Travel Report

Maximum potential energy

Col d'Allos, 2250m. I am at the highest point of my journey, hitherto. That means that my potential energy is at its maximum. If I fell directly down to the sea level, I'd release enough energy to throw 24 VW beetles 10 meters high. Theoretically. And the machine which brought me to the top consumes the energy of only half a litre of gasoline per day - enough for about 100-150km, including cooking, pitching the tent, singing, breathing and even thinking. Humans are the more environmental-friendly machines.

I have just triumphantly arrived at the top of the pass, sweating, tired, but proud of the performance on my first real mountain, as a French cyclist arrives from the other side on a racing bike. "1:30h", he tells me, "faster than the last time." And he adds: "That is already the 23rd time that I am ascending the Col d'Allos - my favourite pass". My own performance suddenly loses its importance.

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The ascent to the Col d'Allos is framed by two other picturesque itineraries. The day before, the azure lakes and the narrow, windy road along the breathtaking gorges cut by the river Verdon offered a fine introduction to the alpine experience.

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The day after reaching Col d'Allos, I'm crossing the franco-italian border at the rather easy but not less beautiful Col de Larche (1991m), surrounded by alpine, yellow vegetation where big herds of sheep are grazing. France bids farewell with perfect weather and a perfect cycling temperature. Italy, however, welcomes me with strong headwind and misty air.

30.09.2005 18:56h

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30.09.2005 A day with the circus (France)

17.09.2005 The training stage (France)

Travel Report

Maximum potential energy

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