By Bike

Cycling

  • The Jura

    The Jura Mountains rise along the France-Switzerland border and separate the great river basins of the Rhine and Rhône. High sub-alpine plateaus of fossil bearing and folding limestone, dotted with lakes and colourful wildflowers, and slopes of oak, beech, spruce, and… Continue reading

    The Jura

  • Alsace

    I had planned to spend 4 days cycling in the Vosges mountains in the west of the Alsace region. Unfortunately, I’m too sick to go long distance cycling, and only manage a few outings wandering the laneways of the old… Continue reading

    Alsace

  • To Crêt-Bérard

    Another perfect day for cycling. Despite lack of sleep, I’m compelled to ride. It’s Sunday, cyclists are everywhere! The roads are designed for bikes – there is either a shared lane or a separate lane. Cars are delightfully respectful. I… Continue reading

    To Crêt-Bérard

  • Geneva to Thonon-les-Bains

    Jet lagged. Figure a 50km ride from Geneva to Thonon-les-Bains with Geoff might help me sleep better. A beautiful spring day. We meander without a map around the southern parts of the lake, through French medieval villages, green fields dotted… Continue reading

    Geneva to Thonon-les-Bains

  • L’Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti

    The first weekend in October sees tens of thousands of pedlars and peddlers descend on the little Tuscan village of Gaiole in Chianti for a celebration of vintage bicycle culture. Bikes of all sorts here, only requisite a bike built before… Continue reading

    L’Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti

  • About the bike

    Hoffy turned 40 last year. A light and sturdy steel frame built for me by Eric Hendren in Brisbane in 1975. I was studying part-time in Canberra and a mate convinced me it was a good deal. I saved up… Continue reading

    About the bike

  • The Big One

    Bormio to Bolzano The big one. The iconic Passo dello Stelvio (2758m). From Bormio (at 1,225m) to the pass it’s a 21 km of climbing and an ascent of 1,533m. Then it’s a 111km and 2,496m descent to Bolzano (262m). How… Continue reading

    The Big One

  • Passo di Mortirolo

    Bormio to Bormio via Passo di Mortirolo The Passo di Mortirolo (1852 m.) is a high mountain pass in the Italian Alps. The road from Mazzo di Valtellina is one of the most demanding climbs in professional road bicycle racing,… Continue reading

    Passo di Mortirolo