Nestled in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes and surrounded by a veritable who’s who of mountain peaks like the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez, the Col de la Croix de Fer may not be quite as well known as its more celebrated siblings but that’s not to say it’s any less of a spectacle, quite the opposite in fact. There’s a certain sense of freedom that the Croix de Fer instils deep inside. Is it the personal fulfilment of the challenge ahead or the feeling of escaping the everyday to explore nature aboard two wheels once more?

Waterfalls tumbling towards the valley far below with little more than the sound of your own breath for company as the road unfolds to reveal a remoteness that’s sure to soothe your soul. If you ever need to be reminded exactly why you ride a bike then the Pass of the Iron Cross, as it’s known in English, will not only help you find the answer to this but I’m sure in its own special way it’ll unlock the answers to a whole lot more at the same time.

Stay well, ride safe and enjoy!

Mike