For all the pedal pushers out there that love long distance cycling. There are no gear requirements and no 'minimum distances' here.
Have you ridden for a cheeky overnighter or a 3 year global trek? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.
Have you got panniers, bikepacking bags or just a backpack with the essentials? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.
Have you got the latest in carbon engineering or your dads old 10 speed from the 70's? Doesn't matter, you're welcome here.
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Won't be getting any higher, at least not on this trip. On the Cime de la Bonette.
Riding mountains gives me a crazy high, the combination of exercise and the views that come up. There are places where you can get similar views "for free", without the work, but for me the feeling does not really compare.
Drying my tent halfway up, eating some pain au chocolats in the mean time.You can see the road of the Cime (*edit: contour in the snow) in the background, i did not even realize while i was there.
So cool! Thats near me, i should go there :)
Yeah, you absolutely should, or col de la cayolle, also beautiful, less high but mellow climb from Barcelonette.
Cayolle
Or col d'allos, it is currently closed so you get to cycle it traffic free, apart some other cyclists (construction is only between the pass and La Foux, but it is ridable with care).
Oh man, i am envious of your location, what a place the mercantour is.
Thank you for the photo! Yeah, the mercantour is amazing, but I'm far too weak to go there by bike. No, let me rephrase that: i could go there, but I wouldnt have the force to come back in the same day! I could make a short 2 days trip, but im still quite dubious about bikepacking. What if there's some wild animals that during the night come bother me? What if it rains? And so on..
Anyway, I have some videos of my website, if you want to check them out: https://estebiu.com/drone/
You can just roll back, no force needed :) lots of people ride one way up and down. Or if you're north of those passes you could also do a round like Bonette, then down via col de moutiers (gravel) then continue to descend the lower part of cayolle ramp, like this. I'm sure it would be an incredible day, take your time, don't power yourself out at the bottom, have low gears and bring something to eat and sugary snacks. Amazing stuff.
As for a bikepacking tour i think you should plan riding a route des grandes alpes variants for your next holidays, and bring your drone too :) Lots of campsites on the way, no need to wild camp. But thunderstorm high up is scary shit.
Nice videos of great looking places!
Thank you for your suggestions! I've been doing medium size rides lately (70-80km, up the mountains then back) training and building up stamina. When I'll be sure I can do it, I'll try to go up there :) (Im on Cannes, btw)