Pyrenees and Alps – personal accounts

(Just posted this from another, less approptraite section)

Hi all,

Yes, just another newby.

I’ve posted this thread to attain some insight into people’s own experiences on climbs in the Pyrenees as well as the French and Italian Alps. As with most people on this forum, I too grew up watching television and reading magazine articles depicting the exhaustion and exhilaration of professional teams and their cyclists. I’m now 36 and time is ticking, it’s time to suffer.

I’m planning a cycling trip in Aug-Sept (2006) of all the best and worst the regions have to offer, if available, I would like some first hand accounts of the best and worst climbs, and any preparation input would also be greatly appreciated.

I have about 35 days to play with, so I am initially planning on alternating climbing and resting days. My general intention is to work my way from the Aquitaine region, through the Midi Pyrenees, then the French Alps and finally, if time permits, the Italian and/or Swiss Alps. As my partner and son will be playing the role of driver & team support personnel, I will not be carrying anything different from training.

Even if you want to give a hairpin-by hairpin account of each climb, I'm all ears (Eyes).

Climbs I am considering so far are;
Alp D’Huez
Chamonix region
Col d'Aspin
Col de la Madeleine
Col de Tourmalet
Col de Peyresourde
Col du Galibier
Col du Grand Colombier
Gavia Pass
Hautacam
Mont Blanc
Mont Ventoux
Mont Vernier
Passo della Stelvio
Val d'Allos

Looking forward to your stories.

Cheers all.

That's an all-star list of climbs you've posted. I've done some of them... Stelvio, Gavia and Dolomites in Italy and the French Pyrenees. They can't be beat so for go for it.

Check out the trentobike - France and trentobike - Italy web pages for others personal experiences.

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steephill.tv bike travelogue
Giro d'Italia 2008 Dashboard

Hi Steephill,


Thanks for the reply - yes, I've been checking out your links and they're great. I discovered them shortly after posting this thread.

What gearing were you using on the trip?

Cheers

53-39 on the front, 12-27 on the back... and I used the 39-27 gear a lot!!

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steephill.tv bike travelogue
Giro d'Italia 2008 Dashboard