La Tour des ChiensThe fortified house of Arvilliers, known as the "Tour des Chiens", stands at the foot of Mont Saint-Eynard in the Chartreuse region, at an altitude of 530 m.

I really didn't fancy going out, it has been grey and cold for days but at least it wasn't raining. Thankful for small mercys.

As there is little snow locally I decided to get the road bike out and go up the Col du Coq as far as I could before sunset.

Not a day I fancied going out much. Decided to revisit the climb of Mont Thou but registered my slowed time of the autumn despite feeling okay. Probably the cold compared to earlier in the year.

Saturday ride up to Mont Thou where the large radar ball is located. Slopes a bit more acceptable/even on this side of the hill.

Ride to work but staying on the Chartreuse side of the valley to allow a bail out if time was a problem 1h11 for the ride so leaving at 7.30 was in work for 8.40.

I've got the summer road bike fixed and working so decided to take it out for a spin. first real climbing this year and a return to an old favourite.

The Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo is the only mountain pass that links the Italian Aoste valley from the Tarentaise.

DescriptionA 730 meter climb from Voreppe on this hidden gem. The gradient is a leg breaking 11% average (4km over 12%) with ramps of 17%.

Start on the round-about at the end of the Via Renco on the NW outskirts of Verbania. Climb to the Alpine village of Miazinna, Alpe Pala and the war memorial.