Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues - Lure - Peipin

A very nice bike ride to and over the top of Montagne de Lure, the little brother of Mont Ventoux. The ride starts at the foot of Montagne de Lure in Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues with an 18 km climb to the top. A height difference of 1000 m is to be bridged. The road is in very good condition and virtually free of car traffic. The slope is quite constant in the order of 7%. The last few kilometers are almost flat. Once at the top, a descent of some thirty kilometers begins on the north side of the mountain. Initially it goes down quite steeply, but once past the hairpin bends the road becomes wider and less steep. The northern flank of the mountain is steep and offers very spectacular views in places. Past Valbelle the ride follows the beautiful Jabron River downstream to its mouth in the Durance. From the Durance valley begins a light and very gradual climb back towards the starting point. Once past Mallefougasse, the last 12 kilometers are almost flat.