I'd never done the climb to the Granier via la Petite Montagne before and neither had Mike who lives near the foot of the climb.

North to South, or South to North? That is the question and it is not entirely simple to resolve.

The idea was to take the road above Luzzogno towards Alpe Busca as far as it is surfaced. But I was unsure of the route above Luzzogno so took the Inuggio road instead.

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.

Note: this road is closed in the winter months. It is also poorly surfaced before the main Allevard road.This used to be a departmental road but has been abandoned to the elements for a dozen years.

I'd never cycled up to Scareno before and to be honest, there isn't much reason to. It is a long way up a big of a rough road.

Well not really storming but more grovelling with a time of around 16 minutes to the top. It is a very very steep climb for the first 1km.

The route stars in Bellagio on the classic Ghisallo climb. The first few km are around 14% gradient. As the road flattens a bit (everything is relative) take a right turn to San Primo.

Climbing a bit better today. Also front tire stayed inflated. Climbed with a 34x24 on the steep segments, which is better. Good descent to St Nazaire with no traffic.

Spent a few hours trying to sought out my tubeless tires for the summer.