Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez

Intense ride.

Overview:

Ride through some of the great climbs of the southern Alps including Mont Ventoux, Col du Lautaret,Col du Galibier and the famous 21 switchbacks of l’Alpe d’huez. Many breathtaking sceneries will be etched in your mind for a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Ride length:610K ( 381miles). Ascent:9140m (30162 ft, roughly Mt Everest)

Itinerary:

DAY 1:Saturday July 14 2012 (Bastille day).

Pick up of riders at AVIGNON TGV or ORANGE train station.

 Transfer to your bed and breakfast, relax at the pool, and hydrate for the upcoming rides.  Late afternoon brings bike fittings and warm-up rides/ equipment checks through the vineyards.  Upon return, you will be able to enjoy social hour and dinner to follow.

DAY 2:Sunday July 15 2012.

First real riding day. You will go through vineyards and pine forests.Wine aficionados will recognize names like Cairanne, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, which are all famous wines from the Rhone valley.This afternoon we will visit the Palace of the Popes and the pont St Benezet in Avignon.

Ride length:93K. ascent:442m.

DAY 3:Monday July 16 2012.

Today we will see some inclines (6 to be exact). A beautiful ride through vineyards, pine forest, and fruit orchards. The sight and the smells will be overwhelming. You will get to see tomorrow's piece de resistance, "Mont Ventoux" from the North side.The visit is the Roman Ampitheater and it's museum in Orange.

This afternoon we are visiting one of the best winery,Pierre AMADIEU, and tasting some of the local wines.

Ride length:121K. Ascent:1459m.

DAY 4:Tuesday July 17 2012.

Hopefully you did not overindulge last night, because today is the day when we climb the Mont Ventoux from Bedoin. Difficult is an understatement for the giant of Provence. Nice and easy for the first 30K then we make a left at St. Esteve, and let gravity rear it's head for 16 relentless kilometers. After 10K in the shaded forest, you will reach the lunar landscape which is so typical of Mont VENTOUX. A long descent will take us to the town of Sault where we will head up to our first castle (Bed and Breakfast). We will take a stroll in the town of Sault where you will be able to relax at the terrace of a cafe or enjoy a lavender sorbet.

Ride length:87K. Ascent:2070m.

DAY 5:Wednesday July 18 2012.

Super easy day after a couple small climbs. It’s all downhill to Sisteron. While riding along the river “Jabron” ,at 45 Kph ,you will picture yourself riding in the tour de France as the escapees for the day. Early arrival in Sisteron will enable people to go visit the 11th century citadel and have a free afternoon.

Ride length:53K. Ascent:383m.

DAY 6:Thursday July 19 2012.

We leave the medieval town of Sisteron, full of energy, after a nice rest day. No major climbs, just a couple 8% here and there. Enjoy magnificent views of the “Lake of Serres-Poncon”. Arrive early at our next overnight to enjoy the castle life and a dip in the refreshing water of the lake. Guided visit of the castle included.

Ride length:101K. Ascent:1763m.

DAY 7:Friday July 20 2012.

After a wonderful overnight at the castle, we will leave our royal entourage for higher pastures. The gradual climb of the “Col du Lautaret” will lead us to those higher pastures. At the top of the Lautaret , choose to climb the “Col du Galibier” for added difficulty or zip down to the alpine town of La Grave.

Ride length:100K. (116K). Ascent: 1785m (2085m).

DAY 8:Saturday July 21 2012.

Start the day in La Grave after a wonderful breakfast. It is downhill all the way to the bottom of the climb of l’Alpes d’Huez. The 21 switchbacks will be greeting you with a 12% incline, easing down to 9% after a few curves. Read the names of the greatest cyclists painted on the road by the fans. Pass the dutch corner and picture yourself in a mano a mano with your star cyclist. Keep a little steam for the finish, you will have a crowd watching you.

After a photo op at the top, it’s down for a memorable technical descent.

The ride ends in Bourg d’Oisans, where we will transfer you to the train station or Grenoble train station, your choice.

Ride length:55K. Ascent:1238m.

Price and dates:

8 days / 7 nights: $ 2675 in double occupancy.

Starts Saturday July 14 2012.

$500 supplement for single occupancy.

Hotel option for first 3 nights :$60/night.

4th night hotel option in Sault, please call.

5% off for groups of 6 or more

What is included:

Transport from Avignon TGV (or Orange) to the first overnight facility.

Road bike with a triple ring.

Detailed maps and cue sheets.

Commemorative T-shirt, water bottles, and gear bag.

7 nights.

7 breakfasts.

7 dinners with wine included most of the time.

7 lunches, picnic style at the SAG stop.

Transport of your luggage to the next overnight .

A SAG stop every 30 miles (approximately), stocked with water and snacks.

Broom car sweeping the road to pick you up or offer assistance (limited spare parts and tools available in car).

Electronic copy of all pictures we take of you.

Winery visit.

All monuments entrance fees

All gratuities.

Transport to Bourg d'Oisans on last day.

Memories for a lifetime.