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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
Climbing
This is a beautiful itinerary over one of the most spectacular roads of l’Oisans, the ’route de la Roche’ (rocky road) which was opened in 1902. The stretch of road up to La Garde is particularly testing; but you will then find a good rhythm. After l’Armentier-le-Haut, your wheels will be "astounded" at the wonderful view of the valley spread out before you! Not recommended for cyclists who are prone to vertigo!
From Bourg-d’Oisans cycle up to La Garde-en-Oisans, following the road to Alpe-d’Huez; then take the D211a to Auris-en-Oisans. Go through Armentier-le-Haut and then follow the road to Le Chatain and Le Freney-d’Oisans. You can stop off for a break in Auris, 5 km further up. Then cycle back to Bourg-d’Oisans on the RN91.
That little bit further
From Armentier-le-Haut go to Maronne (3 km uphill and an extra 300 m difference in height) and visit the Rosai Chapel. From here you will have a spectacular view on the gorges of Sarenne!
MYTHOLOGY: The ‘Bouames’ of l’Oisans
The ’bouames’ are found in many stories about l’Oisans. According to those tales, they were short men with very big heads living in the crevices of the rocks. They would be accused of many things: stealing rabbits and chickens, linen, potatoes and wheat. They are also said to have stolen babies. This is why, even today, you can still see iron bars, sometimes even reinforced with metal grids, on the windows of the houses in Le Freney-d’Oisans, Mizoen and Besse-en-Oisans, since the ’bouames’ were entering people’s houses and stealing babies which they would then bring up as their own. The fear of the ’bouames’ was firmly rooted in people’s minds. However, the inhabitants of l’Oisans had regular contact with them and would exchange services with them in an attempt to "tame" them.
"I’d rather ride a bicycle than a horse. Its brakes are easier to control." Lambert Jeffries
