Published by Lyn on 27 May 2014
In this guest blog, Ali Gibb reports from Morzine, where she's been out christening the cols in May.
After a warm start to spring, and despite snow and rain at the beginning of May, many of the cols around Morzine are clear and in great nick to ride. It really is a beautiful time of year around here with the meadows lower down full of alpine flowers, the deciduous trees bright green against the darker pines, quiet roads and a perfect riding temperature.
We had heard a rumour that, although the Col de Joux Plane was officially still closed, there was only a small amount of snow on the Morzine side to cross and the rest was clear. The Joux Plane climb from Samoens became a bit infamous after Lance Armstrong blew up/out on it in the 2000 Tour de France and effectively lost the Tour there.
It doesn’t seem that hard when you look at its numbers – 11.6km long at an average of about 8.5%, but with a short sharp 13% section in the middle and not much respite after it feels much steeper. It’s also very exposed to the sun with few shady patches so you really feel the heat bouncing back at you from the road on a hot sunny day.
Being the beginning of the season I committed all the usual errors - not enough water, no suncream, and eyes stronger for my legs, for now. I’m glad to report that we did make it over the col in one piece but it was only just, the climb felt much harder than I remember it being last year.
Other cols that are clear and open are Col de la Ramaz, Col de l’Encrenaz, Col de Corbier, Col de Grande Taillet, Pas de Morgins and the Morzine Avoriaz climb.
Ali Gibb is part of the 44South team that runs cycling holidays out of Morzine. She is one of those lucky people who get to cycle all day for both work and play.
Cycling in Morzine
For more on cycling the Alps around Morzine, see here.
See our Organised tours section for guided and self-guided rides in the Alps, including some from 44South.
For accommodation for cycling in Morzine or elsewhere in the Alps, zoom in to our map below.