It is a spectacular loop on scenic, quiet roads by way of the Vercors Massif. It crosses at the very least 11 cols (some you received’t even discover), and comes close to a number of others however the characteristic climbs are Col de Rousset and Col de la Bataille.
As I’ve talked about many occasions, the Vercors massif is among the most fascinating but ignored biking areas within the Alps. I’ve been placing collectively a biking information for the area and realised I’d by no means cycled one among its most fascinating climbs: the south facet of Col de Rousset. Till now.
I began in Beaufort-sur-Gervanne climbing to Col de la Croix (745 metres) on a nice, abandoned gorge street. After a enjoyable descent, I meandered in direction of Die through Col de Marignac (743 metres). Two stress-free cols already. An ideal warm-up.
Don’t fear, the city of Die is pronounced “Dee.” From right here it’s 21 kilometres as much as Col de Rousset. This climb isn’t remotely steep, however is stuffed with really fabulous hairpins. In all probability its solely disadvantage is that motorcyclists flock right here in summer season.
I’ll let the images do the speaking. Hairpin Nirvana:
Col du Rousset
The climb is a south entrance into the Vercors and on the summit is an 800 metre lengthy tunnel. I’ve been to the Col from the north facet however was scared to undergo the tunnel :). Nevertheless it’s moderately lit and has a small facet stroll that I used when the lone automobile handed me.
I’ve misplaced 11 kilograms since January and have been feeling match. No less than match for an outdated, mediocre bike owner. However I used to be nervous concerning the size and hilliness of the route, so I took quite a bit fewer images the remainder of the way in which. However the cols saved coming and coming. The cols are labeled on each maps.
From Col de la Portette (1175 metres) till Col de la Bataille (1313 metres) the route will get enjoyable once more with good views on the proper facet.
It was chilly, windy, and briefly hailed right here. I used to be nervous I’d under-dressed, however the climate finally behaved. Col de la Bataille was really closed to vehicles as they’ve but to scrub up the street after an extended winter. Nevertheless it was superb on a motorcycle.
I used to be glad to descend out of the fog. The arduous work was executed, and it was only a nice, rolling descent to the beginning through Col de Bacchus (978m).
Wooohooo! Good route.
See right here for a extra rides within the Vercors.
A 3D video of the experience:
