps are gonna be amazing, and with the forecast, there’ll be some stunning postcard views to capture. Enjoy the sunny days ahead in the high mountains too ^^, though I’m not sure about that bottle you’re bringing—might not be the best idea lol Tell me, is that your rearview mirror a truck mirror? lol Safe travels and take care of yourself ;) See you soon Gilles ps: Your bike is awesome :)

Hey Pat,

Looks like we're all hitting the road! 😊 The Burgundy tour via the greenways?

Back in 2008, I did the Alpine crossing with 53Douze—I was carrying an extra 12 kg. The Col de la Colombière was the first pass, and I tried to keep up with the fastest riders. Unfortunately, I started feeling bloated about 2 or 3 km from the summit before puking spectacularly just 30 meters from the sign 😕😎

Safe travels to you! Gilles

Thanks Serge for the tip ;) Isn’t it the 3 lakes instead? Gilles

Yeah Gilles, the 3 lakes are pretty good

Have a good trip

Hey Gilles, What a finish on that Col de la Colombière! If you make it through that one, all the other cols will be a breeze! Have a great trip, André

Good evening!

What a beautiful ride! The Col de la Colombière wasn’t traumatic for me at all. We did it loaded up—gravel bike and panniers (with my wife)—and it might’ve even been her who dragged me into this crazy adventure of crossing the Alps by bike fully loaded, without a tent, no less! The next challenge (with the same gear plus a tent) is actually Mont Ventoux at the start of September! Departing from Montélimar via Mirmande, Beaufort-sur-Gervanne, Die, Recoubeau-Jansac, La Motte-Chalancon, Orpierre, Forcalquier, Sault, Mont Ventoux, then Vaison-la-Romaine and back toward Montélimar in broad strokes. It’s all in your head! Well, almost! ... The Pyrenees are on our minds for September 2021... Best regards and enjoy your ride!

Hey Pat, Well, looks like we're all on the road now! :) The Burgundy tour via the greenways? Back in 2008, I did the Alps crossing with 53Douze—I was carrying an extra 12 kg. Col de la Colombière was the first climb, and I tried to keep up with the fastest riders. Unfortunately, I started feeling bloated about 2 or 3 km from the top before puking my guts out just 30 meters from the sign 😕😎 Safe travels to you. Gilles

What day are you planning to tackle the Colombière? (The Burgundy tour is done—I’m back home now.) Let me know, and I’ll buy you a drink at the summit!

Hey Serge, we always pack way too much, especially in France during summer at times like now when, apart from the occasional thunderstorm here and there, we unfortunately don’t get enough rain. Right now, it’s scorching—over 35°C in the Meuse today. These parts of France aren’t without their charm; it reminds me of my bike trip across Poland through the great plains, just on a smaller scale.

Along the Meuse, there’s a hint of almost-cool air

Luc

Hi Luc

All the best

Serge

Hey Pat, I got back last Monday already—I crashed. The heat got the better of me, so I decided to cut my trip short in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and head back via Annecy. Heatwave after heatwave, complete with a killer headache, no energy, bloating—the whole package. I really struggle past 30°C (86°F). I knew it, I’d set myself a max of 7 or 8 days, but I think I could’ve gone for two weeks if it’d been possible. Doesn’t always work out...

Right when you were writing your comment, I’d already tackled the Colombière (around 4:00 PM). That pass is still brutal to get over—the silver lining this time was that I didn’t puke at the summit, lol.

I’ll take you up on that invite next time—would love to!

Short video I put together with the clips I’d gathered on my camera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfmi7huihM0 Gilles

Hi Gilles, we judge our failures by comparing them to others’. If you’ve got a few "heatwave-related" excuses for the big climbs in the Alps, I’ve got fewer for the hills in Haute-Marne and Meuse—but I still suffered like crazy, a mega max. I thought it was the definitive old-age knockout signaling the end of the game! I crawled along like a slug. My muse Brigitte, the double "crosser" of the Atacama solo, was also on the road in France for 10 days—she struggled just as hard, a mega max, even though it takes a lot to throw her off balance.

Here’s the little report I wrote about my ride through the 88, 52, 55, 54, and back to the 88—oh, and I didn’t go through the 70. https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10336077;#10336077

Your video is amazing—I’ll watch the whole thing, I just skimmed bits here and there.

Don’t forget if you’re free on May 14, 15, and 16, 2021!!! Cheers, Luc

Maybe next time... During my crossing of the Alps through the pre-Alpine ranges in early August, I also faced high temperatures, but only once I reached the Drôme after descending from the Vercors. In the northern Alps, it never went above 30°C at the hottest part of the day. And even in the south, the temperature dropped pretty quickly in the evening.

I really experienced a heatwave while biking in Italy last summer—in Tuscany. It was brutal from 10 AM until nightfall! I’d start at 6 AM and stop by noon—afternoons saw peaks of 42°C!

I hate the heat, but I usually handle it okay... up to a point!!!

Sometimes you just have to know when to stop. You can always try again another year. If you’re free in September, it’s generally a quieter and cooler time.

Hey Pat, Looks like we're all hitting the road! :) The Burgundy tour via the greenways? Back in 2008, I did the Alpine crossing with 53Douze—I was carrying an extra 12 kg. The Col de la Colombière was the first pass, and I tried to keep up with the best. Unfortunately, I started feeling bloated 2 or 3 km from the top before puking my guts out just 30 meters from the sign :/😎 Safe travels! Gilles

What day were you planning to tackle the Colombière? (The Burgundy tour is over—I’m back home now.) Let me know, and I’ll buy you a drink at the summit!

I was at the Colombière last Monday (8/17). If I’d checked the forum during my vacation, I would’ve let you know. I loved this pass, but I didn’t find it that tough (even though the last few km are steeper). It wasn’t hard up to the rest stop (nice shade and a good flat spot), and not too long after either.

A few days before, I’d really struggled with my 26 kg on the Cormet d'Arêches via Lac de St Guérin in the middle of the afternoon, so the Colombière felt like a breeze (though I didn’t climb it via Romme—that’s a whole other story).

normal with this heat, don’t worry, you’re not the only one

N+1, for Claudio who’s staying in front of his TV watching… cycling on C21

claudio

Hi Gilles, I just watched your two bike trips across or around Europe—the one heading far north, 5,500 km in not much time with a final leg of 404 km—wow!!! Your films really capture what it’s like to be on the road by bike. You’re ready for the Transcontinental Race.

The road is also symbolized by this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtmrlD0Xdt0

Thanks, Luc

Hi, are you talking about a route from Monetiers to Allemond to Gréolières or Greolier? How long is this route in distance? Thanks. I’m thinking of cycling there starting mid-May. Thanks in advance

Hey Jean Luc

Greolier, 31 km of quiet back road following the Durance with options to swim at the 3 lakes. You coming from Angers?

Hi and thanks for your reply. Yeah, I’m leaving from Angers in mid-May and heading down to Ariège to see a buddy, then I’ll make my way to the Alps, Provence, Roussillon, and loop back up near Lyon, Nevers, and head home. I’m looking for a cool route or itinerary in those areas. I’m planning the route.

great trip