Well, can you?

Grab a pen and a plain piece of paper and try.

Below you can see my recent effort from earlier in the summer.

What do you mean it doesn’t look that impressive?

That line truly is a perfect circle – you just have to look at it from another angle.

What if I told you that this circle has a circumference of 120km?

And if you stand at pretty much any point on that circumference, you’re going to have some of the greatest views you will ever see. Interested?

And what’s more, if you look at it side on, this circle has an undulating profile totaling 3,423 vertical metres.

This circle takes in 3 incredible alpine cols over 2000m and we rode them all on our Southern Alps trip in June.

Leaving from Barcelonnette, the Col d’Allos was closed to cars due to some works, so we were privileged to ride this beauty with zero road traffic. The weather wasn’t ideal in the morning, but the low hanging clouds gave the valley a very atmospheric appearance. A few of us started earlier with the expectation our quicker riders would catch us at the lunch spot. The weather improved as we climbed up into what felt like a true wilderness.

Cresting the col we saw why the road was closed to cars.

Once past the works the descent from Allos ski station was fun and fast.

We very quickly arrived in Colmars and almost missed the turn up the tiny road to start the Col des Champs. It was like turning up someone’s driveway, the first few kms were hairpin heaven. Pretty much car free again, but unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse as we reached the col sign.

Peals of thunder were echoing around the peaks and definitely getting closer. We quickly threw on rain jackets and made for the lunch spot in St Martin d’Entraunes. We weren’t quick enough and got pelted with hailstones and heavy rain most of the way down the descent.

Thankfully everyone arrived safely (if a little wet) and we shivered our way through lunch under a thoughtfully provided tarpaulin outside the Mairie.

I was particularly affected by the cold and took an age to warm up (the 3 towels and sleeping bag helped!).

Once the rain stopped, we headed off for the final col of the day, the Col de Cayolle. The weather really improved as we rode the valley towards the foot of the climb. I unfortunately had nothing left to give and had to jump in the van to get to the top. Another absolutely stunning road which I can’t wait to ride on my bike, as the view from the van was incredible. Waterfalls, marmottes, sheer rock faces, and all in the sunshine.

I did manage the descent however – and was I ever glad I decided to jump back on my bike. Simply the best 30km downhill I’ve ever done.

So you can see, while it may not have looked perfect at first glance, the experience of that 120km circumference is truly special.

Come draw your own circle with us next year and experience for yourself how perfect it really is.

Can you draw a perfect circle?

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