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Trip to France
Hi,
A few mates and me, are relatively new to road cycling are toying with the idea of a long weekend in
France this summer.
The ambition is to ride sections of the Tour, but we are fully aware that the obvious climbs are out of our league at the moment.
We obviously want some challenging rides, but don't want to kill ourselves.
Has anyone ridden over there before that can offer some advice/routes??
Or are we just being ridiculous even thinking about it??
Am planning on coming to the pub night tomorrow to collect my kit, so would be good to hear any stories/suggestions :0)
Cheers
Mark
A few mates and me, are relatively new to road cycling are toying with the idea of a long weekend in
France this summer.
The ambition is to ride sections of the Tour, but we are fully aware that the obvious climbs are out of our league at the moment.
We obviously want some challenging rides, but don't want to kill ourselves.
Has anyone ridden over there before that can offer some advice/routes??
Or are we just being ridiculous even thinking about it??
Am planning on coming to the pub night tomorrow to collect my kit, so would be good to hear any stories/suggestions :0)
Cheers
Mark
Comments
We have managed to secure that rather amazing chalet for the following dates:
21st June - 25th June - chalet details can be found here: http://www.altitude3330.com
Things are still in the early stages of planning, but rough plan is to drive down on the Wednesday night and arrive lunchtime(ish) on the Thursday and drive back on the Monday morning.
No idea of rides yet, but all concerned want to tackle Alpe d'Huez.
So far there are 5 of us - 3 guys I ride with from Norfolk, myself and Gavin from CCA.
I know I don't know many of you yet, but if anyone else is interested in joining us, then there is plenty of room as the chalet sleeps 10.
The cost of the chalet is £750, which I thought was excellent value considering it's facilities and location.
Whilst this is more of a 'newbie' trip anyone with previous 'Alpine' experience is more than welcome to come along :-) :-), failing that, anyone wishing to share routes and advice is very welcome too.
Let me know if you are interested and I will get together a distribution list so that everyone can be kept up to date.
Cheers
Mark
its a great chalet in a lovely spot, i stayed there for the marmotte. Wish i could join you but cant then.
If you want to tackle alp d huez there is a fantastic descent off the back that comes out at the bottom of the local Oz climb home. We all came down that way after the marmotte and it is quiet with lovely sweeping bends.
We will show you the route sometime. Also a great location for the Glandon which is a must.
very envious
you are due on that level 2 coaching this w/e.....everything o.k. pal?
Day 1 - Ride out from Bourg to Col du Lauteret and then go up to the top of Galibier and retrace the same roads back to base.
Day 2 - Morning Alpe D'uez. Afternoon Les Deux Alpes (via and amazing cliff side road)
Day 3 - Col du Glandon then Croix de Fer
There is another lesset known climb close by called Col d'Ornon which i havent done but is supposed to be tres beau.
Also a great ride is out towards Galibier for about 5km from Bourg then turn right onto the D530 which follows the river and taked you into the Parc National Des Ecrins which is most beautiful.
Have a good few rides!
Once the numbers and transportation is all confirmed I think I may need to find a map of the Alps and start to plan these rides :-)
Have been looking at the cost of flying v's driving today - there seems to be a definite four from Norfolk who are keen to drive, but until I know numbers from this way I can't really get the costings..
I have had a couple of private messages sent to me regarding this, so perhaps a little get together is required to discuss things futher??
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1205504#
My mate from Norfolk now has three others interested so he is sorting his end of things out seperately.
They are planning on driving down through the night of the 21st, planning to arrive at about lunch time on the Friday.
Looking at the costs of hiring a suitable car (as mine isn't), euro tunnel, petrol and time taken it makes sense to fly.
There are flights from Luton to Geneva at 07:15 on the 21st, which means we could easily be at the chalet by Thursday afternoon. Flights only cost £58 return, with an additional £50 for a bike.. SO, much cheaper and less hassle than driving.
Unfortunately, I cannot find any flights into Grenoble, which is significantly closer, but there is still plenty of time.
Once at Geneva, the plan is to then hire a car which we can use to drive to the chalet and also drive to any rides if required.
I know it is a long way off, but I could do with firming up the numbers, as it will effect the type of hire car we require.
So far, the list is pretty short...... :-(
1) Lloydy
2) Gavin (possibly)
If there is genuine interest then I am a happy to arrange a get together so we can talk about things in more detail.
Cheers
Mark
I don't think sleasy jet run to Grenoble in the summer. Have a look at Lyon as well, i seem to remember it as a very easy drive from there. A bit nearer than Geneva i think.
I flew into geneva last year, and my mate picked me up from st jean de maurrienne
it's a hell of a hike, petrol and peage (tolls) are expensive + car hire, plus you are limited luggage- wise on plane, and be careful if you put anything other than your bike in bike box- they are strict
the year before i drove it for similar costs, but you can load the car with tubs of energy drinks,, gels, spares, more kit (weather can vary dramatically!), a fleece, ipod dock, cereal, BACON!!, honey marmite, beans track pump etc, all of which will save you in the long run!
shared the driving- approx £500 total for car eurotunnel petrol tolls and insurance!!! (give or take)
left about 4am and got there late afternoon im time for aperitifs!
i got a brill brochure from the tourist office with all classic climbs you can borrow
also, i used www.cycling-challenge.com- it has everything- profiles, gradient and maps!!
for flexibility- drive!
when you riding this weekend for a chat? i am leading sunday club run as tim not there, and will poss do 9.30 DJ run tomo
you will love it!!
would love to come, but cant commit at mo
ps- being in resort, you may find yourself driving down to the valley to avoid a long climb up after a long day in saddle!
and st jean is in the valley, avoiding that prob and puts you bang in the middle of all the classics- and much cheaper, tho not as exotic as your chalet!
hope this not putting a downer on it fot you- just some thoughts and ideas!!!!
Thanks for all the information and also another view on things... :-)
Driving certainly sounds more flexible, especially with all the extra gear you can carry etc - fogot about food, etc which will save on expensive French cuisine :-)
Am hopefully riding Sunday - depending on the man flu that seems to be lingering on too long for my liking!!.
Loads of time for people to commit, as the chalet doesnt have to be paid for until April... I was just trying to get numbers so I could work out potential costs
Will get all info for France if you can't make Lloydy! Seems we are back to driving again...
We need to sit down and work it all out. The others are definitely driving, so they can carry all the extra gear etc
Hopefully see you Sunday
There are now 5 confirmed from Norfolk, but still only 2 from down here.
The winter weather hasnt really helped with the training, although the turbo has been getting used excessively!!
As it stands, we don't really need to know final numbers until
April, when the chalet needs to be paid for.
If anyone is interested, please let me know :0)
Cheers
Mark