I live near Mont Ventoux in Provence, southeastern France, and feel lucky that I often get to ride with other cyclists. Conquering the cols with your own leg power attracts a very wide audience. Among the cycling enthusiasts I've had the pleasure of meeting, one category stands out: those who like to take on crazy challenges. Some atypical clubs have been dreamt into reality by cycling aficionados. Among their astonishing routes, one name stands out: L’Omomarto.

‘Der Mann mit dem Hammer’ (the man with the hammer), is an expression in cycling jargon that refers to sudden fatigue that forces a rider to stop – they hit a wall. Often, it’s portrayed by the image of an evil mountain genie striking you with his hammer when you least expect it. It symbolises a sudden and irreversible failure. This expression was coined during the Tour de France and is attributed to Maurice Ville, who fell victim to it for the first time in 1924 during the first stage from Paris to Le Havre. He told one of his followers: ‘It was the man with the hammer who caught me.’

L’Omomarto, ‘les cinglés du mont Ventoux’, ‘la confrérie des 7 majeurs’ and ‘la conquête des Ardennes’ are all must-sees for cyclists with a taste for extraordinary adventure. For those who love to climb and conquer, L’Omomarto awaits you in Annecy.

Your adventure begins from this superb town, nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps. Some cyclists decide to cover the 386 kilometres (239 mi) and 11,110 metres (36,450 ft) of ascent in 24 or 48 hours. I’ve divided this Collection into four stages, but there's nothing to stop you letting loose and racking up the kilometres and passes as you please.

My proposed itinerary builds up gradually. The first stage is fairly short, but still challenging. It’ll prepare you for the days ahead. This route, which takes in the steepest parts of the Annecy region, is a chain of passes and views, each more splendid than the last. Le Semnoz, L'Arpettaz, l'Aravis, la Croix de Fry, le col du Marais, celui du Forclaz, de la Colombière, la côte de Romme, le mont Saxonnex via the gorges du Bronze, le plateau des glières and le petit Bornand – these are just some of the must-sees you'll be taking in over the four days.

Annecy is convenient to reach by train or car. You'll find plenty of accommodation on this adventure, including campsites, hotels and B&Bs.

You’ll need to undertake serious preparation to complete this highly technical and extremely challenging route. It’s aimed at experienced cycling enthusiasts looking to discover new routes and test themselves. If you don't feel ready, then don’t attempt this route. You can be sure that the man with the hammer will bring you back to reality. Check over your road bike thoroughly before setting off as it’ll also be put to the test. Go for lightness and only pack the bear essentials.

Don't ride these roads in winter; they’re closed to traffic then anyway. From late spring to early autumn – they’re fantastic!

All that's left is to wish you a wonderful adventure!

It's important to know that we owe the continued existence of this legendary route to the creative spirit of Jean Yves Couput, a member of the Cyclosportissimo Association.