It is a spectacular loop on scenic, quiet roads by way of the Vercors Massif. It crosses not less than 11 cols (some you gained’t even discover), and comes close to a number of others however the function climbs are Col de Rousset and Col de la Bataille.
As I’ve talked about many instances, the Vercors massif is likely one of the most fascinating but missed biking areas within the Alps. I’ve been placing collectively a biking information for the area and realised I’d by no means cycled considered one of its most fascinating climbs: the south aspect 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 by way of 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 is rarely remotely steep, however is stuffed with actually fabulous hairpins. Most likely its solely disadvantage is that motorcyclists flock right here in summer time.
I’ll let the pictures 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 aspect however was scared to undergo the tunnel :). Nevertheless it’s fairly lit and has a small aspect stroll that I used when the lone automotive handed me.
I’ve misplaced 11 kilograms since January and have been feeling match. At the very least match for an outdated, mediocre bicycle owner. However I used to be nervous concerning the size and hilliness of the route, so I took quite a bit fewer pictures 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 sensible views on the proper aspect.
It was chilly, windy, and briefly hailed right here. I used to be nervous I’d under-dressed, however the climate in the end behaved. Col de la Bataille was really closed to automobiles as they’ve but to wash up the street after a protracted winter. Nevertheless it was fantastic on a motorcycle.
I used to be glad to descend out of the fog. The onerous work was accomplished, and it was only a nice, rolling descent to the beginning by way of Col de Bacchus (978m).
Wooohooo! Sensible route.
See right here for a extra rides within the Vercors.
A 3D video of the trip:
