They-they crossed the Alps and they-they tell...
Do you want to introduce yourself?
I'm 47, with two children. I'm an IT systems and network administrator. I've been cycling for about 4 years (since my wife gave me a road bike). I joined a local leisure club to ride in a group and improve my skills. I've taken part in the Tour stage 2 times and other cyclos
What motivated you to embark on a touring bike trip in the Alps?
I discovered the mountains by bike following my vacation stays in the Alps. I'm from Normandy and I love it! Even if it's hard to climb for 10, 15 km or more, the scenery is magnificent and reaching the top of a pass is always a source of pride. I like to set myself new challenges every year. I stumbled across some reports on the Grandes Alpes and it immediately made me want to discover these magnificent landscapes. Doing it by bike gave me a motivating sporting goal to prepare
Which route did you take and why?
Route des Grandes Alpes®, the classic, in 7 days. For my first, I wanted to follow the official route and climb the mythical cols, most of which I hadn't climbed yet.
How did you get organized?
I set off with my wife by car from Normandy at the end of September 2024.
It was a 7-day stay, me solo on my bike accompanied by my wife in the car who managed supplies, change (especially with the very wet weather I was experiencing). We had booked Airbnb, chambre d'hôte and even a hotel with spa in the middle of the route 6 months beforehand, to recuperate properly. We'd meet up at lunchtime to eat, and on arrival.
Your best memory? Worst?
The best: the Col de la Cayolle with its waterfalls, marmots and a climb under the sun that embellished the landscape
The worst: the descent of the Col d'Izoard: it was cold, raining and foggy. I was shivering on my bike
Your trifecta of passes?
1/ La Cayolle: super varied, verdant scenery with its waterfalls
2/ Le Galibier: the highest pass climbed because the Iseran pass was closed. a superb view of snow-capped mountain peaks.
3/ Le Cormet de Roselend: The route around the lake. Too bad the weather was disgusting, but with the sun it must be even more beautiful
Ane anecdote to share?
At the start from Val-Cenis, I joined a group of cyclists (there are very few of them at the end of September on weekdays). There were 7 of them, the German women's national skicross team and their coach. I was able to stay on the wheels and exchange a few words with the coach.