July 14 - 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 15 - 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. These are quiet farming
roads, rolling mostly 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 16 - 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 narrow
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 17 – 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 ascends 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, there will be an afternoon
pasta snack offered after our arrival, with dinner served later
on the terrace.
July 18 - 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
years Tour de France actually follows this exact same route
(opposite direction). For the hard core, 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
Comb Laval, and it is very exciting to realize that the Tour
will actually follow this same course.
July 19 – 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 that 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.
July 20 - 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 optional long route climbs a narrow, winding,
steep road to a small pass directly above Bourg d’Oisans. Here
the views across the valley encompass not only all the mountains
in the region but also the 21 switchbacks of the climb up l'Alpe
d’Huez. The two miles of packed gravel are easily descended to
Villard Notre-Dame, where the pavement begins for the Cliffside
descent into town. 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 21 - Le Bourg d’Oisans - 16mi,
3000ft,-or-36mi, 6000ft
This is the big day, the first ever 'Tour de France' Time Trial
up the Alpe d’Huez climb. 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, and today's time trial may produce
an even faster time. So here is your opportunity to test your
skills against 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, and the hundreds of thousands of race fans
already positioned along the course will inspire you upward.
This will be one of the greatest cycling experiences ever. After
a quick bite to eat, descend to a chosen position on the time
trial course, or back to the hotel and catch the 'Tour' on TV.
Another great option is to continue over the Col de Sarenne, a
most beautiful route, with a long descent back to Bourg d Oisans,
in plenty of time to catch most of the time trial at the start
area or on TV.
July 22 – Albiez le Jeune - 41mi, 6800ft-or-56mi,
7900ft
We have two great options this morning, stay in town to watch
the stage start, or ride to some point on the climb up the Col
du Glandon and wait for the peloton to arrive. Today is the
biggest day of climbing in this year’s Tour de France, the five
Cols 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 as we follow the Tour route
up 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 adds another
hard climb. After descending down to the next valley, the route
follows 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 make you feel like an honored
family guest.
July 23 - Albertville - 47mi, 1000ft-or-56mi,
5100ft-or-72mi, 9000ft
Our end-of-the-day destination is such an easy downhill ride,
that one could 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 switchback 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 switchbacks, 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 24 – Albertville - rest day, or 25mi,
1650ft, or Cormet de Roselend loop, 53 mi, 6000ft
Our short optional ride to Beaufort is a gentle climb up a lush
farming valley. This alpine village is a must stop for pastry
and coffee, plus a tour of the cheese factory where the
well-known Beaufort cheese is made. If you continue on from
here, the real climbing soon begins, but what a rich reward
you’ll have. The lower section consists of switchbacks through a
cool forest; higher up it opens up with immense views of lakes
and rocky peaks in the distance. Lunch is available at various
small huts on the route to the summit; the fare will be simple
but the ambiance will make our meal a five-star experience. The
views at the top are wonderful and it makes one wonder if the
Tour de France riders notice any of this beauty when they speed
by. The short climb up the Col du Pre is rewarded with one of
the best descents of the trip.
July
25 - 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
magnificent up the entire climb through the meadows.
July 26 – Talloires 24mi, 300ft-or-36 mi, 2600ft
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 Crêt 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 27– 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 28 – 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.
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