On the Col de l’Espigoulier (723 m.)
Col du Petit Galibier (531 m.)
Warming up on the Col de l’Espigoulier (723 m.) just outside Marseille, its twisty route winding up Mont Sainte-Baume has been my choice many times for a refresher workout when I’ve been a bit ring-rusty on the bike. First-gear bends galore!
Down the similarly challenging north side, then a stop for an old-style pain-aux-raisons and coffee at an artisan boulangerie. Next hill, Col du Pas de la Couelle (531 m.) is known as the Petit Galibier for its steep zigzags through the forest of black pine trees on the Montagne du Regagnas (715 m.).
Crossing the trunk roads to Nice at Trets with the massive rock of Mont Sainte-Victoire (1011 m.) looming above the vines of Cotes de Provence. Stop for a picnic lunch outside Puyloubier, enjoying the mild autumn sunshine.
Returning a non-direct route, crossing the back of Mont Sainte-Victoire through low oak forest and scrub, then head down in the bubble of my CBR600RR, taking on one of the best straight-line roads in the region, the D3 between Rians and St-Maximim.
Great biking!
Gemeos, old-style pain-aux-raisons and coffee
Snack lunch at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire, amongst vines of Cotes de Provence
D3 between Rians and St-Maximim