Route des Grandes Alpes

I'm thinking of taking this in as part of my ride from London to Nice in August, but I've no idea if it's going to be feasible. I'll be touring with full camping kit and am in no rush - I've got the whole month off....I won't be fixed - I'll be on the tourer with some very low gearing!

Any thoughts?

Lucky you! I and few mates toured (in a camper van) through this area from Lausanne-Nice after our A-levels many years ago. I vividly remember the van struggling on the Cols, us eating fresh fruit and drinking cool mountain stream water as the van's engine cooled down. Super trip.

Man, that will be phenomenal. The scenery will be breathtaking.

Just back from La Marmotte, so can attest to the jaw dropping beauty of the area. Maybe consider some form of support, to haul the camping kit for the harder passes, as not only the length and gradient have to be considered, but also the thin air at that height.

Col du Galibier and others was daunting on a stripped down race bike, and with camping kit could be too much of a challenge?

That's my worry! I may try to find somewhere to camp and do day trips to take in as many as possible....

Tons of people do these roads on tourers, fully loaded or whatever. You won't be fast but you'll be fine.

That's good to hear! Slow I can do!

Just to say, I'm off on this trip tomorrow! Heading to Geneva then the RGA...should be fun. I'll blog a bit here if anyone's interested.

That is all, as you were......

Looks amazing. Good luck and happy riding!

That looks like a great trip. I've done a similar route (the Raid Alpine from Thonon-les-Bains to Antibes) and it was a fantastic experience. I hope you enjoy it and bonne route!

Steve! its been a while, my friends and I are riding this very trip in september so i'll be eager to hear your happenings during the journey, i will forward them the link for your blog. Have a good one mate!

have fun. I'm taking the easy option of flying to Nice and just doing loops from there every day. Maybe train trips further afield for a bit of variation

Looks amazing, good luck man.

worthy bump

Thanks G - it's going well, if slower than anticipated.....30-odd kg of luggage makes a difference!
Still blogging at www.powpow.co.uk

when I rode between alpe d'heuz and the galibier (d1091) the road was pretty busy with cars since its was the only main road in the area.

But riding the climbs in the area was incredible, must try and get back there soon!) The ferme noemie campsite[/URL] was excelent, its at the foot of alpe d'heuz.
[URL="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=11176058350711140097&q=alpe+dheuz+ferme+&hl=en&cd=2&cad=src:pplink&ei=ybNtTMemJ87__Qbf6O2aBQ"]

(bump) According to reports Steves has made it. What a truly fantastic achievement!

well done steves

Thanks guys! Yep, made it to Nice and feeling good. It was an amazing trip - highly recommended - pretty tough, especially with all the camping gear, but if I can do it anyone can!!!

did you lose or gain weight?

Well dome Steve looks ace.

Missed this thread but so glad it's popped up now.

After crashing out in France before riding any of the cols I'd planned, I spent the holiday reading about this and now I'm determined to do it.

Thinking of doing it a bit more lightweight than yourself Steve, looks like an awesome journey!

Props.