Mont Blanc tour story
JOURNEY AROUND MONT BLANC
Monday 3rd September 2007, we're in La Saxe, near Courmayeur, unloading bikes, fixing wheels, putting rucksacks onto our backs and we're off! Where to....?
Over recent years I've been trying to find a decent route by mtb around Mont Blanc that would give as much cycling as possible without widening the radius too much. As my main job is alpine guiding I've had the opportunity to do it lots of times on foot which has been a help.
After having gone on about it all summer I managed to convince 3 friends to come along, including a photographer and a bicycle mechanic (you never know!).
So at 9am Marco, Paolo and Luca and I set off in not perfect weather conditions. There's no lack of enthusiasm but as the stages are long we try not to exhaust ourselves straight away. With the Brenva facing us we cycle uphill to Val Veny and chat whilst coasting along the flat to Visaille and then concentrate on the climb to Combal.
From here to the Colle della Seigne, passing by the Elisabetta Refuge, we're constantly having to stop. Not because we're tired but because we can't ignore the spectacular scenery and have to take photos.
Following a group photo at the col (courtesy of a Japanese tourist) we enjoy the splendid descent, initially on a path and then a wider track we speed down to Le Chapieux and a good French lunch.
Following lunch and a digestive drink we calmy set off along the track (dirt and tarmac) to Corma di Roseland and then down to the Roseland lake. We climb over a small pass and then after a long steady ascent, a bit of a push towards the end, finally reach col de la Gitte. Here we discover it's not totally clear where the path goes, it's misty and cloudy, but thanks to a good sense of direction (mine) we make our way to col du Joly.
One more descent to go and the weather seems to be holding up. The tract is technical, unpredictable and fun. It's 17.30 when we get to the baita at Nant Borrant but it's so charming that we stop for half an hour! At 18.30 we reach our lodgings at Contamine just as it starts raining. A quick shower, supper and seeing as nobody's keen on going dancing we have a herbal tea nightcap and then everybody is off to bed. See you tomorrow.
It rains overnight but the morning seems to be wet but clearing. A short stretch warms us up and several ramps wakes us up and slowly, slowly we reach col de Voza. Only Paolo made it to the top without getting off to push, congratulations!! It is a beautiful spot and whilst sitting at the inevitable bar we admire the little train making its way up through the clouds around Mont Blanc to the Nid d'Aigle.
The descent to Les Houches isn't that exciting whilst the path to Sali and down to Chamonix is amazing!!
A quick stop at the pastry shop for tea and cakes and a rest enjoying the view. But as we don't want to waste time, following the series of tracks and paths to reach Le Tour we then take the lifts to col de Balme, thus reducing the time of this long leg.
The descent is steep and technical and we are applauded by a group of walkers who can't believe anybody could cycle along such difficult paths. From Trient we continue on to col de Balme and then enjoy the easy descent on the path to the Grand St Bernard road. The last climb on tarmac takes us to Champex and freezing cold conditions. It's 6pm again today!
The village is very "Swiss" with its little lake. We stop because we're tired and it's cold outside though the inn is neither hospitable nor the food good.
A look outside the following morning makes us decide to wear trousers and as many layers as possible including a wind proof jacket (there's a frost outside and we've got to go downhill).
The path is first class and fun. We start to climb up the Swiss Val Ferret along stunning tracks and paths. Two stops at La Fouly and la Peula and only Paolo and Luca manage to reach the col Feret without getting off their bikes. Marco and I manage to hold our own on the descent leaving them a fair way behind!!! I forget to mention that even with the cold and wind we managed to take lots of photos: the Jorasses, the Dolent, the Dente del Gigante, Mont Blanc, etc.
We continue along Val Ferret half way up the side of the valley at about 2000mt. passing by the Elena and Bonatti refuges. This stretch seems made on purpose for mtbs. One last challenge on the path to Courmayeur, try not to put a foot to the ground, have fun and see you for the next adventure.
Still on the subject, doesn't it make you want to set off too!?!
Ciao everyone from Gianfranco, Marco, Paolo and Luca.
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Modified 28/11/2008 14:39
