Alps, Day 3: Took Mrs D into Annecy this morning for market day, so didn't have as much time to play with from sunrise to breakfast time. So opted to do a "Tour du Lac" instead of taking on any cols this morning. Last year I was so taken with the Annecy to Ugine cycle path, running along the West shore of lake Annecy, that I posted an article on the subject (Hope the link works):
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/i...paths-theyd-be-like-the-one-in-annecy.187481/
My only reservation about cycling around the lake was the horrible traffic on the on-road section at the Southern section of the East shore. And so it was with a little trepidation that I set out this morning to do my own version of the 2013 TdF time trial route (only much slower than Bradley Wiggins did it). Set out at sunrise with my lights on and wearing my brightest (Gloucester Rugby Club) cycling jersey. It came as a rather nasty surprise that this road is a commuter rat run between 7:15 and 7:45 in the morning, and I got buzzed by several close passes that made it an uncomfortable experience. At least the lake shore views went some way towards making up for it:
By the time I reached the village of Angon, the day was getting brighter, and I was pleased to find a new section of lakeside cycle path with viewing platforms and boardwalks:
Had another nasty surprise when I got to Talloires and found that the cycle lane stopped abruptly, then switched to the opposite carriageway. Took a couple of minutes to get across the road, then I set off up a long straight hill that suddenly morphed into a proper climb with switchbacks ... I'd forgotten about having to climb up and over the Roc de Chere. This was followed by a lovely new tarmac surfaced cycle path that plunged back down straight as an arrow into Menthon St Bernard. However, it looked a bit of a death trap to me, as it was crossed by dozens of entrances to private driveways, any one of which could have had a car coming out of it at this time of day. (Wouldn't get past elf & safety back home). What's more, the path appeared to then end abruptly and completely for a couple of miles, leaving me at the mercy of the rat race traffic breathing down my neck. Not pleasant at all. I'm not at all sure whether there was any cycle path, but I had just not seen where it had gone .... my full concentration had been on the traffic, so I may have just got lost. Was pleased to see the path return at Veyrier and onwards into Annecy:
I stopped off to take a picture of the marina and the castle, (wearing my Gloucester Rugby Club cycle jersey, you will recall), and had just got going again when the peace was shattered by a loud call of "GLAWW-STERRR!" from who knows where.
I looked around but couldn't tell whether it was a pedestrian or a passenger in a passing car. Small world though. I knew the way from here, and positively bombed back to Doussard along the familiar West shore, overtaking dozens of other cyclists on the way. These were the familiar sights of the old railway tunnel at Duingt:
and the old railway station at Bredannaz (complete with facilities for cyclists, and directly opposite a cyclists' cafe):
Got back in good time to find the drizzle of yesterday was a thing of the past, and another glorious sunny day was here.
For the record, the round trip was 25.1 miles, which I did in about two and a half hours, stopping repeatedly to take in the views and take photos. Also had to stop at one point in Annecy for a cyclist-specific traffic light. (Bradley never had that to contend with).
I must say I didn't much enjoy the East side of the lake, despite the terrific views. It is a rat run (particularly early in the morning), and I would not recommend it for family cycling. (Stick to the West side). I understand they are planning to extend the path all the way round the lake, and work is already well under way. On the one hand that would be a welcome move. On the other, being also a keen motoring tourist, it would also be a shame. There are currently loads of places on the East shore where you can pull over and park for free right by the water, and people park there all day to have picnics and go swimming. There are plenty of councils in England that would charge a packet in parking fees for that, and it would be something of a loss if the parking spaces were replaced by another cycle path.
Oh well, back to the mountains tomorrow. (Plan to do the Col de Leschaux, having stopped irritatingly just short of the col last year, without realising it).
Cheers, Donger.
He was almost finished and was heading back so I continued on my original route.
but a good rife in though
.
Took it into the shop with me then back to the marina so not far and it's folded and sitting in the boat ready for tomorrow's commute to work now 
