Relaxing the legs after the drive over from France. Managed not to miss the short cut turn back to Orta this time.

The Col du Rousset is just of the Freydieres climb but the lack of surface on the north side means it is rarely visited by bike. Just two other riders on Strava, both on MTBs.

A "before work" but more importantly a "before it gets too hot" tour, Almost exactly the same date as last year and same time and power, more or less.

I'd been thinking about this climb and the logistics. In the end I drove over the col and left a bike then parked at Tencin and climbed up on classic rollerskis.

A new way to the Col des Ayes for me, Via les Hurtieres (pretty climb with almost no cars) then in the village via the Col de la Croix de Theys and a 2km gravel section to rejoin les Berts and the col

The number of times I've ridden past this little dead end climb I finally decided to see where it goes. In fact the hamlet of le Frènet is quite extensive with some cute chalets etc.

Tour with the neighbours, we were after something dryish after the recent storms and the rocky Manival seemed like a good choice followed by a return on the Croix Trousset (which can be wet).

I was surprised to see that the main road is the one that goes to the lac St Guerin and the climb to the Col de Pré is just a backroad.

Ok it is well known that a number of mountain passes in Europe are suitable for late season nordic skiing or crust skiing as it is sometime called.

First time properly on inline skates for a long time.