Exploring Geneva and the Haute Savoie: October 2009

Sunday, October 25, 2009

First climb up the Col de la Faucille

It may not be the hardest Col to climb in the area - but it is one of the best known. According to Wikipedia the category 3 climb it has been included in the Tour de France 41 times since since 1911.

Officially starting from Gex (620m) the 11.8 km climb averages 6%, increasing to 8%, as it finishes at 1323m.

But it is a classic climb - and the chart tells a telling story. The 703 m climb is relentless with no flat section or descent en route for a breather.

From juraclimb

Passing Napoleon's fountain. Apparently his horse took a drink here in 1805.

From juraclimb

Conquered!

From juraclimb

Out of season don't expect to be able to find a coffee at the top ..

From juraclimb

..what they didn't tell me ... another 150 m of climbing before a descent through the woods..

From juraclimb

GPS advises we cycled over 70 km and to be confirmed the best part of 1000 m of climb on my introduction to Col climbing... but for the real stuff try looking at this blog of a local Col climber euphemistically described as an "enthusiastic amateur".

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Présilly VTT 2009 - my first organsised mountain biking event.

VTT - Vélo tout terrain, the french for mountain biking, is another popular activity in the region. I had wanted to try out one of the many organised sessions - but there was always a good reason to do something else. Nevertheless, a few weeks after moving house and an organised VTT day in the neighbouring village of Présilly by the local VTT club.

Arrived for a rather chilly start to choose one of the routes. The 32 Km route blur run with 750m of climb was selected - though GPS was to confirm that at least 2 of the stats to be underestimated!