Col du Ballon

Did the Col du Ballon from both sides in September 2021 as part of a fantastic loop. Starting from the direction of Belley (Chazey-Bons) you enter the col at Rossilon, coming from the D1504. It's a nice climb from this side with some double digits parts, but overall not to steep. You follow the climb all they way up via Armix and Premillieu to end up on a terras at Thezillieu for some food and drinks. Then take the road to Plateau d'Hauteville, which is a nice semi-flat ride on a plateu with some nice views. In Hauteville take the descent via the D21 to Chaley. It's a fantastic descent where the road quality is perfect, the views spectacular and the Beatles' Long and Winding Road seemed to have been written for. Then follow through to Tenay, for a coffee in the sun while enjoying the beautiful views. Hop back onto the D1504 for a short piece to find the exit to Premillieu / Hostiaz to get back onto this version of the col du Ballon. This side is more challenging, but the views make up for the pain! Some parts of the climb are very small, but very limited traffic and they will be patient and only overtake where really possible. Also this descent is on a very good road surface and good oversight ahead. I left this version at Premillieu, as I'd already done the rest in the first way up, and went down via the D41C to Cheignieu la Balme to Chazey-Bons. All in all a fantastic trip!