It is hard to beat the road riding in the Alps during the spring. The snowy mountains and lush green valleys make the scenery its most spectacular.
We cycled to Lake Annecy and back from Chamonix, not too far but we detoured to take in a couple of category 2 Tour de France climbs. Around the resort of La Clusaz just past Megeve. We enjoyed col d’Aravis then dropping to La Clusaz before passing through Manigod and Thones on a pleasant small road. It was then just a slog to the lake front.
What always surprises me is how much I enjoy big climbs in the Alps they are normally long and steady and I find a good rhythm and just keep going. Stopping for me is like defeat and makes it harder to start again. A good view at the top and sense of achievement make it worthwhile.
We stayed at http://www.beausite-talloires.com/en/ while in Talloires, dirt cheap on booking.com and a spectacular setting.
These are a few pictures from the trip;
The above waterfall was full with the spring snow melt, just off the road as we headed towards Servoz
Beautiful views along the valley in the Alps’ bright spring green colours
Descent into Thones was twisty and super long, we had in our minds that we had to re ascend this tomorrow!
Resting tired legs in the hotel’s lakeside sun loungers looking across Lac Annecy
Chapel at the top of col d’aravis