Balcon de Passy, St Gervais les Bains, and Megeve

Looking for my first longer ride I had my sites set on Megeve.  The route starts by following the same path past Les Houches, through Vaudagnes, and past Servoz.  When I got to Les Houches I rode up on mane named Thierry.  Thierry is a local from St. Gervais, owns a couple grocery stores, and more importantly became my riding partner and guide for the next 20-miles or so.  In addition to that it was great conversation.

Just past Servoz it skirts around the town of Passy climbing up through a natural reserve on a path known as the "Balcon de Passy".  As I began the downhill I found an oportune time to take a photo of the valley below.  In the distance is the town of St. Gervais les Bains.  To the left is the freeway that continues out of the picture curving around the mountain on the way to Chamonix.  Part way up the hill you can see another town.  That is also part of St. Gervais which is where I'm headed after I get off the "balcony".  Once at the top of St. Gervais I'll head to the mountain on the right to the town of Megeve.

 After climbing up St. Gervais Thierry was at his destination.  He gave me a nice firm handshake and wished me well.  I continued on to Megeve.  On route to Megeve I did my best at a self-portrait showing the valley below.  Same valley as the other picture, just captured from the other side this time.  Just out of frame are all the grazing cattle. 

By the time I made it to Megeve it was getting late.  I was a little disappointed since the Italian border was only about 10 miles further.  Would've been fun to say that I rode my bike to Italy today, but that will have to wait.  Now the trek back.  I took a quick shot downhilling out of Megeve.