The first Saleve climb by bike

The Saleve stands at the back of the house in Neydens. Every day I look at it -- we've driven up it many times, and enjoyed a good number of hikes, but one day the inevitable had to happen - the first ascent by bike.

The last day of John and Annemarie's visit, and fully hydrated from the evening before, we set of from Neydens (560 metres) in the direction of Mont Sion. Binned the first option for a stop at the junction and carried on to St. Blaise. Cancelled the second option for a stop in St. Blaise and pushed on to Chateau des Avenieres. This was the hard part - but local knowledge knew there was a welcome short downhill section to reach for the water bottle and wish I was as fit as John!

Hit the T-Junction and turn left on the road from Cruseilles to start another climb. Long but wonderfully cool in the trees to reach the ridge and great views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps. Great camaraderie on meeting fellow cyclists - but something of an amazement to meet a guy coming the other way - in his sixties with loaded double panniers and a trailer smiling all the way!

Reach a peak somewhere around 1350 metres and the long wonderful descent to La Croisette (1175 metres) comfortable in the knowledge that only mechanical failure stood in the way of success! First stop at La Croisette for a few photos and well-deserved beer.

From First cycle ascent of the Saleve

From First cycle ascent of the Saleve

From First cycle ascent of the Saleve

Only needed to enjoy the long descent towards Archamps - but did manage to find a few more climbs just to make sure we had a full exercise session.

The view along the Saleve profile just looks so much more refreshing and satisfying now... and John was finally able to enjoy his deserved Andouillette..

From First cycle ascent of the Saleve

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Route on Nokia Sportstracker

Route on MapMyRide.com