They-they crossed the Alps and they-they tell...
Olivier, can you introduce yourself?
A late bloomer, I bought my 1st road bike (Vitus) at the age of 40, then a 2nd (Lapierre) an opportunity not to be missed... eventually the latter became my daily to go to work. I live in Menton (06) and see a plaque on the ground indicating km zero of the Grande Traversée des Alpes linking Menton to Thonon... I surf the net and discover this itinerary. Being originally from the Jura, I decided (after a few km of training) to spend my vacations in the Jura, taking the famous route des Alpes and all those mythical passes!
Equipped with my trusty Lapierre, I set off in total autonomy for 8 days of unforgettable adventure!
...
What motivated you to embark on a cycling trip in the Alps?
The discovery, the challenge and the blueberry tarts.
Which route did you take and why?
Menton / Thonon because I live in Menton and I wanted to take the "official" route.
How did you organize your trip?
After watching a lot of vlogs, reading a lot of maps and books, I drew up my route (on average 100km/day)
The hardest part was finding accommodation that wasn't too expensive, so I finally opted for WARMSHOWER, which is still a great experience, but also stopover gites or even hotels if there was no alternative.
Luggage? 2 side panniers, one in front, 2 water bottles and that's it (15kg all the same)
Your best memory? And the worst?
Triumphant arrival at the summit of Iseran, applauded by bikers (few cyclists that day as the weather was not very kind)
The worst? A frozen finish at the top of the Cormet de Roselend after taking the rain all the way up.
Your trifecta of passes?
Le Galibier, mythical and above all for the beauty of the landscapes
L'Iseran, for the difficulty of the last few km
La Cayolle where I really felt by the landscapes that I had really left the Alpes Maritimes
Ane anecdote to share?
Last stage and nowhere to sleep that night. I run away from Cluses because it's too crowded, thinking I'll find a better place afterwards... As the hours go by, I find refuge in a small, half-open chapel, where I spend the night on the floor. The only thing missing was a hot shower!