Where is Pavé de la Croix Blanche?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, cycling fans, buckle up! Let's talk about the Pavé de la Croix Blanche, a legendary cobbled sector nestled in the Nord department of the Hauts-de-France region, France.
You'll find this beast just east of Mons-en-Pévèle, in the northern reaches of the country. This isn't just any road; it's a bone-jarring, soul-testing stretch of cobblestones that's been a staple of the Paris-Roubaix and Tour de France races. It's earned its five-star rating – the ultimate difficulty level!
Clocking in at only 3,000 meters, it might not sound like much, but don't be fooled. You'll start at 53 meters elevation and gradually climb to 63 meters, but the changing road conditions will really get you. Be warned: it's often slick and slicker with puddles of rainwater. The first 1,100 meters are decent, but then the cobbles start to get rough. The final 1,100 meters get messy as mud flows down from the surrounding fields.
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hardHow long is Cruz de Linares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the gorgeous Asturias region of Spain, ready to tackle a mountain pass called Puerto Cruz de Linares. This baby sits at 842 meters (that's 2,762 feet!) above sea level and the views? Unreal. The road itself? Totally paved, though you'll find some quirky concrete sections. Just a heads up, it gets super narrow. You'll hop off the AS-228 and then it's an 8.6 km (5.34 miles) climb to the top. Speaking of climb, this isn't a gentle stroll. We're talking about a seriously steep grade. There are sections where you'll be facing a 16% gradient and the whole thing averages out at a leg-burning 8.8%. No wonder it's been featured in the Vuelta a España! Once you reach the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic views overlooking Proaza and the Valles del Oso. Trust me, the stunning scenery is worth the effort!
moderateWhere is Collada de Carmenes?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Collada de Cármenes, a sweet mountain pass nestled in the province of León, Spain! You'll find this beauty in the Castile and León region, chilling in the northwest. It's a totally paved road (they call it LE-312) in great shape, so no need to worry about your tires. It's got some fun curves, but nothing too crazy steep – we're talking about a gentle 5-6% average incline, with a few spots that might hit 10%. Just a heads up, winter can bring some snow, so plan accordingly! This little gem stretches for about 8.5 kilometers (5.28 miles) between Carmenes and Villamanín, going east to west. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area. If you're feeling extra adventurous and have a 4x4, there's a rugged gravel road heading north to Mina La Profunda, an old copper mine. Just be warned, it's strictly 4x4 territory!
moderateWhere is Lac des Bouillouses?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Lac des Bouillouses, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 6,614 feet above sea level, nestled in the French Pyrénées! This isn't just a lake; it's a whole vibe. Created to power the country with hydroelectricity, it's the perfect spot for an early morning adventure. Trust me, you want to get there before the afternoon storms roll in—they're pretty common in summer. Now, about the road... Get ready for a winding 7.95-mile paved climb on the D60! You'll gain some serious altitude—think an average gradient of around 8.5%, with some seriously steep sections hitting 11%! They say it's the highest lake you can reach by car or cable car in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Heads up though: in the winter, this road is a no-go zone due to snow. Even in summer, there can be restrictions, especially during peak hours. The final stretch is always closed to cars, so you'll need to hop on a shuttle bus from "les Bouillouses" or take a cable car from Font-Romeu. It's worth it for those views, though!
hardHow to get by car to Devedagi Tepesi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Devedağı Tepesi is calling your name! This epic mountain pass straddles the border between Artvin and Erzurum in Turkey, and tops out at a dizzying 2,821 meters (that's over 9,255 feet!). Get ready for a wild ride! The gravel road to the summit is seriously hairpinned and bumpy—think rollercoaster, but with more rocks. Snow is a major player up here, so this road can close down without warning during the winter months. You NEED a 4x4 for this one; anything less, and you'll be kicking yourself. If heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. The trail gets steep, and even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery, loose-gravel nightmare. Bottom line: come prepared, respect the mountain, and get ready for some incredible scenery!