A few years ago I did the Tour du Mont Blanc in a day, by road bike. While I was riding it, I didn't really have time to stop and enjoy it. So last week I decided to do it slowly and at least get some capuchinos down me (I had 6 in 3 hours). Cormet de Roselend, France by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
One week before the Tour du France would pass, there were already campervans reserving their places.
I wanted to stay at the top of the cols for the night but the temperature difference was too much. I only had a 2 season bag. Col San Carlo from Morgex was a stunner and so was the train station at the start, it is half wood. The tunnels on Big Bernard were a horror. The descent of Little Bernard, French side, is one of my favorites.
BUT there is a funny side to covering the name. In Italy and some parts of France, the road riders can be very 'snobby' and refuse to say hello or even look at you. But the crosshatch reflective tape over the name makes it look like a brand they don't know, so I often catch them looking at it. They instantly look away when I catch them doing it. Makes me laugh every time.