Murianette then over to the Combe de Lancey via the Revel - le Mont backroad. Seriously why make life easy when you can make it hard. The "tres amigos" met over at B.

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%.

A long ride up the valley from Omegna on a road that gets steeper and steeper. There is a cafe at the end. Monti Capello is the trail head for walks into the mountains. Road is not too busy.

This challenging climb begins in the center of Omegna. Following the lake initially you traverse the hamlet of Cireggio.

DescriptionSouth east facing but quite a bit of shade as you climb through the woods. The climb to Alpe Ompio is 7km at 8% giving 550meters total from the village of Bieno.

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.

The Bastille is an uber-steep but thankfully short climb from la Tronche in the Suburbs of Grenoble to the fortress that overlooks the city.

DescriptionClimb through the historic village of Celliers (chateau Carre etc) or via la Terrace, both are equally difficult.

Luc called me on Friday morning. Did I fancy climbing to Mont Blanc on Saturday? Interesting question.