We took a week away from the Vercors last week and went over to Switzerland in search of cooler temperatures and big climbs. Unfortunately, after the first hot and sunny day, the weather became rather too cool, and wet, so we jumped in the car and drove until the rain stopped and the sun came back. The riding was fantastic - the climbs are much harder than we are used to here, some in excess of 30 kms, and gradients of 15% were not unusual. We're not in the least bit disappointed about missing out on a couple of passes we had intended to do... it gave us the opportunity to ride in two different areas plus we now have the perfect excuse to go back again, hopefully this year.
Here are a few pictures:
The view from the top of the Col du Grand Saint Bernard towards Italy, 2500m and cold.
The climb up to the Grosse Scheidegg starts really steeply and is hard through the forest at the bottom, not unlike the Gorges du Nan here, only steeper. Then suddenly, you emerge from the trees into this view which remains stunning for the next 20 km or so.
On the flat bit in the middle of the climb to the Grosse Scheidegg, just before the road shoots up at 15%
Of course, Phil carried a cake to the top.
The dam just over the top of the Col de Sanetsch, another climb up to 2200m.
One of the many amazing waterfalls:
Since we got back, we've been doing some mountain biking. It's a great way to break up the routine of road biking all the time and to discover things on our doorstep that we ride right past when we are on the road. Today we explored the area between Beauregard-Baret and Barbières and found some good singletrack.
A great summer so far.
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