They-they crossed the Alps and they-they tell...
Do you want to introduce yourself?
My name is Jibé, I'm 63 years old. Music is one of my great passions: I've been a guitarist for many years. At the same time, cycling is an important part of my life, whether on the road, on mountain bikes or on bike trips.
What motivated you to embark on an itinerant bike trip in the Alps?
After various bike trips (tour de l'Aubrac, tour du Morvan, traversée du Jura, tour de l'Ardèche) and living in Briançon, I very logically felt like doing the Thonon/Briançon route on my own.
Which route did you take and why?
The first half of Route des Grandes Alpes®, from Thonon-les-Bains to Briançon, in 8 days. Route des Grandes Alpes® passes under my apartment... ! So I thought I'd take a trip back home.
How did you get organized?
Independence was the main theme of this trip. I chose to travel solely by bike, carrying everything I needed with me. For accommodation, I had my own tent, so I could stop wherever I wanted and enjoy the freedom of a bivouac. When it came to meals, I was also autonomous, bringing my own food and adapting to the resources available along the way. This organization offered me great freedom and the pleasure of moving at my own pace, with no external constraints.
Your best memory? Worst?
The best memory: the appearance of Mont-Blanc from the Col de Joux Plane and the appearance of La Meije back home over the Col du Galibier
The worst memory: A van grazing me on the way up the Col du Télégraphe
Your trifecta of passes?
Col du Galibier, Col de Joux Plane, Col des Aravis, all three for the breadth of their landscapes
.Ane anecdote to share?
On the ascent to Joux Plane, a car follows me. It slows down behind me. On the next bend, the driver comes alongside me, rolls down the window and cheers me on. Very nice!