First into the Rhône-Valley to Bex and Monthey. At Pas de Morgins (1369m) we crossed into France...then via Châtel and Abondance across the Col du Corbier (1235m) to Morzine.
One knows when the French border is crossed...signage becomes problematic to non-exist and it’s wise to get used to the French road-numbering system.
Instead of crossing the Col de Joux Plane we finished up at the Lac de Mines d’Or.

Despite it being a very pretty setting, the road ends here and it was back to Morzine. ViaTaninges („Route de Grand Alpes“) and Samoëns to the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, a 4km long and up to 700m high cliff face dotted with waterfalls.

After lunch it’s past Cluses to the Col de la Colombiére (1613m) and  on towards Annecy.

Today starts with a challenge...Grenoble is a scouts nightmare. Tacking south , it’s first across the Col du Cucheron (1139m) and the Col de Porte (1326m).
The right-turn to Sarcenas presents a great view across the city of Grenoble.

A right turn in town got us across the Isère River and onto N 532 on the other side of the valley.
Easy to find the way twards Villard-de-Lans from here... Past Villard-de-Lans are the Gorges de la Bournes, a very impressive gorge. Via Pont-en-Royans to Auberivēs-en-Royans, and left up the Col Gaudissart (840m) to the Combe Laval.

This stretch belongs decidedly into the „jewels-of-the-trip“ category...the views from Combe Laval, the sheer vertical drop...it’s breathtaking !!

Another obligatory stop was at the  Col de la Machine (1015m) „4 bikes at the Col de la Machine!“
Still tacking south, the Col de Lachau (1337m) followed by the Col de St. Alexis (1222m) and across the spectacular Col de Rousset (1254m) to Die and Châtillon. In Menée (start of the Col de Menée) it was left to the Cirque d’Archiane, a 14 km long rock-bowl with 1000m high cliffs...the setting reminds of old Western-movies....expecting a bunch of Indians behind every bush
Across the  Col de Menée (1457m) and Col du Prayet (1197m) the road drops into the valley at Clelles. Just out of mens, Dietmar realized that he was short on fuel (carrying all that extra-weight of the camp-kitchen) ...the consequent search for a petrol station also got the shopping done in one hit.

The last pass of the day was the Col Accarias (892m) and everyone baulked at the thought of another stop, even though the bungee-jump off a bridge near La Mure might’ve been worth it...a few more kilometers to Valbonnais got us to the very generous camp site at a small lake.
Despite Dietmars language skills and the initially assigned camp spot, the owner lateron decided to move us to another place as a bigger group was expected...
As compensation for the trouble we got some showers tokens.
It seems to be a popular place, (especially with Dutch travellers)... however, it’s certainly recommendable due to it’s location at the lake and pretty surrounds.
The lake also offered a welcome dip after a long day in the saddle...

The travel continues...following the valley, the Col d’Ornon (1371m) to le Bourg-d’Oisans is first.... then via la Grave and the Col du Lautaret (2058m) to Briancon.

Then the Col d’Izoard (2360m), despite Werner’s effort to miss the turn-off, hehe...
running straight into some drizzle...time for the wet-gear.
But not for long... things started to get steamy at the top as the sun came out. Pity those guys coming up the other side on their push-bikes.
Guillestre is the next target, then Embrun and to Lac de Serre-Poncon, circling the lake to the west across the Col Lebraut (1110m).

Get out on page 3 of the report