|
July 4 - 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 5 - Eloise - 28mi, 700ft -or-46mi,
3500ft-or-68mi, 6000ft
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 down a beautifully wooded valley. A harder route
winds through the rolling hills of the Haut Jura before
descending. An easy route will traverse the base of the
steep mountainside, along 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, or of course, watching the
stage finish on TV.
July 6 - Champagneux - 54mi 3000ft or 43mi,
minimal climbing
The Rhone River heads south to the Mediterranean
as it negotiates the western edge of the Alps and cuts through
the high mountains on either side. This is the most beautiful
section of the Rhone River, and is along the route to our hotel
at Champagneux. 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. For the wine
lovers, we can climb to a secluded vineyard covered valley and
perhaps have a tasting of these little known, northern Rhone
wines. Our hotel is a true country inn with a very reputable
restaurant. Dinner will be served on the terrace.
July 7 – Rencurel - 61mi, 4800ft
We will spend the morning meandering through quaint villages,
pretty valleys, and riding over meadow-clad hills of the Col des
Mille 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 Résistance. 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 8 - Rencurel - Rest Day or Loop Ride, 18 mi,
1800ft –or- 31mi, 3000ft
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 our route is
easy. An alternate longer route follows a section of the 2004
'Tour' route up a tiny road through a remote section of the
Vercors. After a leisurely lunch in Villard, we will descend to
our hotel through one of the most amazing gorges you will ever
have the pleasure to cycle. The Gorge de la Bourne is a deep
dark gorge where 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. Or if you prefer, you can
choose to do nothing more than soak up the sun’s rejuvenating
rays, lounging by the pool.
July 9 – Chichilliane - 67mi, 5800ft
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 modest 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, an old castle nestled
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 10 - Le Bourg d’Oisans - 54mi, 4100ft
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 the coming days will bring. The village will be packed end
to end with cyclists eagerly riding all the famous roads while
waiting for the coming Tour de France. Our hotel is in the
center of town directly across from the local bike shop, where
the pro jerseys will be selling like doughnuts on a Sunday
morning. Dinner will be on our own tonight, with many small
restaurants from which to choose.
July 11 - 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 USA)
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 against the best of the pros. 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. 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. Dinner will
be on our own again tonight.
July 12 – Valloire (Verneys)- 38mi, 6300, or
44mi, 8000ft
We leave the bustle and excitement of Bourg
D’Oisans and head for the biggest climb of our tour, the Col du
Galibier. At 8700 feet elevation, this will also be the biggest
climb in the Tour de France as they tackle the climb from the
opposite side. Leaving our hotel we have a gradual, 24-mile,
4300-foot, climb (average of 3.5%) to the Col du Lautaret. A
good lunch and a long rest are in order, as the final five miles
and 2000 feet of climbing up the Col du Galibier averages 8%.
It is downhill from here to our hotel and the road will be lined
with cars, vans and trailers as people stake out their positions
for tomorrow’s arrival of the Tour de France. Preparations will
be in full swing, crowd restraining barriers will be in place
near the top, fans will be painting names of their heroes on the
pavement and the buzz of excitement and anticipation will fill
the air as the 'Tour' festivities begin.
July 13 - Valloire– Tour de France, Col du
Galibier loop, 20mi, 4300ft
This is the big day, stage 11 of the Tour de
France, starting in Corcheval and finishing in Briançon. The Col
de la Madeleine – Col du Galibier/Telegraph is the second major
test of the 'Tour', and the Galibier is the biggest climb of the
race. On the slopes above our hotel, important attacks of the
race will be launched, where the stage victor and perhaps Tour
de France champion will emerge. This is where we will be
watching the action. Our Van will be strategically located with
picnic supplies. Between our hotel and the summit of the
Galibier there will be as many as 200,000-300,000 frenzied
cycling fans. This is a great chance to experience the climb as
the pros do. Then sit back and enjoy the pre-race parade, before
the race leaders and their teams come charging up the mountain,
with the remaining peloton in their wake. A quick descent to the
hotel and we might catch the finish of the stage on TV.
All in all, this will be an experience not to be forgotten.
July 14 - Albertville - 53mi, 1400ft or 65mi,
5400ft
Our end-of-the-day destination is mostly
down-valley, and one could easily be tempted to head straight
to Albertville and relax at our very classy hotel, or stroll
the streets and do a little shopping/sightseeing. This route
is on a small road passing through forests and farms, with
tiny villages along the way. However, anyone desiring a
really big challenge can add the Col de la Madeleine to the
day’s route. The Madeleine is probably the most- climbed pass
in recent tour history, as it appears every year on the route,
and it is also always one off the hardest climbs, gaining 5000
vertical feet. Two small restaurants at the top can provide a
delicious lunch (fettuccini alfredo!) and a much-needed rest,
before coasting down the long descent. Our hotel is located
in the center of town, well-appointed and quiet, and featuring
first-class staff and cuisine.
July 15 – Albertville - rest day, or 25mi,
1650ft, or Cormet de Roselend loop, 53mi, 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 on the climb it
opens up with immense views of lakes and rocky peaks in the
distance. Lunch is available at a small hut below the summit;
the fare is simple but the ambiance makes our meal a five-star
experience. The short climb up the Col du Pre is rewarded with
one of the best descents of the trip. An auxiliary disk or
drum brake is mandatory for tandem teams! Before
returning to our hotel, a small cutoff above town takes us to
the old, walled section of Albertville; little has changed
here in the last 300 years.
July 16
- Talloires - 24mi, 1900ft, or 56mi, 3300ft
Our first pastry stop is a mere 13 miles down the Isère river
valley. We then ascend the Col du Frene to a series of high
mountain valleys. The beautiful meadows, the majestic mountain
peaks, the rolling farmlands, the little villages, and the small
winding roads, presents some of the most idyllic cycling
anywhere. The final descent (one of the tour's best) brings us
to Lac d’Annecy, one of the prettiest mountain regions in
Europe. The town of Annecy is one of the most beautiful (and
photographed) in Europe and is often referred to as the 'Venice
of the Alps', with its myriad of canals flowing through the old
town. Lunch and a little exploring is a must. The short ride
follows part of the 2004 Tour de France route over the Col de
Tamie and the beautiful descent to the lake. Our wonderful
4-star hotel, an old converted abbey, is situated on the shore
of the lake in the village of Talloires, just up-lake from the
larger town of Annecy.
July 17 - Talloires - 25mi, 300ft -or- 40mi,
5300ft
We are free today to enjoy a leisurely ride around Lac d’Annecy
with plenty of time for exploring Annecy on foot and enjoying a
peaceful lunch along the canal. However, this region has some of
the most beautiful passes in the Alps, and the wonderful network
of roads makes this a great day for some mountain exploring.
The optional ride is around the lake, up the Crêt de Chatillon,
and down one of the best descents of the entire tour. Another
great climb that can be added to any ride, or even stand alone
is the Col de la Forclaz, ascending directly from our hotel and
topping out 2000 feet later, directly above the lake. But then
again, it would be difficult to argue against just relaxing and
enjoying the lovely setting of our hotel with its quiet gardens,
shaded patio, and private dock on the lake.
July 18– 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; similar to
the 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 19 – Departure
Van transport is provided to the Geneva airport.
COST $2995.00 per person based on Double Occupancy
$500.00 Single room supplement
INCLUDES:
·2-4 star Hotel Accommodations
·Breakfast daily (except arrival
day)
·Dinner daily (except two nights 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
Our informative 'Tour Guide' booklet will be sent upon receipt of your secondary deposit
of $500.00, due by March 1, containing 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, Rogue Travel, in obtaining economical,
expedient air reservations, and we are happy to assist with pre-
and post-tour accommodations. Please contact Shannon or
Steven for flight information:
800.443.9216 or shannon@mind.net |
