Thanks for sharing more photos and trip stories! Amazing and inspiring journey.
Yes, we must keep moving 
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After the Iseran, it was off to âLiisaâs lakeâ aka Lac de Bourget. Liisa claimed the lake in 2013, after we had a lovely quick visit with lunch. The weather was quite warm and sunny in July so Liisa went for a swim in the glorious region. We camped in Aix les Bains and we met with some rain. Undeterred, we gathered up a picnic and went to the lakeshore. We had a nice snack. We stayed a few nights here and had thought of riding around this lake, though the path was under construction so the riding was not appealing. We visited Chambery and found a few nice diversions.
âFor the Love of PAIN! â
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The rains were persistent for a few days and we rolled into the Chartreuse Massif stopping in the main village of St. Pierre de Chartreuse. I had the experience some 40 years ago, to stay near the Col du Coq near Grenoble. A friendâs family owned the small ski area and lodge there. I have some great memories from there, all from winter time. I had wanted to revisit the Col by bike and this happened in very cool/cold damp conditions. I had never approached the Col from this direction and never at all by bicycle. It was foggy/ misty/ rainy and became the coldest ride I had to this point (though not the coldest ride of the trip-later). Meanwhile, Liisa explored the steep, damp trails on foot. The monks responsible for the famous Chartreuse Liquers have their massive monastery in the area. The liquid is not produced here, though the secret recipe is secured here. Certainly no one was willing to speak about it in the ZONE OF SILENCE. https://www.chartreuse-tourisme.com/en/essentials/summer/monastery-of-the-grande-chartreuse/
Also if you are ever in the area, the stunning contemporary religious art work of Arcabas in the church at Saint Hugues is a must see. It is remarkable and not like anything I have seen. Musée Arcabas en Chartreuse | Portail des Musées
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From St Pierre, we drove over the TdF veteran Col de Porte towards the most famous climb of the trip thus far. The rain persisted as did we towards Le Bourg dâOisans. We had THE BEST camping spot in town as it is close to the village as well as the climb and near to the IntermarchĂ©. There was the promise of fine weather and this promise was fulfilled. We had our typical late morning departure after breakfast & necessities. Our climbs began together, then as planned we rode after the first few switchbacks on our own effort. What a great experience! We each had a fine day out. I continued up and over the Col de Sarenne and into the remarkably steep VallĂ©e Ferrand. This was a wild and remote ride. I remember thinking that I was glad to be descending this rather than ascending. I have now learned that this is part of Stage 20 of the 2026 TdF- yikes.
Since I had to loop around back to camp my climbing continued to the so-called Balcony Road between Auris and the Alpe dâHuez climb. We had driven this the opposite way in 2013 just before the Tour then. Liisa was understandably concerned with the sheer cliff while a passenger then. I had âthe williesâ riding the rock strewn carved-into-rock-face road. Amazing day!
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Weâre having an excellent start of winter here. Trails are well maintained by volunteers near my place. Fatbike is so much fun! I love to get there during the evening, less people on the trails. With a good front lamp, you can see pretty well. Some are really narrow, however, if you miss judge a turn. Falling is the snow is less painful than on the road/dirt 
Bike : Spherik SF3 / tire 27.5x4.5 - 4psi
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Looks pretty magical! Enjoyđ”đ»
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Here another outdoor winter ride. This time it is a trail with decorations the entire length. Pretty sympathetic place the ride.
PS. Sometime I cycle during day light
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