I’m nonetheless right here! I’ve been primarily using domestically or visiting close by larger climbs that I’ve written about endlessly (Joux Airplane, Croix Fry, Colombière, and many others). However thank-you for all the sort emails worrying about me! 🙂
Here’s a new enjoyable journey. An unpaved trip as much as Col du Mont Cenis and its lake then up increased to the Ancien Fort de Pattacreuse (2385m). I began in Lanslebourg precisely initially of the ten km paved climb to Mont Cenis, however instantly jumped onto an excellent high quality unpaved street. It’s at occasions fairly steep, however very peaceable and good biking. It’s the similar route that might result in Pas de Beccia (2717 metres) by way of Fort de la Turra
However at roughly 2100 metres I’d flip left and briefly be a part of the paved street just under Col du Mont Cenis (2085 metres).
Simply after the col, I’d get off the principle street and head in direction of Col du Petit Mont Cenis,however rapidly get onto the gravel street that runs alongside the west facet of Lac du Mont Cenis.
I’ve executed a number of enormous rides to and excessive above Lac du Mont Cenis. Please see the underside of this put up for a map and hyperlink to the three paved routes and a bunch of actually very good excessive unpaved stuff.
Up till this level it had been a fairly large trip, however the true enjoyable was about to start. Approaching the far finish of the lake I turned up onto on outdated navy street in OK situation. Hairpins in all places. Right here let me admit that I had made a mistake. The plan had been to trip to Fort Malamot, one other outdated fort however perched at over 2900 metres. I had made a incorrect flip however as soon as I realised the error I used to be too thrilled with the views to show round!
Wow!
The outdated fort was constructed within the late 1800’s. It’s perched at 2385 metres and primarily ruins. I seemed round at a mountaineering path past however didn’t see an affordable alternate path to go increased or descend so I doubled again down the best way I had climbed.
I explored additional south alongside the lake and located the path to Fort Malamot however frankly I used to be drained and determined it was an journey for an additional day. 🙁
There was no cellphone service however I knew my spouse had parked close to the dam and had gone mountaineering so I rode onto the dam and ran into her. So the route on the map simply has me ending right here. If you happen to wanted to descend, I’d counsel avoiding the busy paved east facet of the lake if it’s summer time. My plan if I couldn’t discover my spouse was to mainly double again all the best way to the start.
Extra Mont Cenis Rides
Please go to the article Lac du Mont Cenis: A Detailed Look for a contact of historical past and particulars of the three paved routes (together with a lesser identified tremendous enjoyable 2nd means up from Italian facet). Additionally a number of of my completely favorite super-high unpaved rides. The photographs under are me attempting to persuade you to click on the hyperlink. 🙂
