September 1, 2023 Gravel biking is booming. So much so, in fact, that it’s not just a hype anymore: gravel has developed solid roots and will continue to grow. Why? There are many reasons, and we all have our own. For me, it’s : the chance to ride away from the ever-growing motorized traffic. I say this without animosity, because …
Gravel bikepacking in Valais
August 27, 2023 Over the last few years, I’ve been exploring Valais on my gravel bike. This region of Switzerland is already known for its great road passes and mountain bike trails. As it turns out, it also lends itself very well to gravel biking: the Valais is criss-crossed by a dense network of 4×4 roads at the foot of …
How to dress for winter riding
February 21, 2023 In a previous post, I shared my advice to keep riding in winter where we live in the Swiss Alps. In summary: you should ride on south facing roads to avoid ice, stay at low altitude in case of bad weather and moderate your efforts to avoid freezing in your sweat when riding down. Of course, “going …
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Graubünden gravel & road tour
→ 190km↑ 5670m♦ difficultStart: SplügenFinish: IlanzCountry: SwitzerlandCLIMBS: Lai da Vons (1991m), Maigelshütte (2314m), Alp Nova (2079m)A 3 day tour on quiet roads and gravel tracks in eastern SwitzerlandLocated in eastern Switzerland, the canton of Graubünden is home to some of the most beautiful road cycling passes in the Alps such as the Albula or the Umbrail. It is also a …
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Strada dell’Assietta and Colle delle Finestre
→ 139km↑ 4390m♦ difficultStart/Finish: Rifugio delle RaneCountry: ItalyCLIMBS: Colle delle Finestre (2178m)Route: Loop (clockwise)A 2 day gravel biking tour on the high military roads of PiemonteThe Strada dell’Assietta is a gravel road in Piemonte, Italy that will blow your mind. Going up and down between 2’000 and 2’500m for more than 30km, this old military road connects the ski resort …
Chablais gravel loop
→ 66km↑ 600m♦ EASYStart/Finish: BEXCountry: SWITZERLANDRoute: LooP CLIMBS: NO MAJOR CLIMB Gravel fun in the Rhone valleyThis ride is part of our “Winter riding in the Alps” collection. To learn more about it, read this story on the blog. Over last winter, I spent many hours scouting gravel roads in the …
The Strade Bianche
→ 122km↑ 1950m♦ mediumStart/Finish: PienzaCountry: ItalyCLIMBS: Monte Sante Marie (304m) Murlo (293m) Pieve a Salti (309m)Route: LoopA loop in the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia on the strade bianche, the typical white gravel roads of Tuscany featured in L’EroicaFor …
