Nestled in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes and surrounded by a veritable who’s who of mountain peaks like the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez, the Col de la Croix de Fer may not be quite as well known as its more celebrated siblings, but that’s not to say it’s any less spectacular.

There’s a certain sense of freedom that the Croix de Fer instils deep inside. Is it the personal fulfilment of the challenge ahead, or the feeling of escaping the everyday to explore nature aboard two wheels once more? Waterfalls tumbling towards the valley far below, with little more than the sound of your own breath for company as the road unfolds to reveal a remoteness that’s sure to soothe your soul. If you ever need to be reminded exactly why you ride a bike, then take a few moments to watch this inspirational Col Collective video.