Where does the road to Col de Menté start and end?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruisin' through the Haute-Garonne, deep in the French Pyrenees. You're not just driving; you're tackling the legendary Col de Menté and its rad little brother, Col de la Clin!
These passes are mountain classics, switchbacking their way to over 1,300 meters. We're talking serious elevation, baby! You'll find yourself carving through forests and around rocky peaks in Occitania, a region famous for its love affair with cycling.
The D44 is your weapon of choice, winding from Saint-Béat in the Garonne valley all the way to Boutx. As you leave Menté behind, the road snakes around to Col de la Clin — a slightly more rugged, under-the-radar route that keeps you up high, dodging the valley lows.
Yeah, it's paved, but this ain't no highway. The asphalt's a bit "bumpy," and those hairpin turns? There are 25 of them, each tighter than the last! You'll be workin' those lower gears, especially on the descent toward Ger de Boutx. Col de la Clin's got that hidden-gem vibe, throwin' down some seriously epic views that'll make your jaw drop.
But heads up! Those hairpins demand respect. Winter means snow and ice, turning those switchbacks into a proper challenge. Summer brings cyclists galore, so keep those eyes peeled. Fog can roll in outta nowhere, so peep the weather before you climb — rain can make that steep asphalt slick as snot. Trust me, you want to be prepared!
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moderateDriving through a roundabout in a tunnel in Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Bømlafjord Tunnel Roundabout: Norway's Underground Marvel Tucked beneath the waters of western Norway, near Eidfjord in Vestland County, sits one of the world's most mind-bending driving experiences—a fully functional roundabout *inside* a subsea tunnel. Yes, you read that right. This incredible feat of engineering lives within the Bømlafjord Tunnel (Bømlafjordtunnelen), part of the E39 highway. The tunnel connects the islands of Stord and Bømlo to the mainland and holds the distinction of being one of the world's deepest subsea tunnels. Navigating a roundabout while underwater? That's peak Norway right there. **Getting There** Simply follow the E39 highway and drive straight into the tunnel—just stick to the speed limits and road signs like you would anywhere else. The tunnel is well-lit and designed for regular highway traffic, so it's a straightforward drive despite its unusual feature. **What to Know** There's no entrance fee for the roundabout itself, though tolls may apply on the E39 depending on where you enter and exit. Vehicle type affects pricing, so check before you go. If you're on a motorbike, you can safely snap a quick photo at the roundabout. Car and larger vehicle drivers should skip the photo stop and keep moving. And pro tip: make sure your vehicle is in good condition before tackling long subsea tunnels. **The Wow Factor** Here's the kicker—this isn't even Norway's only underground roundabout. The country boasts around 14 roundabouts tucked inside tunnels, with another nearby one just north across a bridge. It's a quirky testament to Scandinavian engineering creativity and the dramatic demands of fjord-region infrastructure. For adventurous drivers, this is a genuinely unforgettable stop that perfectly captures the spirit of Norway's wild, ingenious landscape.
extremeArdibide
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ardibide Pass: A Heart-Pounding Climb in Spanish Basque Country Ready for a serious leg-burner? Ardibide is a mountain pass that'll test both your car and your nerve. Sitting at 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level in Navarre, this beast in northern Spain is not for the faint of heart. Starting from the village of Isaba, you're looking at a brutal 4.8 km push upward with nearly 685 meters of elevation gain. The road itself is concrete, which sounds reassuring until you hit those gnarly sections where the gradient hits a jaw-dropping 30%. Yeah, you read that right. While the average grade hangs around a still-intense 14.25%, those steep pitches will have you gripping the wheel and questioning your life choices in the best way possible. The cracked pavement adds to the challenge, making this an adrenaline-pumping ride through some seriously dramatic Pyrenean scenery. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's the kind of climb that demands respect, focus, and maybe a good playlist to keep your spirits up during those hair-raising switchbacks. If you're into conquering steep alpine passes, Ardibide absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
hardCabo Tiñoso
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cabo Tiñoso: Spain's Thrilling Coastal Drive Picture this: a stunning cape perched on the Spanish coastline just west of Cartagena in Murcia, where the scenery is absolutely breathtaking—but the drive? Yeah, it's definitely not for the faint of heart. The road to Cabo Tiñoso (RM-E23) is paved, though you'll definitely feel every bump along the way. Starting from the E-22 highway, you're looking at 11.9 km of pure adrenaline. This isn't your typical leisurely coastal cruise. The route is notoriously narrow in sections—we're talking single-lane situations where you're really hoping you don't meet anyone coming the other way. Seriously, if a tour coach comes barreling around a corner during those final stretches, well, good luck. Heights don't do you any favors here either. There are legitimate drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat if you're not a seasoned driver. The road twists and turns relentlessly, demanding your full attention—which means Instagram-worthy photo ops will have to wait until you're safely parked. Built back in the 1920s as a military road, Cabo Tiñoso still carries that vintage charm and character. The payoff? You'll reach the Bateria de Castillitos, an abandoned gun battery complete with massive historical cannons. Fun fact: those guns only ever fired once, way back in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Pro tip: weekends and holiday season get noticeably busier, so plan accordingly. And yes, the views are genuinely spectacular—just save the sightseeing for when the engine's off.
hardCan you drive to Alto de l’Angliru?
🇪🇸 Spain
Nestled in Asturias, Spain, Alto de l’Angliru (aka Gramonal) is a beast of a climb reaching 1,558m (5,111ft). We're talking about one of *the* most epic cycling climbs you'll ever encounter, a paved ribbon winding its way up what was once a simple cattle track. Starting from the RI-5 north of Porció, it's a mere 8.5km (5.28 miles) to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. Traffic is light, especially during the week. Prepare for some serious leg-burning because this road is STEEP! We're talking an average gradient of 10.68%, but it punches you in the gut with a max gradient of 23.5% in spots. You'll gain 908 meters in elevation, and trust me, you'll feel every single one of them. It's one of the most infamous climbs in professional cycling, known for its relentless nature. Forget about catching your breath – aside from a tiny dip early on, it's a constant uphill battle, including a brutal 21% stretch right after the slight downhill! L'Angliru isn't just steep; it's savage. It throws punch after punch with those insane 21%+ slopes, culminating in a wall-like 23.5% ramp just a couple of kilometers from the summit. And to add to the fun, expect frequent rain and fog making conditions extra spicy! Keep in mind, this road is up in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, which means winter closures are common due to snow. Even in summer, fog and rain are regular visitors.