Day Zero
Mountain biking one of the most famous hiking trails in the world is a challenge very hard to be refused. Three of my best friends who are engaged with enduro biking had the idea, made the planning and invited me to join them. Even though I considered myself less than amateur on this field how could I say no to such a lifetime experience? It was like hearing the Godfather saying that he would made me a proposal that it could not be rejected!
It was last days of July we flew off to Milan and drove up to Courmayeur. We arrived early afternoon and two of us tried, really hard to be honest, to rent a bike. Village had it all but bikes! Nonetheless, was vivid enough and we enjoyed our stay. Lots of restaurants and cafés. Crowded enough by people who had a different approach of summer vacation meaning.
Day One
Signs was not in favor; the moment we started biking a heavy summer shower gave us a not so warm welcome. Perhaps it was the way of Mont Blanc to wish us good luck!
Biking across Val Veny, heading South to our first pit stop at Ref. Elisabetta Soldini under the view of Glacier du Miage. After few greek lessons to Marta, here we left Italy and crossed the borders on the Col de la Seigne. Voilá, the French side Alps. Getting some energy on Ref. de la Nova for the,- you might call it “highlight of the day!”- Ref. CAF de la Croix du Bonhomme where we are supposed to spend the night.
Ref. CAF de la Croix du Bonhomme
Well behind our time schedule since ascent was way harder than we had expected. At least we did make it on time for dinner. Conditions were not so great but no complaints since we had managed to book the last four beds. Food was great but if you wish to have breakfast you have to wake up really early; earlybirds get all the good stuff and refill is not a priority there.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
Day Two
There was no luck during the second day neither . First few kilometers of the descent was quite the same awful as the previous day’s last ones in ascent. Well, between us, a hiking trail is good for,- what else?- HIKING! Hiking not biking, we got to the point… Later though things went way beyond better and we celebrated our luck with a humble picnic by the river near Les Contamines. Next stop was on the Chalet Nid’ Aigle. Apart from the reviving beer, we met, also, the Mont Blanc tramway (yes, you guess right, we were tempted to get onboard!).
Mont-Blanc Tramway
Descent was again in the beginning not so favorable but later on became one of the best parts of the route. Steep descent to Les Houches and road biking to Chamonix under heavy rain. We had booked in advanced a room in Fleur des Nieges, a good choice for budget living. We took some time off at the hotel and, then, went to the town center for an evening stroll. The town itself is simply wonderful offering you ample choices to do everything.