June 29, 2015 Read time - 3 minutes It's time to claim your crown. There are many reasons to climb a mountain. There are the spectacular, vertiginous views from the summit, clouds spread beneath your feet and pierced by the odd neighbouring peak. Then there’s the sense of challenge, and the lung-heaving, leg wobbling feeling of euphoria on cresting the final rise. There might also be a really good cafe at the top. Or perhaps we just do it “because it’s there”, as mountaineer George Mallory said of Everest. Summit Rides Making the climb on two wheels can only add further spice to the challenge. Tackle one of these five mighty ascents and you will be truly ready to claim your crown – and your polka dot jersey – as King or Queen of the Mountains. Col de la Bonnette, 2802m France Col de la Bonnette The Tour de France can be turned on its head when riders reach the mountains and the climbers launch their attacks. For the stout of heart, Col de la Bonnette stands as the highest col in Europe at 2,802m. Starting from Isola, the day’s 2,394m of climbs are balanced by a breezy 3,259m of descents, but don’t get too comfortable; there are many more famous names to take on in subsequent days. Alpe d'Huez, Croix de Fer, Galibier, Izoard, and more, will keep you on your toes. Ride it: The Alpine Cols of the Tour de France Mont Ventoux, 1912m France Exodus Cycling Experts at Le Sommet The Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux can set even the hardiest cyclists’ knees a-tremble, and riders in the Tour de France have been pitted against the peak on 15 gruelling occasions. On its way to the summit, the road winds through the chiselled curves of the Gorges de la Nesque, to the town of Bedoin, which provides the launch point for the assault on the summit. From there, a mere 21.5km of climbing at an average 7.5% gradient separates you from your celebratory drink at the top. Ride it: Mont Ventoux Cycling Weekend Khardung La, 5602m India Cyclist dwarfed by the Khardung La, India The Khardung pass makes most of the mountains of Europe look like a child’s sandcastles. At 5,602m it is one of the highest passes in the world that a car can crawl over without the engine dying of asphyxiation; but where cars die, cyclists continue unfazed. Starting deep in the Himalayas at the city of Leh, the route winds gradually higher into the thinning air. From the top, drink in the enormity of the view, jagged peaks and azure skies in all directions, then freewheel all the way down. Ride it: Manali to Leh Ride Nuwara Eliya, 1893m Sri Lanka Exodus' Olly Leicester, Australia Sales Expert The highest town in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya sits on the slopes of Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, amid the clouds and the rolling terraces of the tea plantations. It’s an 82km ride from Kandy to the old colonial hill station, where many of the buildings the British left behind – and their lawns – have been carefully preserved. During the ride, the air cools to a temperature that is good both for cycling and for growing what is reputed to be some of the finest tea on the island. Ride it: Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka Tizi n'Tazzazert Pass, 2200m Morocco Bikers, Morocco Rising out of the desert like oversized termite mounds, the rugged red pillars of Morocco’s Jebel Sahro set the backdrop for this 16km ride to the Tizi n'Tazzazert pass. The route takes in the rock formations at Bab n’Ali – bab meaning ‘gate’, this one is formed by two great stacks of rock, rising towards the sky. Having gained nearly a kilometre of elevation to reach the pass, look out at the snow-capped High Atlas mountains, and enjoy a well-earned rest. Ride it: Atlas Descent This article was written for Exodus by journalist, traveller and guest writer Dan Hinge. Discover more summit rides below and start planning your next cycling climb.
Alpine Cols of the Tour de France 13 reviews A spectacular cycling route through the Italian and French Alps Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging / Tough 8 Days from $1,949 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Mont Ventoux Cycling Weekend 19 reviews Climb one of the Tour de France's most iconic mountains Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging / Tough Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Manali to Leh Ride 19 reviews The ride of your life - cycle six passes amidst the breathtaking Indian Himalaya! Cycling Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Tough 15 Days from $3,379 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka 156 reviews Explore rich Sri Lankan history and culture by bike Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 14 Days from $2,799 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Atlas Descent 56 reviews Take in the incredibly varied and dramatic scenery of Morocco. Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 8 Days from $1,799 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycle Morocco's Great South 43 reviews Pedal through Morocco from the Atlas Mountains to the coast Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 9 Days from $1,799 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Hilltop Villages of Provence Self-Guided Cycling Enjoy a taste of Provence's famous hilltop villages which dot the breath-taking, lavender-scented Luberon region. Cycling Suitable for: Age 8+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 7 Days from $2,049 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details