Frequently Asked Questions
What is the riding level needed ?
Is my non-riding significant other able to come?
What is included ?
How do I get to the trip start point ?
Do I need Travel Insurance?
What if I can not make it for the start date, or have to leave before the end date?
Do I need to speak French ?
Does my cell phone work there?
What type of food will we eat ?
Can I rent a high end road bike ?
Can I ship my bike ?
Do you have a mechanic ?
What is the weather going to be?
How do I reserve a trip ?
How far in advance should I book ?
What should I expect once I book ?
What if I need to cancel my trip ?
Am I guaranteed that the trip I booked will run ?
How big are the groups ?
What days of the week can we start a tour ?
What is the riding level needed for each ride ?
Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez.
The ride is built around a B rider, which is 18-21 mph average speed on a century.
The distances will range from 50 miles to 80 miles per day, with an average of 4500 ft of climbing. Plan on 4 to 4.5 hrs of saddle time daily except on wednesday (2 hrs max).
A minimum speed will be posted for each day. If you are unable to maintain the minimum speed the broom car will catch up with you and you can be picked-up or decide to continue behind the broom car at your own risk.
If you are here to challenge yourself with your daily century, the option will be available. Mainly in the form of an additional loop with a climb at the end of the day.
If this seems a bit much for you, may I recommend our Vineyards to Mont Ventoux ride.
Vineyards to Mont Ventoux:
Moderate ride, with speeds averaging 15-18 mph. 3 to 4hrs max riding time per day. You will see some incline but nothing too difficult. The Mont Ventoux is the main difficulty, but an alternate route will be offered that day for those who don't feel up to it. The broom car is also an option if you tried and experienced difficulties.
Monuments and vineyards:
Moderate ride no major difficulties. Options not to ride at any time. 2 to 3 hrs max riding time per day.
Is my non-riding significant other able to come?
The most asked question.
Non-riders are welcome to join. You will get a break of $100 for the unused bike.
We recommend a moderate or easy ride where towns and monuments visits are included in the tour. The monuments visits are generally done after the riding and non-riders can join at that time.The riding is done in the morning, non- riders can sleep in or lounge by the pool, by the time they are ready to go, you will be done with the riding part of the day ( 10 or 11 am).
If you select the Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez ride, you most likey will need to rent a car for the non-rider added freedom.A few visits are planned in this tour, but the riding can last as late as 2:30 pm, and be a long day for the non-rider.
Things to do for a non-rider in the area are countless, and could include:
Learn the skill of playing Pétanque.
Visit the roman Ampitheater in Orange
Visit the Palace of the Pope in Avignon
Skydive, paraglide, glide, bunjee jumping
Nap like the locals, it's very refreshing, you should try it.
Visit Pont du Gard, a roman aquaduc.
Click here to download a pdf of some of the non-riding activities available.
All trips include lodging, baggage transfer, guide maps, tourist information, and a road bike with a triple ring. Most meals are included. Each tour indicates what is included in the description, so please check it out . Some tours may include special extras such as: admissions to attractions, picnics, and so on. Please read each tour description carefully.
How do I get to the trip start point ?
The trip start point is Avignon TGV, or Orange train station. At this location we will pick you up, and transport you to the first night's accommodation.
Here, are some websites to help you reserve your train to the starting point.
Trains:
http://www.raileurope.com/index.html
Cheap tickets for TGV but limited schedules:
*If you decide to drive a rental car, the city of Orange has drop offs for all major rental car brands.
Yes travel insurance is required, at least medical and medical evacuation.Clark Howard mentionnned www.insuremytrip.com in his show, used it as a starting point for your research.
What if I can not make it for the start date, or have to leave before the end date?
The first few days are local rides just for that reason. You can join the tour as late as Tuesday morning. If you need to finish the ride before the end, we will discuss where you will end the ride and accessibility of the location.
No, it's not necessary however, learning a couple of key words will always impress the French locals.
You will have 3 French speaking Americans with you, or within radio reach.
Does my cell phone work there?
Check with your carrier but most likely yes.
AT&T international plan works great. There are some areas in the high mountains where reception is spotty at best.
What type of food will we eat ?
You will spend most of your time in the Provence region. and our main diet is what is mostly known as the Mediterranean diet.
Can I rent a high end road bike ?
The road bike included in the ride is aluminium with a triple ring. You can upgrade to a carbon frame with shimano 105, or equivalent, for an extra $100.
A few carbon ultegra are available, and one carbon with sram red. These come with a double ring only (53/39).
Yes.
We recommend it for the intense rides.Those rides deserve your best bike.
If you choose this option we will give you the address to ship it to. You will have to rebuild your bike when you get there, or we can bring the box to the local bike shop and they will rebuild it for you at your expense.
You can also check it with the airline.
You will get a $100 credit for the unused bike.
We will carry a tool box and some spare parts in the SAG vehicle. If maintenance beyond the everyday adjustment / lube / inner tube is needed we will take your bike to a bike shop in the area.
What is the weather going to be?
Hot in July in the valleys. When we start reaching higher elevations it cools down nicely.
How do I reserve a trip ?
A $200 deposit gets you started. E-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The full balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
How far in advance should I book ?
Based on past history, summer trips should be booked early in the fall . Trips do sell out every year, so book early and start dreaming. Last minute bookings could become available so please check with our sales team.
What should I expect once I book ?
Immediately you will receive a confirmation letter with your trip details.
30 days prior to departure, you will receive the rider's packet with tour specific informations, pertinent phone numbers, a suggested packing list, and any necessary informations.
Upon arrival at the tour start point, your local guide will accompany you to the first accommodation, and brief you on what's to come.
Every morning, shortly before the start time, a rider's briefing will cover the specific for the day.
What if I need to cancel my trip ?
If you need to cancel, the following cancellation fees will apply:
More than 90 days prior to departure : No fee.
61-90 days: $ 200
31-60 days: $ 400
less than 30 days: $ 500
No fees apply if you find somebody to replace you.
Am I guaranteed that the trip I booked will run ?
Trips will run. We are generally booked a year in advance.
Our goal is 8 people per tour, and a maximum of 16.
What days of the week can we start a tour ?
Tours generally start on Saturday afternoon and end on Saturday morning for a total of 8 days / 7 nights. The reason behind that choice is: on a typical 2 weeks off, you would fly in to Paris, spend your first week there, take the train on saturday morning toward the south and we pick you up at the train station 3 hrs later.At the end of the tour, we drop you back at the train station headed back to Paris or wherever you have choosen to airline back from.
If saturday is a problem, let us know and we will discuss the options available for you.