Le Pilgrimage: A Journey of Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

Photo: @yorit_kluitman

The second edition of Le Pilgrimage: A Journey of Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

If first editions carry a sense of magic, second editions prove that an event has truly found its footing. The second edition of Le Pilgrimage, which sold out within 24 hours, attracted 40 riders and garnered attention from across the cycling community. With participants from the US, UK, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Russia, the event took on a truly international flavor.

The essence of Le Pilgrimage is more than just a cycling event; it’s a journey inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims. Known for his arduous pilgrimages through mountainous regions, Saint Roch faced many challenges, from harsh storms to treacherous paths, all while forging deep connections with locals and fellow travellers. The flavours of local cuisines, the camaraderie along the way, and the hope of a safe haven at the end of each day kept Saint Roch going on his pilgrimage. In much the same way, Le Pilgrimage offers its riders not just a physical challenge, but also the opportunity to connect with fellow pilgrims and experience the unique blend of adventure and comfort that defines the event.

Les Pilgrims:

Albert Meder, Benjamin Powell, Charles Knight, Christoph Schaller, Erik Jager, Gerdian Timmerman, Javier Angulo Guirao, Jeremy Read, Josh Reid, Josh Allen, Julia Röhl, Julie Meder, Kathrin Springet, Laurens Gilson, Lucie Denis, Matthieu Distaso, Michael den Toom, Michel Reuser, Nils van der Heide, Nina Hoogerbrugge, Paul Cook, Paul Verbist, Peter Hollebrand, Rob Grift, Samuel Powell, Sergey Ignatov, Sofie Joore, Tim Van Gemert, Timothy Flott, Tobias Reischle, Tom Buelens, Valentijn Van der Valk, Vincent Biermans, Wilco Dragt, William Bastijns, Yannick Vandenplas, Yorit Kluitman.

Photo: Raw Cycling Magazine (Javier Guirao)

Over three self-supported stages in the French and Italian Alps, riders covered a total distance of 461 kilometres and tackled almost 12,000 meters of elevation. Each stage looped back to the warm embrace of Chalet AlpeLune, the event’s base camp. After each gruelling stage, riders found not only shelter but also a sense of camaraderie, sharing delicious meals around the table each night.

Stage 1: Pays des Écrins

The event kicked off with Stage 1, featuring some of the most breathtaking climbs in the Écrins region, leading to the first Pilgrimage checkpoint at Cabane St. Jean. To reach this mountain hut hidden in the forest along the river, riders had to tackle a short but steep hike-a-bike section. The cabane, a mountain shelter for shepherds and trekkers, became a haven for the pilgrims, offering warmth, with a fireplace and a delicious cheese fondue on the stove—a well-deserved reward for their efforts. Spirits were high as everyone gathered back at base camp AlpeLune for a shared dinner, but the mood turned more serious as the weather forecast for Stage 2 was revealed.

Stage 2: Galibier & Vallée de la Clarée

Day 2 brought a dramatic shift in conditions. Snow, sub-zero temperatures, and fierce winds were predicted for the summit of the Galibier. Local authorities had already closed the Col du Galibier due to early snowfall just 24 hours before. The route was scheduled to reopen, but the real challenge was further down after the climb of Col des Rochilles, leading into the Haute Vallée de la Clarée. This section, a few kilometres of hike-a-bike over rocky terrain, ended at Refuge des Drayeres, the second checkpoint.

The innkeeper had warned that the route was dangerously icy and that descending could be treacherous. A helicopter evacuation earlier that day confirmed the difficult conditions. The pilgrims faced a tough decision: take the risk and hope that the sun would melt the icy trails, or opt for a safer, alternative route—a difficult choice for those determined to follow the intended path.

In the early morning, half of the pilgrims climbed the old Galibier route, battling fierce winds, snow-covered paths, and sub-zero temperatures. As the sun finally broke through the clouds, the descent of the Galibier began. The question remained: would the sun’s warmth be enough to melt the ice on the hike-a-bike section to the refuge? Fortunately, upon arrival, most of the ice had melted and the path was clear, as if the prayers to Saint Roch had been answered. All riders made it across safely, finding refuge, hearty food, and a well-earned rest before heading back to Chalet AlpeLune.

Stage 3: Strada dell'Assietta, Val di Susa & Monte Jafferau

Stage 3, split across two days, offered riders a new adventure as they crossed the border into Italy. A steep climb over the Colle Begino brought the pilgrims into another world—through quiet valleys and deserted villages in the Piemonte region, where time seemed to have stood still.

After a break for coffee in Sestriere, they tackled the iconic Strada dell'Assietta, a dusty alpine gravel road above 2,000 meters that winds through some of the most awe-inspiring vistas in the region. Clear skies made the views even more unforgettable—a high point, both literally and figuratively, of the pilgrimage. Following the descent of the Colle delle Finestre, some pilgrims spent the night in a hotel in Susa, while others bivouacked in the forests at the base of the next day’s climb to Caserma Grotte del Seguret, at over 2,200 meters.

At dawn, the final climb to the checkpoint awaited, following a steep military road to the old Italian barracks. Here, the pilgrims received their stamp but faced another dilemma: should they be tempted by the pilgrim’s treasure hidden in one of the tunnels of the fortress on Monte Jafferau, an extra 600-meter climb to a height of 2,800 meters, or descend to the refuge to finalize their journey? A dozen brave pilgrims took on the extra challenge and were rewarded with spectacular views and the remnants of the fort. Waiting for them was a treasure left by Saint Roch himself, offering local delicacies as a reward for their perseverance.

A long descent into the valley followed, with a final stop in Bardonecchia to sample some Italian delicacies before the return journey to the base camp. Once back, the pilgrims embraced at the finishers’ party in the chalet. As the fire crackled and new friendships were forged, every pilgrim could reflect on a journey filled with challenge, discovery, and camaraderie—one that will stay with them long after they’ve returned home.

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The third edition of Le Pilgrimage Gravel will take from August 28 to September 2 2025. Registrations open December 1 at 9:00 AM CET.

New: Le Pilgrimage Trail, a trail running journey into the French Alps. Le Pilgrimage Trail will take place in Puy-Saint-Vincent from  July 1st to 6th, 2025. Our beautiful region is crisscrossed with ancient routes that are well worth exploring. This new adventure will take pilgrims on a trail-running journey through the Écrins landscape, with Hotel Saint Roch serving as a basecamp in between stages.

Le Pilgrimage returns

Photo by @Yorit Kluitman

Le Pilgrimage 2024: The Gravel Journey Into the French Alps Returns

Get ready for Le Pilgrimage, a gravel journey in the heart of the French Alps, returning from September 12th to 17th, 2024. Following the success of last year's inaugural edition, we're gearing up for another extraordinary experience in the stunning landscapes around Puy-Saint-Vincent in the Écrins National Parc.

Simon Rosmolen, the organizer, sums it up: "Le Pilgrimage offers a unique blend of adventure, community, and comfort. It's not a race; it's a challenging journey shared with like-minded spirits."

The journey includes three self-supported stages, each looping back to the mountain basecamp at Chalet AlpeLune for shared rest, drinks, and meals. Chef Anne Pekelharing ensures Pilgrims are well-fed with fresh post-ride pastas and local daily plat du jours for dinner—perfect fuel for the next day's adventures.

"Last year's event was memorable, as co-organizer Cyril Chermin noted. The riders faced adverse weather conditions and tackled challenging gravel roads. They literally rode into the clouds forging bonds, forming friendships, and creating lasting memories."

This year's stages showcase some Pays-des-Écrins highlights, with views of glaciers, glimpses of valleys, climbs up to some of Europe's highest mountain passes the Pilgrims will also get a taste of Italy's best gravel roads and will have to conquer the infamous Strada dell'Assietta. Every stage will include memorable checkpoints like isolated mountain refuges and impressive mountain landmarks.

Choose between the Bed (€625) & Camping (€450) packages to secure a spot at the starting line at Chalet AlpeLune. Both include entry fee, rental tracker, breakfast, post-ride pasta, plat du jour and both the welcoming and finishers dinner. Chalet AlpeLune offers a sauna, hot tub, and a cozy living room with a fireplace. With only 40 spots available, interested pilgrims are encouraged to visit the event website for all package details and registrations.

Le premier Pilgrimage

Pilgrims on their way to the last checkpoint: Tunnel du Parpaillon - photo: Yorit Kluitman

The inaugural edition of Le Pilgrimage

On September 14th, a diverse group of cyclists gathered around a table for dinner in Puy-Saint-Vincent, a small mountain village in the French Alps. Among them were an Italian, a Spaniard, a handful of Dutch, a British couple, a French couple, and a Costa Rican. They were meeting for the first time and were strangers to one another. However, they shared a common passion: mountains, food, and people - and that's what brought them together.

These people, called pilgrims, were on the brink of the inaugural edition of Le Pilgrimage, a 4-day gravel journey through the French Alps. The event consisted of three challenging self-supported gravel rides, each returning to Chalet AlpeLune, which served as a basecamp where riders could relax, eat, drink, and share their tales from the trails. What unfolded was a journey along breathtaking yet demanding mountain sceneries, a test of endurance, pushing mental and physical boundaries, and the forging of friendships along the way - Like a true pilgrimage.

Pilgrims list 2023
Anna Larentis
Chris Hall
Fiona Collis
Freyman Pastor
Jan Joosse
Jorrit Kiewik
Jules de Cock
Lucie Denis
Malik van Kampen
Mark Deuzeman
Martijn van Strien
Martin Kooistra
Matthieu Distaso
Michael den Toom
Michel Reuser
Nils van der Heide
Pieter van der Vloed
Pol Sopeña
Robin van Dijk
Valentijn van der Valk
Vincent Biermans
Yorit Kluitman

The first day led the pilgrims via the slopes of the Ecrins Massif towards the abandoned Fort Janus at 2500 meter near Briançon, offering spectacular 360º views over the French border area with Italy. The climb included paved sections, but the final kilometers were as steep as they were rugged. Eventually, all riders reached the checkpoint and received their first Pilgrimage stamp on their brevet card.

During Stage 2 the weather changed dramatically. Instead of sunny skies, the riders encountered overcast heavens with plenty of rain and wind. They traversed single trails, ascended the Lautaret, and tackled the challenging old gravel road to the Galibier summit, where they were met with gale-force winds and even more rain. Despite the adverse conditions, most riders persevered after warming up and were rewarded with a beautiful but demanding hike-a-bike session along the three high Alpine lakes of the Vallée de la Clarée. They finally descended and earned their second stamp at checkpoint 2: Refuge des Drayères, where hearty food and a roaring, warm fire awaited.

The queen stage took the challenge to a new level. Instead of a single day, the riders embarked on a 2 day journey towards the infamous Tunnel du Parpaillon. They had to carry their own sleeping gear or arrange their own accommodation. Some bivouacked in an unlocked sauna, while others found shelter and food in a mountain gîte. This stage covered a total of 224 kilometers, with riders had to climb nearly 6500 meters. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, all those who conquered the south side of the Col du Parpaillon were captivated by its raw beauty and eerie tunnel vision. After collecting the final stamp and warming up by the fire with some tea, the riders made their way one last time to Chalet Alpelune in Puy-Saint-Vincent for the finishers' party.

One by one, the Pilgrims arrived at the finish line, cheered on by their fellow finishers. Later that evening, they gathered around the table for the last time. While they had initially sat somewhat uncomfortably next to each other during the dinner on the first night, they now eagerly shared tables as friends they had known for a long time. Through the adventures they had shared on the road, new friendships and connections were formed and will be etched in their memories before they go home.

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The Pilgrimage, organized by Simon Rosmolen, Cyril Chermin, and Aaron Griffiths, is new in its sort. Combining challenging trails and self-supported routes, it possesses the qualities of an ultrarace. However, with daily finishes at the comfortable basecamp offering good food and cyclist-focused breakfasts, it incorporates the characteristics of a social event.

With cyclists from 7 different countries and the support of French cycling brand Café du Cyclist, along with Komoot and Opinel, as well as strong local partners like the cyclist's hotel Saint Roch and the tourism office Pays des Ecrins, the first edition can be considered a success, and plans are currently underway for next year.

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Photos: Cyril Chermin & Simon Rosmolen