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2003 is an historic year for the Tour de France,
it is the 100th anniversary and Lance Armstrong will
be racing for his fifth overall victory, in an effort to equal
the other legends of this epic race. Our Petite Alps tour will
also be very special, as we will be present on the finishing
climb of one of the pivotal stages, Stage 8, Sallanches to
l’Alpe d’Huez.
The Tour de France and “les Alpes”; it is
impossible to think of one without the other. The great climbs
of the Alps often determine the champion, and of these epic
climbs, the one that is most famous is the climb up Alpe d’Huez.
To ride this road, 13 kilometers and 3300 feet of elevation,
between Bourg d’Oisans and the ski village of Alpe d’Huez is a goal of many cyclists. This is
Mecca for the
serious bike rider, but only a dream for the average rider. But
dreams do come true. We will not only ride up the famous Tour de
France mountain top finish of Alpe d’Huez on race day, we will
also have the opportunity to enjoy the pre-race hoopla and watch
the start of the next days stage to Gap
Our “Petite Alpes” tour is designed for intermediate single bike riders and experienced tandem teams. We will not only ride up the famous Tour de France mountain top finish of Alpe
d’Huez, but we will experience the beauty, grandeur, and
excitement of riding in the French Alps without having to tackle
all the “out of category” climbs and ultra miles of our more
serious Alps tours. True, there are big mountains and epic
climbs in the Alps, but much of the scenic riding is elsewhere, over the little passes, along the rivers and valleys, up gorges with towering cliffs, through beautiful flower decked villages
and down roads chiseled into vertical faces. You'll savour
descents through forests on winding lanes, rolling past lush
meadow covered hills, and experience the never ending delights of cycling in the French countryside.
This tour is not just about riding; when you climb off your bike, the
adventure continues. The abundance of boulangeries and
patisseries will quickly help you forget the need for power bars
and energy drinks. The small restaurants serving typical French
lunches are a gastronomic delight. From rustic hotels in alpine
villages, to country inns famous for excellent meals, from a
four-star lakeside hotel, to a cycling specific hotel in a
cycling oriented village, our choice of lodging will greatly
enhance the French experience. Food and wine will be plentiful,
and of course, very French! We welcome the more serious
cyclists, especially if they are accompanying a less serious
cyclist; each day will have longer, more challenging route
options similar to our Tour de France tour.
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