Nendaz to Sievez cycle

Mike at start of grassy path after mid morning break with gnome

Link to detailed route page and map click on route title 

A cycle that we have done several times in the past is from Nendaz to Siviez via the forest tracks above Les Cleves. We have both found parts of this ride challenging in the past so interested to see how we would cope today, given all the exercise and cycling we have done recently. Verdict we are much fitter than we used to be when we were both desk bound!!

The initial section went really well, we climbed the first 250 odd meters to the point where we cross the ski run in less than half an hour (just over 3km) and then had a break on a nicely placed plank of wood, temporary seat, and admired the views of the valley. More up, some harder than what we had done but I would have got all the way had I not derailed my chain whilst trying to change gear, just short of the high point!  Easier to then push my bike and get back on at the top for a lovely downhill section. As Mike said a brute on the way back.

Enjoyed the ride up to the tunnel, a slightly uphill gradient on a good surface through the forest with views across to Verry and the Printse valley (where we enjoy hiking along the Bisse de Salins and Grande Bisse de Vex). Glad to have my light to go through the tunnel, if I go slowly it provides just enough of a glow to see where I am going!

After the tunnel we had a short break in the shade of some trees and rocks, where on looking around I saw this marvellous gnome placed on an old tree stump! From here up a grassy path (yuck) and then into Siviez where we stopped for an excellent coffee at the Chez Odette pizzeria. I had made sarnies for lunch but was very tempted by their pizza, salads looked good too. Will have to return sometime for lunch! Instead we headed up the valley a short way to enjoy our sarnies looking out over the Tortin valley.

Good cycle back, Mike hoped to catch the Liverpool match on TV but it was not screened. Happy that they won and are on top of the table on goal difference. He listened to the Cricket instead. Second test against India at Lords which England won convincingly. I did some patching of my hiking shorts, so they are decent again – a task I have been putting off.