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July 12 - Geneva
Arrive Geneva and transfer by van to our hotel in nearby Ferney-Voltaire.
You’ll have the remainder of the day to relax, get settled,
assemble your bike, explore the village, or just take a nap. Our
get-acquainted dinner is at our hotel tonight, followed by an
overview of the tour.
July 13 - Eloise - 68mi, 6000ft-or-46mi,
3500ft-or-28mi,700ft
We leave Ferney Voltaire heading towards the looming Jura
Mountains just to the west. The Col de la Faucile awaits anyone
wishing to tackle this 3000 ft climb (followed by a 3300 ft
descent). The long route climbs a series of small passes and
rolling hills through the Haut Jura. The rest will traverse the
base of the steep Jura mountains. This is a quiet farming road,
rolling continually downhill, through small villages and
pastures until we cross the Rhone River. Here the Rhone has
punched through this last ridge of the Jura, leaving a dramatic
gorge. It is a gradual climb along a wooded hillside from the
Rhone to the village of Eloise and the first of many
wonderful hotels. The remaining afternoon should be spent
lounging by the pool and catching up on any needed napping.
July 14 - Champagneux –66mi, 5000ft-or-43mi,
minimal climbing
Before the Rhone turns to the west and to the broad valley that
takes it to the Mediterranean, it must first negotiate the
western edge of the Alps as it cuts through the high mountains
on either side. This is the most beautiful section of the Rhone
river, and is the exact route we must take to our inn at
Champagneux. There are multiple small climbs on roads too small
and out of the way to interest the Tour de France, but hold on
to your handle bars because these are beautiful climbs with
amazing views. Lunch is a must at the flower-adorned village of
Chanaz, where you can watch boats make their way lazily up and
down the Canal de Savières. Here the more adventurous can climb
the Mont de la Charvaz and the Col du Chat, above France’s
largest lake, Lac du Bourget. From this ridge, the views of the
lake and the high Alps to the east are magnificent. An optional
end of the day climb up the Col de Tournie, adds an extra 2100ft
of elevation. Our hotel is a true country inn with a very
reputable restaurant. Dinner will be served on the terrace.
July 15 – Rencurel - 65mi, 4800ft-or-90mi, 8700ft
We will
spend the morning meandering through quaint villages, pretty
valleys, and riding over meadow-clad hills including one stiff
climb up the Pass of a 1000 Martyrs; but the afternoon presents
a true challenge. We are faced with the vertical walls
surrounding the Vercors region. Time and water have shaped these
high limestone cliffs leaving us few options to enter this well
protected area. The only roads leading into the Vercors are
chiseled into vertical cliffs and along deep gorges. The ease of
defending these roads is why this area was the center of the
French Resistance. Our route climbs the sheer cliff face below
the Col de Romeyère before dropping to Rencurel. Surrounded by
meadows and steep cliffs, our hotel in Rencurel has one of the
most beautiful settings imaginable.
July 16 - Rencurel - Rest Day or Loop Ride-18mi,
1650ft-or-32mi, 3100ft
The Vercors, now a Parc Natural Regional, is so spectacular and
unique that it’s tempting to try and cycle every road of the
40x25 mile area. However this is a rest day, so the route is
easy. We start by cycling up the Gorge de la Bourne; here the
roads are carved into the lower sides of cliffs so high that
sunlight is minimal - making it difficult to take photos of this
amazing place. A leisurely lunch in Villard de Lans can be
followed by a return to Rencurel and the pool. A longer route
climbs up one of the higher ridges in the Vercors and meanders
along a narrow one-lane road with plenty of great views. This
year's Tour de France actually follows this exact same route
(opposite direction). For the hard core-take no prisoners-do it
all cyclists, there is an exceedingly demanding ride, that
follows the entire Tour de France route through the Vercors
region, 67mi, 7000ft. There are some truly spectacular views
along the cliffs of the Combe Laval, and it is very exciting to
realize that the Tour will actually follow this same course.
July 17 – Chichilliane - 67mi, 6300ft-or-85mi,
8300ft
After yesterday’s rest (???), we are ready to head out on one of
the most amazing rides of the entire trip. Some gentle climbing
and descending will take us to the top of the Grands Goulets,
where the gorge is so narrow hardly any sunlight comes through,
surrounding us in a cool shaded world of mossy rock walls
dripping with delicate ferns and tiny waterfalls. On to La
Chapelle en Vercors for a pastry, then we have a gentle climb up
to the Col de Rousset. The view from here is stunning. The many
switchbacks of the long gradual descent lie before us like a
ribbon carelessly strewn from the hillside to the valley floor
in the distance below us. We are entering the northern edge of
Provence and we will see a few brilliant purple fields of
lavender on our way into the village of Die. After a lunch of
Provençal specialties, we must climb the Col de Menée. A short
descent brings us to our hotel beneath the looming vertical
walls of Mont Aiguille. After the long day on the bike, we will
certainly want to spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing
by the pool.
July 18 - Le Bourg d’Oisans - 54mi,
4100ft-or-64mi, 6000ft
Starting the day at an elevation of 3300 ft means that we have
an easy, mostly downhill ride to Mens and our first patisserie
stop of the day. Alas, roads that go down must go back up, and
down and up again, before we reach la Mure. This is a busy,
bustling, town and a good stop for more pastries or lunch; the
big mountains of the Alps lie ahead. The Col d’Ornon is an easy
introduction to the alpine peaks waiting for us, and the descent
into le Bourg d’Oisans will give us good look at what tomorrow
will bring. The village will be packed end to end with cyclists
eagerly waiting for the Tour de France and riding all the
challenging routes in the area. Our hotel is in the center of
town directly across from the local bike shop, where the pro
jerseys will be selling like crispy creams on Sunday morning.
July 19 - Le Bourg d’Oisans - 16mi, 3000ft, or
36mi, 6000ft
Le Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez is probably the most famous
stretch of cycling road in the world. This is cycling Mecca, as
cyclists from all over Europe (and the US) come here to watch
the 'Tour', as well as ride these roads made legendary by the
heroes of the Tour de France. In 1997, Pantani set a record of
36 minutes from the base of the climb to the finish at l'Alpe
d’Huez, so here is your opportunity to test your skills with the
best of the pro’s. As you climb the 21 numbered switchbacks, you
will have no trouble recognizing the names of cycling heroes
written all over the road like some giant billboard. This will
be one of the greatest cycling experiences ever. After lunch in
the village, descend back to the hotel and catch the 'Tour' on
TV, or continue over the Col de Sarenne, a most beautiful route,
including a spectacular traverse along the cliffs 2000 feet
above the valley below.
July 20 – Albiez le Jeune - 41mi, 6800ft-or-56mi,
7900ft
The biggest day of climbing in this year’s Tour de France, will
be the five Col day from Bourg d’Oisans to le Grand Bornand for
a total of 16,700 feet of climbing in a distance of 132 miles.
This will also be a big day of climbing for us. The first of
these is the Col du Glandon; this will be our major climb of the
day followed by two small climbs, including the 1000 feet
continuing up the Col de la Croix de Fer. The longer route
drops down to the next valley and climbs a narrow cliff side
road to our hotel. Albiez le Jeune is a small alpine village
with huge panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges. The
Hotel is modest, but the staff, the service, and the meals will
give us the feeling of being honored family guests.
July 21 - Albertville - 47mi, 1000ft-or-56mi,
5100ft-or-72mi, 9000ft
Our end-of-the-day destination is such an easy downhill ride,
that one might be tempted to head straight to Albertville and
relax at our very classy hotel, or stroll the streets and do a
little shopping/sightseeing. Our hotel is located in the center
of town, but well-appointed and quiet, and featuring first-class
cuisine. However, some of the most famous climbs await us.
After a 41 switch back descent, we are soon faced with the
daunting task of riding up the Col de la Madeleine, the single
biggest climb in this year’s Tour de France and of course our
tour. For those wishing to follow the route of the Tour de
France more closely, instead of the 41 switch backs, we will
descend the Col du Glandon. But first, we have to climb back up
the Col de la Croix de Fer, making this our biggest day of
climbing.
July 22 – Albertville - various loops
This the big day, the one we have all been waiting for. Stage
17 of the Tour de France will be coming through Albertville.
The Tour winner will not yet be determined, but the contenders
will have separated themselves from the rest. Lance Armstrong
and Jan Ullrich should be leading the peloton after yesterday's
time trial up Alpe d’Huez. But today’s stage, the hardest of
the tour, should clarify things even more. We have the option
of watching the race from a variety of locations. Col de la
Madeleine: climb back up and slightly over the top to see
the racers climbing the switchbacks below, great viewing
locations. There will be plenty of time to return and watch the
finish on TV. 56mi, 5600ft. Col de Tamie: this is a
fairly easy climb directly out of town, sight lines are not
great as the hillside is wooded, easy descent to the TV - 16mi,
1800ft. Albertville will be a great place, crowded, not
great sight lines, racers at high speed, but still a great
place, a big party, plenty of food and beer available, with easy
access - 0mi, 0ft.
July
23 - Talloires - 24mi, 1900ft-or-34mi, 4200ft-or-70mi, 7200ft
In our continuing quest to cycle every kilometer of the Alps
portion of the Tour de France, we will climb the last three cols
of stage 17, The Col de Tamie, the Col de la Forclaz, and the
Col de la Croix Fry. These are all fairly small by Tour de
France standards, but together they make for a very hard day.
The views will be some of the best of the tour, especially from
the top of the Forclaz. Here we will be 2000ft directly above
Lac d’Annecy, and the panorama will be staggering. Parapenters
and hang gliders will be launching from nearby, and the lunch
stop café sits on the cliff edge and has the best view of all.
From here our beautiful four star hotel in Talloire will be
visible on the lake shore with other villages and the city of
Annecy in the distance. The Col de la Croix Fry sits at the top
of a tight valley with huge mountains all around. The views are
great up the entire climb through the meadows.
July 24 – Talloires - 24mi, 300ft-or-54 mi,
4500ft
The town of Annecy is one of the most beautiful in Europe and is
known as the Venice of the Alps with its myriad of canals
flowing through the old town. Today’s ride is to Annecy and
back, around the lake. This gives ample opportunity to explore
this vibrant town, have a peaceful lunch along the canal, and
still get back to enjoy another afternoon at our hotel, and
catch the Tour live on TV. For those who would like a little
more challenge, after reaching Annecy the morning’s ride will
include a climb up the Cret de Chatillon. The views from the
top are immense with Mont Blanc in the distance. Then begins
the best descent of the entire tour, high speed and twisting at
the top and fast, tight, well banked curves farther down. There
is still time for lunch in Annecy and return to Talloire to
watch the Tour finish on TV.
July 25– Ferney Voltaire - 55mi, 2500ft-or-72mi,
4500ft
In store for our last day of riding are rolling pastures, small
villages, gentle climbs and descents, cliff side roads,
beautiful valleys, and great mountain vistas; a potpourri of
experiences from the last two long and perhaps challenging weeks
in the Alps. The long route includes a climb up Mont Salève.
There are great views of the Alps and Mont Blanc to the east and
the Jura mountains to the west. Our farewell dinner tonight at
the hotel will be an opportunity to exchange stories, talk over
our triumphs and adventures, and ponder how we’ll ever get back
into the hometown routine!
July 26 – Departure
Van transport is provided to the Geneva airport.
COST:
$2900 per person based on Double Occupancy
$500 Single room supplement
INCLUDES:
·2-4 star Hotel Accommodations ·
·Breakfast daily (except
arrival day)
·Dinner daily (except one night and arrival/departure days
·Airport transfers from/to Geneva airport
·Bike mechanic and van
support with cellular phone
·Ground transportation for all passengers, luggage & bikes
·Regional map plus detailed daily route maps & cue sheets
NOT INCLUDED:
·International airfare
·Tips, gratuities, laundry, telephone, & items of a personal
nature
·Lunches and alcoholic beverages (a supplemental fee will be
charged for those who want wine with dinner, and can be prepaid
before departure)
PRE-TRIP PLANNING
A complete trip packet will be sent upon receipt of your reservation with information on what to bring, how to
pack your bike for flying, equipment list, and changing currencies. All participants must possess a current passport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Erickson Cycle Tours strongly recommends purchasing insurance for trip cancellation, injury, illness
& loss of effects. A traveler’s insurance brochure will be included with your confirmation letter.
AIRFARE
We offer the services of our travel agent, Shannon or Steve of
Rogue Travel, in obtaining economical, expedient air reservations, and we can assist with lodging for pre- and post-tour plans. For flight information, contact
Rogue Travel at 1.800.443.9216, or shannon@mind.net. If you prefer,
you may use the services of your own travel agent. |
