Overview

We’ll base our bodies on the French side of Basque Country in one of the loveliest creations from chef and hotelier, Alain Ducasse. Hotel Ostape, a Chateaux & Hotels property, is a 22-room full-service country boutique hotel with an award-winning chef, first class staff, gorgeous pool and spa. Surrounded by 45 hectatres of countryside along the River Nive, this luxury property also sits in the center of the best Basque cycling around. From here we’ll dip into Spain, ride through typical French towns, visit long forgotten valleys and test our legs on scenic mountain passes called ‘cols.’

The Rides. Our itinerary for this sojourn includes our favorite rides in the region. The rides are designed for endurance cyclists with quiet rolling hills, flats and mountain passes. The western Pyrenees offer lower and softer mountain passes but there are plenty of options for challenging days. Nothing is obligatory, particularly if you want to take the day off or spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful Basque towns. There are also at least a dozen other circuits we can propose including mostly flat riding.

Options. Ride Strong Bike Tours are flexible by design. Let us know how you would like to customize your private trip and we’ll do our best to make it work.

Budget-minded rider? Change out your digs to our favorite 3-star hotel in the lovely village of St. Etienne-de-Bigorre. This fine family run Hotel Arce also boasts a lovely pool, fantastic restaurant and gorgeous country setting. Discount = $600/person.

Dates don’t work? Contact us with your preferred dates and we will likely make it work. Prices may differ based upon group size or season.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day.

Bonjour! Your guides will meet you at the Biarritz-Bayonne airport (or train station) on the Basque Coast for the short shuttle to your hotel. Check-in, relax by the pool, assemble/fit bikes and take a spin around the hotel property. Cocktails and welcome dinner tonight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Heart of French Basque Country Loop.

We’ll start soft with a moderate intensity loop ride through the gentle western Pyrenees marked by rolling hills and lush pastures. The local’s are quick to greet cyclists entering this largely forgotten farming world where life revolves around the local fromageries and Basque wines. A natural stop for lunch is the important medieval village of St. Jean Pied-de-Port. The afternoon is free for relaxing by the pool, a sauna, hiking or perhaps a massage. Ride: 70 km or more.

Day 3 – Spanish Cycling.

South of St. Etienne de Baigorry there’s a superbly scenic loop over the Col d’Ispeguy down into the Batzan Valley into northern Spain. The green pastures are linked together by rural white villages and endless sheep. We’ll stop for a Spanish Café con Leche before entering the remote Quinto Real, a protected frontier region between France and Spain. The Aldudes Valley brings us back over one of the easier Pyrenean passes into France. Ride: 90 km, 3 cols.

Day 4 – Circle of Iraty Forest.

Venture deep into the Iraty forest on the quietest rural roads of the region. Kissing the border of Spain, it’s an idyllic setting for a challenging section with a long Tour de France categorie 1 climb, the Col Bagarugui. We’ll return on a spectacular loop filled with cows and green lush hillsides. Add on the Col Burdin Olatze and Col Landerre, an interesting pastured route with long valley views. Ride: 80 km or 50 km options.

Day 5 – The Basque Coast.

There’s no better way to top off our tour of Basque Country than a ride to the Basque Coast. We’ll wind our way through traditional Basque villages Espelette and Cambo-les-Bains and down to the Nive riverside path all the way into magnificent Bayonne. Although known for their hams, Bayonne is also home to several established (and delicious) chocolatiers. Your free to explore the old town, have lunch and we’ll regroup for our trip back to Bidarray. Optional add on for a dip into the Atlantic. Ride: 50 km or more.

Day 6 – Homeward Bound.

Following breakfast, we’ll offer morning shuttles to the Biarritz-Bayonne airport/train station for your departures home. If you choose to extend your trip to visit San Sebastian, Biarritz or other parts of France, we are happy to share with you our suggestions.

Details

Our Basque Country Trip Includes:

• Services of two or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 5 nights accommodation in our first-class country hotel;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day) and 3 dinners(including wine);
• Energy snacks and hydration in van;
• Airport shuttles at scheduled time;
• Sag support;
• Cycling route maps, distances and climb profiles;
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, traveling with your bike, relevant reads and logistics on arrival/departure city; and
• Entrance fees for any scheduled non-cycling activities.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Basque Country Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

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Overview

We fell in love with cycling the Mediterranean coast during several extended visits throughout the past years. Using it as our base, we savored the not-so-long loop rides, perfectly pitched climbs, jaw-dropping views and obligatory lunch stops in hillside hamlets. Days off the bike were equally as complete with sunrise runs on the Promenade, soaking our legs in the Mediterranean, cruising the local farmer’s market or relaxing with our noses in a book.

The Rides. Our itinerary for this sojourn includes some of our favorite rides in the region. You’ll find plenty of local cyclists and good cafes in these hills and a correspondingly low volume of vehicle traffic. The rides are designed for endurance and building a strong climbing foundation but no one day is a sufferfest. Nothing is obligatory, particularly if you want to take the day off or spend an afternoon exploring Nice’s lively centreville. There are also at least a dozen other circuits we can propose including mostly flat riding along the coast.

Your Accomodations. Another gem we discovered on our last visit to this region is the small auberge located in the pretty village of St. Jeannet. Located 6 miles from the beach with panoramic views over the Mediterranean, our Auberge des Baous offers the best in authentic French homestay – fine wine, delicious cuisine, panoramic views and a non-touristic French hill town. Free wi-fi available.

Looking for luxe? Upgrade your digs to our favorite luxurious hotel in Vence, the Hotel Cantemerle for an additional $995/person. Email our trip consultants for a custom upgrade.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day.

Most flights will arrive to Nice’s International airport in the morning. Your guides will meet you at the airport for the short 8 mile transfer to our hotel on the hillside. After getting settled, we’ll assemble bikes and, time permitting, push off for a short shake down ride. Your afternoon is free to explore, snooze or simply relax at a local café.

Day 2 – Vence Countryside.

We’ll start with a moderate intensity loop ride perfect for turning the pedals and discovering perched villages. The route out of town follows a balcony road overlooking the coast before rounding the ‘Baous’, a range of limestone hills often scaled by serious rock climbers. We’ll take a more gradual approach summiting at 3,378 feet before enjoying the cooler coastal breezes and Col de Vence descent back to our hotel. We’ll offer an optional afternoon excursion to ‘old’ Nice for exploring the markets, indulging in a gelato or taking an afternoon dip in the Mediterranean. Ride: 60 km; roughly 2500 feet climbing.

Day 3 – Gorges du Loop – Plateau Cassouls.

Today we’ll enjoy a scenic longer loop past the waterfalls of the Gorges du Loop to the hilltop town of Gourdon. There’s a nice stop for an espresso before continuing our climb to a wonderfully remote region referred to as the Plateau de Caussols. Much of today’s route is part of the Nice Ironman course and is a favorite training ride for local cyclists. We’ll stop in the mountain village of Greolieres for refueling, photos and a short rest before the mostly downhill spin to our hotel, returning by mid-afternoon. The afternoon is free for a massage, dip in the Mediterranean or snooze in a lounge chair. We’ll offer a shuttle to St. Paul de Vence for those who want to explore the medieval village. Ride: full ride is 105 km with options for more or less; elevation gain: 4,165 feet).

Day 4 – Col de Braus and Menthon Circuits.

One of the more famous twisting climbs in the region is called the Col de Braus just outside of Sospel. Lying between the Roya Valley, the border of Italy and Menthon, we’ll spend a day playing in the ‘hinterland’ just north of Monaco. There are several loops, distances and elevations to choose from taking in the Col de Braus, Castellon and returning to Menthon for a beer. Stronger riders will likely incorporate the Col de Turini or Col de Brouis before descending to the coast. Return to town with a slow spin through Monaco and the well-connected bike path on the Promenade. Ride: 110 km, 80km or 40 km options; Elevation gains: vary (but you must like hills)

Day 5 – Gilette loop ride.

Flushing out our morning legs, we’ll likely take the fast and flat bike path along the river Var to the short but sudden ascent into the spectacular village of Gilette. From this vantage there’s a fantastic 82 km route looping west, through small mountain villages, over four small ‘cols’ and through the narrow gorge of the Clue du Riolan. Ride: 110 km; gain 3,850 feet.

Day 6 – Homeward Bound.

After breakfast (or before if necessary), we’ll provide shuttles back to Nice International airport for your departure home.

Details

Our French Riviera Sojourn Includes:

• Services of one or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 5 nights accommodation at our lovely family-owned hotel;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day)and 5 dinners(including wine);
• Energy snacks and hydration in van;
• Airport shuttles on arrival and departure;
• Sag support;
• Cycling route maps, distances and profiles;
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, traveling with your bike, relevant reads and logistics on arrival/departure city; and
• Shuttles for any scheduled non-cycling tours.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

French Riviera Sojourn Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

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Overview

• 7 days challenging cycling/350 miles +/-
• 30,000 feet climbing (or more)
• Ride the optional Ubaye 7 Col Brevet
• Stay in our IXth century fortress built for meditation
• Dine in a castle
• Summit (and descend) the highest paved pass in France
• Experience wildlife at its best in the Mercantour National Park

Save your spot now with our simple online registration.

From the balmy beaches of the Mediterranean to the highest pass in France, our Mediterranean-to-Mountains Tour is the quintessential sea-to-sky ride. Loosely following Napoleon Bonaparte’s escape from Elba, the route enjoys a diversity of landscapes and history and, arguably, the most spectacular cycling in the south of France. From the coastal paths of the Cote d’Azur we ride into the wonderfully remote Maritime Alps and Mercantour National Park. We’ll spend three nights pampered by our friendly hosts in our ‘hotel de charme’. It’s here the natural playground of the Ubaye Valley unfolds with unbelieveable loop rides just outside our front door. Most famous, perhaps, is the Ubaye brevet. A control card is given to those who dare to summit all 7 cols surrounding the Ubaye. (St. Anne, Col de Pontis, Col de St. Jean, Col de Cayolle, Col d’Allos, Col de Larche and Col de la Bonette – over 26,000 feet of climbing).

Enjoy one rider’s trip photos from our Mediterranean Alps tour or the youtube video capturing a little of the stunning and diverse scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Nice.

Bonjour! Our guests arrive to Nice airport where we’ll go by van to our nearby hotel. After preparing bikes, the afternoon is free to soak up the sun along the boardwalk, take a dip in the Mediterreanean or simply relax at a street-side cafe watching the world pass. There is no formal ride scheduled for today. Appertifs and orientation at sunset with welcome Provencal dinner to follow.

Day 2 – Trigance.

After breakfast, it’s a fantastic ride north as we depart the capital of the Cote d’Azur for the austerely beautiful Gorges du Loop. The bustle of the city fades fast as we enter the countryside of chateaus, olive groves and small hilltop hamlets. After lunch, we briefly connect to the Route de Napoleon and then it’s an effortless spin following the trickling Jarbon river straight into the postcard perfect medieval town of Trigance. Our hotel tonight is the town’s ancient fortress built by the monks of the Saint Victor abbey from Marseille in the lXth Century for meditation. Ride: 80 km/2200 feet climbing.

Day 3 – Entrevaux.

Early risers may take the optional out-and-back to the Point Sublime – a panoramic view high above the ‘Grand Canyon’ of France (the Gorges du Verdon). The entire group will ride the river road north-east through Castellane, an important junction town on Napoleon’s route. From Castellane, there’s a totally quiet and amazingly scenic route around the Lake Chaudanne, over the easy Col Barnabe and into the Alps-Maritimes. We’ll finish with an incredible descent into the dramatic fortified village of Entrevaux. Afternoon is free to take a dip in the river or wander the medieval streets. Ride: 2 cols, 100 km/3200 feet of climbing.

Day 4 – Barcelonnette.

Fueled by the fresh mountain air, we connect to the ‘Route de Grand Alpes’ passing a series of small towns where friendly locals cheer us up the first significant mountain pass — the Col de Cayolle (20.5 km @ 6.3%, 4,324 foot gain). 2326m). From the summit at 7,600 feet, the 29.5 km free-wheeling descent is an exhilirating welcome to the Ubaye Valley, complete with marmots, scenic bridges and waterfalls. We arrive to our charming mountain villa located in the village of Barcelonnette where we unpack for 3 relaxing nights. Afternoon is yours to have a massage or explore town and it’s interesting Mexican heritage! Ride: 1 col; 75 km; 5,500 feet climbing.

Day 5 – Barcelonnette-Col de Allos, Col de Champs and/or Col de Cayolle.

Today it’s an all you can ride buffet of the famous ‘Grande Boucle’ (i.e. big loop) including the Col d’Allos, Col des Champs and Col de Cayolle. Unquestionably the most epic loops in the Ubaye, the Grand Boucle draws international cyclists the world over to test their endurance and climbing legs. A 124 km loop of 10,955 feet of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world. There are several options for shorter distances and climbing depending on your appetite. Ride: 124 km 10,955 ft climbing.

Day 6 – Barcelonnette.

A scheduled ‘recovery ride’, this is perhaps the most scenic ride of the entire trip. We’ll go out and back past waterfalls, suspended bridges and some of the most remote countryside just bordering Italy. There is still a fair amount of climbing but all gradual and at a leisurely pace. Other optional routes include a ride into iItaly over the Col de Larche or head north for the scenic Col de St. Anne or pesky Col de Var.

Day 7 – Beuil.

Start the day with a lifetime accomplishment climbing the highest paved pass in France, the Col de la Bonette (2802m, 24 km, 6.6% average). You’ll be aptly rewarded with an equally long and stunning descent into the Mercantour National Park along the Gorges de Valabres. From Saint Sauveur sur Tinée it’s a spectacular but hard climb at the end of the day over the precariously pitched Col de la Couillole (16 km; 7.3%, 3873 feet climbing) to our welcoming mountain lodge where the friendly owner can be persuaded to perform magic. We’ll dine tonight on the local cheeses and fresh food grown in the region. Ride: 2 cols; 9,000 feet climbing, 80 km.

Day 8 – Nice.

Yesterday’s toil will be long forgotten as we enter the spectacular red cliffs of the Gorges du Cians and quiet route south to the Mediterranean. After a cafe in Puget-Theniers, it’s a relatively simple ride up the switchbacks of Col de St. Raphael (8 km at 5.8%; 1525 feet gain). It’s here we’ll start to enjoy remote hilltop villages and cool sea breezes with views of the coast. From the north, the Col de Vence is an ever so gradual grind before we enjoy gorgeous descent into the buzzing Mediteranean town of Vence (100 km). Well done! Ride: 2 cols, 3,100 feet gain, 100 km.

Day 9 – Nice.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll provide morning transfers to the Nice airport or Nice train station. If you’ve made other arrangements for extending your trip, please let us know.

Details

Our Mediterranean Alps Trip Includes:

• Services of one or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 8 nights accommodation in luxury hotels and charming mountain lodges;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day), 5 dinners (including wine) and 2 lunches;
• Energy snacks and hydration products;
• Luggage transfer and sag support;
• Cycling route maps, distances and col profiles;
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, traveling with your bike, relevant reads and logistics on arrival/departure city; and
• Entrance fees for any scheduled non-cycling tours.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Reservations, Travel Insurance & Cancellations

To reserve your space on our bike tour, please complete the short registration form and send a deposit of $700 USD/person. Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Mediterranean Alps Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

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Overview

Girona & Costa Brava Tour Highlights

• Tapa-bar hopping in Girona
• 6.5 days cycling, 450 scenic miles, average 3,200′ vertical/day
  
• Testing your legs on Lance’s Els Angles loop
• Fresh Catalan cuisine
• Riding the dramatic Mediterranean Coast
• The buzz of beautiful Barcelona

REGISTER HERE for our Girona and Costa Brava Luxe trip!

Our luxury cycling trip starts in the center of Costa Brava in the medieval city of Girona.  Sitting in a valley at the convergence of two rivers, Girona is surrounded on three sides by pre-Pyrenean foothills. The walled city is remarkably well-preserved with ancient attractions,upscale bakeries, numerous cafes and chic restaurants all easily explored on foot. Because of its central location between Barcelona and France, good climate and access to quiet roads, Girona has evolved into the international cycling center for professional riders. Hardly a day passes where you don’t see a pro out training on the same roads as you.

From Girona we move north and west towards France and the rugged coast. The terrain changes daily with hilly challenges, small fishing villages, olive groves and a fantastic ride down the Mediterranean coast. We finish in style with a stay in Barcelona, consistently rated as one of the best cities of the world.

The Ride Strong Style

This tour is designed with an obsessive tendency towards the most well-designed routes, multiple nights in luxury, one-of-a-kind hotels, authentic (& delicious) cuisine and, yes, loads of riding. We operate our tour with knowledgeable local guides, vehicle/mechanical support throughout the day and cycling options of 50 – 80 miles. To enjoy this tour you must be a fit cyclist capable of riding the daily distances on hilly terrain. Non-cyclist significant others are welcome.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Girona, Spain.

Your guides will meet you at the Girona airport or train station at 12:00 p.m and whisk you to the newest and sleekest addition to Girona’s skyline, the beautiful AC Bellavista Hotel overlooking Girona’s skyline. After checking-in, introductions and a light lunch, we’ll go for a short undulating warm-up ride in the quiet foothills just outside of the old city. Relax or explore the medieval town before dinner. Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Girona. Ride: 20-25 miles, undulating.

Day 2 – St Hilari Loop.

The St. Hilari loop is a 110 km local cycling classic made famous by the professional riders who live and train here. It includes moderate climbing through beautiful forested scenery. We’ll approach the town of Sant Hilari from the backside on narrow roads. From here it’s one up and then a long descent back down to Angles, stopping for an authentic 3-course Catalan lunch before a scenic mostly fast ride back to Girona. Ride: 70 miles, 3885 feet climbing.

Day 3 – Girona to Figueres.

Leaving behind the ‘city,’ we’ll ride into the protected zone of the Parc Natural Volcanic de la Garrotxa. Garrotxa literally means “rough area” and this is a good description of the challenging but incredibly scenic ride with twisting, climbing and quiet roads. Emerging from the mountains, we’ll skirt around the city of Olot before lunch in charming Besalú. Luxuriate by the pool at our beautifully-restored masiawith incomparable style and possibly the most amazing restaurant in Costa Brava, the Relais and Hotel Mas Falgarona. Ride: 72 miles, 4,000 feet+.

Day 4 – Figueres to Cadaqués Loop.

Today’s ride takes us to the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula, Cap Creus(the home of Salvador Dali). It’s a mostly flat to undulating day with one particularly pesky 8 km climb. The high point is at 1750 feet where the 10th century monastery sits above the rugged coast. From here, the descent zig-zags back to sea level with a great fishing village for a cafe. We’ll stop for lunch in the charming seaside town of Cadaqués, the former home of Salvador Dali and digest on the spectacular descent into the medieval village of Castelló d’Empúries. Finish the day with a ride into Figueres for a quick look at the Salvador Dali museum. Ride: 68 miles, 4,200 feet climbing.

Day 5 – Figueres to Torrent.

Today is intentionally less challenging with much of the day spent recovering on fast and flat plains of the Baix Empordà region. Medieval villages and stunning coastline mark most of the route. Pass through St Marti Empuries, quite possibly the first and most important Greek colonies on the Iberian Peninsula. Take a dip in the Mediterranean and continue further south for lunch under the shadows of Castell de Montgri. We’ll arrive at our stunning Relais & Chateaux hotel Mas Torrent in the country with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the grounds. We recommend dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Ride: 45 miles, mostly flat day.

Day 6 – Els Angels Loop.

Today’s loop is rumored to be Lance’s favorite, taking in two relatively mild climbs in the Gavarres mountains, the relatively gentle, Puig d´en Carreres followed by the fun, twisting, gradual ascent of Els Angels. Descend through the charming medieval towns that dot the Baix Empordà, including a visit to the Iberian ruins near Ullastret. Ride: 62 miles, roughly 2800 feet climbing.

Day 7 – Torrent to Barcelona.

Today is Costa Brava at its best! We’ll start with two of our favorite, relatively moderate climbs of Coll de la Ganga and Romanya de la Selva. From the Gavarres mountains we descend almost directly onto the beach for a challenging Mediterranean promenade. From San Feliu de Guixols enjoy a 22 km stretch of twisty, tiny roads rising and falling above the Mediterranean. Descend into the fortified ancient town of Tossa de Mar for a Mediterranean lunch. From here, we’ll train to the world-recognized Hotel des Arts along the beach in Barcelona. Celebration dinner tonight in town. Ride: 60 miles 3785 feet climbing.

Day 8 – Homeward Bound.

After breakfast, we’ll have a short morning transfer to Barcelona airport. If you are staying on in Barcelona to enjoy the city for a few days, we’re happy to give you our recommendations for hotels and restaurants.

Details

Our Girona and Costa Brava Trip Includes:

• Seven nights accomodation in luxury relais and hotels;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day);
• 5 dinners and 2 lunches;
• Experienced, fantastic guides;
• Airport/train station pick-up, luggage transfer and van support;
• Energy snacks and hydration products during rides;
• Cycling route maps; and
• Ride Strong Travel Planner

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city;
• There are direct flights to Barcelona from North America. Girona is easily accessible by train or car from Barcelona or direct flights from the U.K.
• The majority of our clients bring their own bikes and helmets. High quality road bikes are available (with a pre-reservation) through our local bike shop at an additional charge; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Girona and Costa Brava Cycling Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]

Overview

• 5.5 days cycling
• 300 miles+ (average 55-60 miles/day)
• Stay in Frank Gehry’s surreal luxury hotel in rural Elciego, Spain
• Ride along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail
• Test your legs on Basque Pyrenean cols (optional)
• Pamplona tapa-bar hopping!

Still largely undiscovered in the international cycling world, La Rioja and the Basque Country are cycling gems. Our tour starts in the La Rioja region of Northern Spain which is now nearly synonymous with the Rioja wine. Modern bodegas, verdant vineyards, small wine roads and sleepy villages dot the cycling routes.

The terrain is largely fast and flat in the Ebro river valley, with undulating and challenging hills to the north. Moving along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail east, we’ll enter Spanish Basque Country and the excitement of Pamplona. The trip finishes crossing the Pyrenees into the gorgeous countryside of the French Basque Country where small villages come to life with unique Basque architecture, AOC peppers and the heady buzz of the Basque Atlantic Coast.

Note: Dates don’t work or you have a special group of friends?  This trip is excellent almost any time of year and can be customized to meet your group’s cycling and traveling dreams.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Bilbao – Elciego, Spain.

Arrive at the Bilbao airport where we’ll whisk you to our retreat, one of Frank Gehry’s fascinating masterpieces located in the small wine town of Elciego, Spain, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal . The afternoon is dedicated to bike fit and assembly and indulging in the hotel’s pool. We recommend a relaxing dinner tonight in the hotel’s dining room.

Day 2 – Elciego Loop.

We’ll explore the remarkable history and roads south of Elciego. A moderately challenging loop visiting the two fascinating UNESCO listed monastaries in the picturesque-setting of San Millan de la Cogolla: Monasterio de Yuso and Monasterio de Suso. We’ll return north via Santo Domingo de la Calzadea, with it’s impressive cathedral, old mansions and excellent options for lunch before continuing on the via verde for a relatively easy coast back to our hotel. Recommend tapas, tastings and dinner in Laguardia. Ride: 65 km or more.

Day 3 – Elciego to Puente la Reina.

Farmland, vineyards and bodegas dominate the route as we move east from La Rioja to the Navarra region. We’ll pass through several little towns including the medieval town of Estella where we can visit the atmospheric old village along the River Ega. Our home for the next 2 nights, Puente de la Reina (‘Bride of the Queen’) is an exceedingly picturesque town of 2,000. It’s perhaps best known as the convergence point in Spain for the various pilgrim’s routes. Your refuge is the luxurious Relais & Chateaux boutique Hotel el Peregrino.We recommend an afternoon of relaxing by the pool before dinner out on the town. Ride: 120 km, undulating terrain.

Day 4 – Puente la Reina (loop ride to Olite).

An optional day-off or ride south deeper into Navarra to explore the picturesque medieval towns of Olite and Ujue and the 12th century Monasterio de la Oliva. There are short or longer options to loop back up to our sanctuary el Peregrino following the River Arga. We’ll dine in the hotel tonight where the chef uses the freshest ingredients to create Basque-La Riojan feasts. Ride: 75km or 90km.

Day 5 – Puente la Reina to Bidarray, France.

Today is a challenging ride north to the port of Spain crossing either at Puerto de Izpegui or Puerto de Otxondo. From El Plazaola, we follow an old train line into Leitza and southern Basque country where we’ll stop for lunch before entering the stunning and scenic Basque villages. After we cross the port of Spain/France it’s a relatively easy jaunt to our special French country boutique hotel. Surrounded by 45 hectatres of countryside along the River Nive, we’ll spend the next three nights in Alain Ducasse’s full-service country hotel Hotel Ostape . We recommend dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day 6 – Bidarray Loop via Esplette and St. Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Optional day off OR discover the beautiful Basque country cycling all around. There are several options for riding challenging cols or stay on the undulating hills through the charming Basque villages. A natural and delightful stop for lunch is in the walled village of St Jean Pied-de-Port. Perhaps the most important town in all of France for pilgrims on their way to Compostella, St. Jean Pied-de-Port retains all of it’s medieval charm and strong Basque heritage. We recommend either dinner at the hotel or an excursion out for a different kind of gastronomic feast. Ride: 60 km or more.

Day 7 – Homeward Bound.

After breakfast, we’ll offer shuttles to the Bayonne-Biarritz airport for your journey home!

Details

Our La Rioja and Basque Country Trip Includes:

• Six nights luxury accommodation;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day);
• 3 dinners and 2 lunches;
• Airport pick-up, luggage transfer and van support;
• Energy snacks and hydration products;
• Cycling route maps, route instructions and distances;
• Ride Strong Travel Planner; and
• Services of two smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

La Rioja and Basque Country Photos

Photos coming soon!

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]

Overview

You don’t get where you are without dedication; dedication to your work, dedication to your bike, dedication to living! Biycling the Dolomites, you’ll experience the type of dedication that gives you deep satisfaction and keeps you riding strong. Twisting ascents, eight 2,000 meter passes, lakes, loops and classic Giro d’ Italia circuits combine to qualify this ride as the best cycling challenge in Italy. Your dedication is rewarded with long dramatic down hills, mind-blowing mountain scenery, leisurely evenings around real Italian dinner tables and locally made Italian gelato!

“Any traveling cyclist can relate to the feeling of carefree abandon and catharsis that pedaling evokes… Each turn, each hill is another discovery illuminating a place, a sensation and a perception until then hidden from view. Nothing is so utterly alive and well as the spirit of the traveler on a bicycle.” – James E. Starrs

Itinerary

Day 1 – Trento.

Bonjourno! We’ll meet you in the historic center of Trento, a charming town situated in the shadow of the majestic mountains of the Dolomites. After assembling and fine-tuning our bikes, the afternoon is free to explore the café-laden cobblestone streets or relax at our nice hotel. The evening is reserved for a cocktail reception, trip overview and welcome dinner at a local restaurant in town.(As needed, we’ll provide train station pick-up between noon and 3:00 this afternoon).

Day 2 – Trento.

We’ll warm up our legs on a hilly loop ride south-west of the city over Monte Bondonne and descending through the Valle di Cei on our way to Lake Garda and the Valle dei Laghi. After lunch, you’ll have your choice to return via the flat Adige river or soaking in the scenery on the undulating mountain roads. Ride: 60 km – 80 km, 3500 ft or less.

Day 3 – Siusi.

It’s predominately an easy car-free spin along a dedicated bike path decorated with apple orchards and the Adige River all the way into Bolzano. A fantastic south Tyrolean city, we’ll lunch and lounge in Bolzano before finishing the day with our final push into the Dolomiti mountains. Our luxurious hotel in the small town of Siusi is surrounded on all sides by panoramic views of lush landscape and the mountains we have yet to climb! Afternoon is free to relax, have a massage or indulge in a well-deserved cold beer. Ride: 75 km/1,000 ft gain.

Day 4 – Cortina d’ Ampezzo.

A big day of adrenaline producing passes and sensory overload as we take on a traditional cycling pilgrimmage to Cortina. Right out of the gate we’ll burn off our hearty breakfast with a short climb from Castelrotto to Ortisei. There’s really no relief through the charming Austrian style ski town of Selva until we begin descending the steady switchbacks of Passo Gardena into Corvara. The scenery becomes even more spectacular as we begin the deceivingly simple climb of Passo Valparola. The last six kilometers are grueling but you’ll be rewarded with a postcard perfect view and thrilling descent all the way down to the Passo Falzarego summit into the charming town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ride: 80 km; 3,900 ft climbing.

Day 5 – Cortina d’ Ampezzo (Tre Cime Loop).

Similar to most mornings, we jump start our hearts on a morning ascent to the summit of Passo Tre Croci and, without losing much altitude, to the highest summit of our tour, Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2320m). The cycling is spectacular along the shores of the piercing lake Misurina and through the verdant forest before the final four kilometers challenge even the strongest cyclists. Our loop continues in a predominately down counter-clockwise rotation through beautiful alpine scenery over the Passo Cimbanche back to Cortina where beer gardens and gelaterias abound. For those with more left in their legs, an optional route north takes us through alpine towns and a beautiful valley only a stone’s throw from Austria. Ride: 60 km/110 km.

Day 6 – Canezei/Passo Pordoi.

Following our hearty Austrian-style breakfast the day is simple: 2 ups and 2 downs with your fill of sweat and scenery in between. The Passo Giau looms hidden just around the outskirts of Cortina. It’s one of the quietest roads in the region with forests, grasslands, cows and rivers. You’ll want to keep out your camera for the views on the descent. There’s little time to flush out the lactic legs as you almost immediately begin climbing the Passo Fedaia. It’s sustained steepness until the lake and then another classic Dolomites descent into Canezei. A European ski station in winter, the summer in Canazei centers around cycling, sun and sweat. Surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks, at the foot of the Fassa Valley, we’ll spend two nights enjoying the fresh air and exhilarating atmosphere of this lovely town. Ride: 61 km/5,300 ft.

Day 7 – Canazei/Passo Pordoi (Sella Ronda Loop).

Following the tire tracks of the Italian greats, our tour takes us north to east, up and over one of the classic Giro circuits and roads of the amateur annual cycling event, the Marathon of the Dolomites. Cycling the four scenic passes, we’ll tackle the longest first with fresh morning legs cranking us up the Passo Pordoi (2249 m) with a procession of other cycling fanatics. At the most scenic of the Giro summits, the Passo Pordoi gives way to a ten kilometer twisting descent of 33 switchbacks, bottoming out at an abrupt end in the town of Arabba. Passo Campolongo (1875m) will be a comparatively short pedal in the saddle, with a low and steep pass rewarded by an uncharacteristically generous descent along a river into the mountain town of Corvara. Those who partake will want to inject another smooth expresso at one of the many cafes before we start our westward turn around the Stella Massif and over postcard perfect Passo di Gardena (2121m), a gain of 600 meters in the ten kilometers from Corvara. The beauty of the surrounding mountain beasts delight us with panoramic views, distracting us from our final short ascent to the summit of Passo Stella and rewarding us on a spectacular descent back to our home base for the evening. Ride: 4 passes, 6500 feet, 67 km with options for more.

Day 8 – Trento.

The last day cycling the Dolomites, we’ll take tiny mountain roads following a portion of the 2006 Giro route south to Levico Terme for laziness and lunch by the lake. From there, it’s a short spin through small towns before dropping back into our Trento hotel. The ride is mostly downhill with one last pass over the Passo de Manghen. The views from behind sum up in a single glance the unbelievable territory we’ve climbed and conquered. (78 km/2,200ft). After an afternoon beer and boxing bikes, we’ll retreat to our favorite restaurant to celebrate our final night!

Day 9 – Departure – Trento.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll provide morning transfers to the train station in Trento.

Details

Our Dedication In The Dolomites Trip Includes:

Services of one or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
8 nights accommodation in boutique hotels and charming country resort style lodges; and
A hearty Austrian-style breakfast daily (except arrival day), 4 dinners (including wine) and 3 lunches;
Energy snacks and hydration;
Luggage transfer and sag support;
Cycling route maps, distances and profiles; and
Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, traveling with your bike, relevant reads and logistics on arrival/departure city
Travel and Bikes

You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
Passports are needed for all international tours.
Reservations, Travel Insurance & Cancellations

To reserve your space on our bike tour, please complete the short registration form and send a deposit of $700 USD/person. Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Dedication In The Dolomites Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]

Overview

Chasing the TDF Pyrenees 2010 Tour Highlights

• Ride and witness live Stage 15 from the hors categorie Port de Bales
• Ride and watch Stage 16 start in Luchon or from the Peyresourde summit
• Ride and watch Stage 17, the Tour climax from the Col du Tourmalet!
• Stage 19 individual time trial from beautiful Bordeaux

The greatest cycling event in this world, the 2010 Tour de France is a tribute to the Pyrenees, first introduced to the Tour 100 years ago. There’s the exciting line up of Pyrenean favorites (Peyresourde, Aspin and Col du Tourmalet twice!!) and a few of the more ‘modern’ climbs including the Port de Bales (the backside finally paved in 2007).

You will ride and watch the Tour drama unfold on our guided and fully-supported trip starting atop Port de Bales and finishing at the 51 km ITT in beautiful Bordeaux.

The Ride Strong Style.

The tour is designed with an obsessive tendency towards the most well-designed routes, multiple nights in one-of-a-kind hotels, authentic cuisine and, yes, loads of riding. We’ll operate our tour similar to our signature tours with knowledgeable local guides, cycling roughly 80-110 km/day, eating well and sleeping even better! This is a guided, supported and well-designed trip, however, we can’t push your pedals. To enjoy this tour you must be a fit cyclist capable of riding the daily distances on mountainous terrain.

Check out a short video of our awesome 2009 TDF trip:

Send us an email if you have any questions or you want to join us but need a few days to sort out vacation plans with your friends, family and work. We will hold your position for 7 days with nothing more than your request by email, your name and number of spots you would like to hold and your strong desire to go.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day – Toulouse (30 km warm-up ride).

Most participants will arrive to the Toulouse International Airport where your guides will meet you with our van for the short transfer to the Luchon valley in the Pyrenees. The afternoon is dedicated to assembling bikes and shaking off jet lag with a flat loop ride across the valley floor. Cocktail reception and tour overview before our first of many memorable French dinners. We’ll have a single transfer at 12:00 pm so please don’t schedule your flights after that.

Day 2 – Stage 15 Ride and watch from Port de Bales Live .

We’ll start in the thick of TDF festivities riding and watching Stage 15 of the Tour from the Port de Bales or the finish in Luchon. From the doors of our hotel, we have a gentle flat warm-up ride through the valley before a hard left takes us to the start of the Port de Bales climb (19 km at 6.3% average). Most of us will watch the race on the hairpin turns 1 km from the summit. Non-riders can watch the finish within walking distance of our hotel in Luchon village. Ride: 60 km, 1 col, 4,000′ climbing.

Day 3 – Stage 16 Luchon stage start or watch from Col du Peyresourde.

Today’s stage start will be within walking distance of our hotel. After a leisurely morning, you have the option of mingling with the pros as they prepare for a massive day of successive climbs or starting ahead of the pros to watch from the summit of the Col du Peyresourde. The afternoon is free to watch the Tour with international fans from our favorite bistro in Luchon, go to the spa or join our guide on a fantastic loop ride over the Col du Portillon into Spain. Ride: optional distances all from the steps of our hotel.

Day 4 – Tour Rest Day – Ride Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet.

If there were any series of cols you could do in the Pyrenees, today has them all. Starting in Luchon, we’ll follow the Stage 16 route over the Peyresourde, the relatively forgiving Col d’Aspin and eastern side of the Tourmalet (17.4 km at 7.4% average). This will likely be the most challenging and memorable day of the entire week with 9,800 feet of pure climbing interrupted only by 9,800 feet of dazzling descents. Enjoy the final 40 km descent and fast flat to our comfortable city hotel in Lourdes for two nights. Ride: 130 km/81 miles, 3 category cols, 9,800′ climbing.

Day 5 – Stage 17 Tourmalet Stage Finish.

Would you miss the Tourmalet finish? The highest spot in the 2010 Tour, the Col du Tourmalet will undoubtedly be the hottest spot on July 22nd. Only ONCE before in Tour history has the Tour finished at the summit. Never with the fierce contenders that will be battling it out on the last mountain stage of the Tour. After our hearty breakfast, we’ll ride the stage course to our favorite spot on the Tourmalet and join the international festival of cycling fans. Descend back to our hotel for our final night in the mountains. Ride: 95 km/60 mi, 1 hors category climb, 6,500 ft.

Day 6 – Stage 18, Pau to Bordeaux .

We’ll feel unusually fast today on the largely flat journey into wine country. The scenery will change dramatically to coastal shrub and lush vineyards as we approach Bordeaux. Watch the finish in town or take in a glass of Bordeaux from one of many wine shops. Ride: 90km/56 mi, flat to undulating.

Day 7 – Stage 19, Bordeaux Individual Time Trial.

The best thing about a 51 km time trial is the standings could very possibly change on this final day before Paris. The start will be the best place to watch the riders warming-up, get TDF souvenirs and autographs. We’ll lead an optional ride in the morning through the vineyards around St. Emillion. Final night celebration in town!

Day 8 – July 25th, Departure Day – Homeward Bound.

If you are flying out of Bordeaux, we will take you straight to the airport for your connection home. If you are taking the TGV to Paris or the train to Toulouse, we’ll drop you at the train station for our good-byes.

Details

Our Chasing the TDF Pyrenees Trip Includes:

• Services of three or more of our smiling, experienced domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 7 nights accommodation in hotels de charme and boutique hotels;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day), 5 dinners (including wine);
• Energy snacks and hydration in the SAG vehichle;
• Luggage transfer and sag support where possible on the course;
• Route maps, profiles and daily distances; and
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including information on packing, traveling with your bike, relevant reads and logistics on arrival/departure city.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Reservations and Special Cancellation Policy

To reserve your space on our bike tour, please complete the short registration form and send a deposit of $1,000 USD/person. Because of the up-front commitments we must make in connection with this special tour, our cancellation policy for this Tour is as follows.

Number of days prior to tour departure date	Cancellation fee per person
121+ days	$200.00 administrative fee
120 – 90 days	$1,000.00 deposit non-refundable
89 – 60 days	50% of tour price
60-0 days	100% of tour price

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Chasing the TDF Pyrenees Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]

Overview

Surrounded on all sides by the most spectacular scenery in the French Alps, Lake Annecy is a natural base for all things outdoors. During summer, skiers turn into cyclists and triathletes abound swimming and running the lake. When the day is done, the old village of Lake Annecy, with its café-lined streets and medieval homes is a favorite spot to while away the afternoon.

On our Lake Annecy destination tour we’ll take advantage of the endless Alpine passes right outside our hotel door. Each day includes 1-3 climbs (cols) including the Col de la Colombiere, Col de la Croix de Fry, Col de Romme, the famous Forclaz, the Semnoz and many other favorite local’s passes. Each ride is SAG supported, guided and includes route maps, profiles and energy products.

Accommodations. Your home for the week will be in a beautifully renovated historic villa on the east side of the lake near Talloires. The villa comes complete with all of the luxuries of a fine hotel and the friendliness of a young family. The villa is handpicked by Julie both for its luxurious amenities, proximity to the lake and the rides and the delicious Haute Savoie breakfasts.

Food. The Savoyards are very proud of their heritage as well as their hearty cuisine. On your vacation, you can expect delicious breakfasts with fresh yogurts, homemade jams, Swiss muesli and local cheeses. During each ride, we’ll stop at a recommended bistro or pizzeria for enough fuel to get us the rest of the way home. Group dinners are always special 3-4 course meals. The other nights are free for you to explore and discover on your own. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to cater.

Our Annecy destination tour is designed for experienced cyclists in reasonably good condition for cycling one to two category climbs/day. While there are options for easier days, the heart of the tour is climbing and incredible scenery. Non-cycling significant others are welcome and free to enjoy the plethora of other independent activities including lakeside runs, hiking, lounging by the lake, swimming, sailing and shopping.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day.

Your guides will meet you at the Geneva International Airport for a short transfer to your Hotel de Charme overlooking beautiful Lake Annecy. After assembling the bikes, your afternoon is free to lounge by the Lake, sightsee or take a short ride to shake out the jet leg. If you’ve arrived a day or two early to Annecy, we will arrange to pick you up at your hotel or the Annecy train station. We’ll have a short orientation to go over the week’s activities followed by a special dinner.

Day 2 – Lake Loop & Col de Forclaz.

We’ll have a nice flat warm-up ride around the lake on the 2009 Tour de France time trial course. Most of the route is on a flat fast traffic-free bike path taking us directly to the eastern ascent of the Col de la Forclaz (8 km, 2,150 ft gain at an average 8%). The views from the summit of the Forclaz are spectacular. Enjoy the descent all the way back to our retreat. Ride: 65 km+, 1 col, 2150 ft climbing.

Day 3 – Climb the Marais and Col de la Croix Fry.

Building our base, we head into the interior of the Haute Savoie spinning up the relatively easy Col de Marais followed by the bold Col de la Croix Fry (12 km, gain of 2670 feet). A fantastic descent drops us into the mountain village of La Clusaz for lunch. Return via a long descent back to the lake or enjoy one of the several options to extend the ride up another col or down the fast and fun Gorges des Eveaux. Ride: 80 km, 3500 ft climbing, 2 cols with options for more.

Day 4 – Col de Romme, & Col de la Colombiere Loop.

Possibly the most challenging day of the entire week, we’ll follow the most exciting section of the 2009 Tour de France Stage 17. Starting on the valley floor, we’ll follow mostly flat quiet roads paralleling the Aravis mountain chain. Near Cluses the ride begins in earnest, a ramp of back-to-back category 1 climbs: the Col de Romme followed by the Colombiere. After lunch in the village of Grand Bornand, you’ll enjoy a long 24 km descent back to our hotel. Ride: 90 km, 5,000 ft climbing, 2 cat. 1 cols.

Day 5 – West Side Loop of Semnoz.

With more to explore on the west side of the lake, no tour of this region would be complete without taking in the beauty (and beast) of the huge massif of the Semnoz (18.3 kms and 3,970 feet climbing). After refueling at the top, we’ll take in the scenic south side views for the quiet roads (and another small col) back to our hotel. Ride: 85 km, 1 big climb.

Day 6 – Homeward Bound.

After breakfast, we’ll provide a direct transfer to Geneva airport for your connections home. If you choose to extend your trip, we’re happy to take you to the Annecy train station for connections throughout France. Merci!

Details

Our TDF Trip Includes

• Services of one or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone
• 5 nights accommodation in luxury historic villa;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day)and 3 dinners;
• Energy snacks and hydration on rides;
• Luggage transfer and daily SAG support;
• Cycling route maps, distances and col profiles and
• Ride Strong Travel Planner including details on packing,training and traveling with your bike.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city. We’ll send you a travel planner to help with all of the logistics of getting there;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet (although we’ve been rumored to help arrange bike rentals if you prefer). Contact us during the registration process if you’d like to rent a bike; and
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

To reserve your space on our bike tour, please complete the short registration form and send a deposit of $700 USD/person. Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

Lake Annecy Alps Cycling Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]

Overview

Col de la Ornon - Day 1

French Alps & L’Alpe d’Huez Tour Highlights

• 6 days cycling /31,000 feet of scenic climbing (and equally long descents)
• 224 miles +/-(average 45 miles/day)
• 10 or more category climbs
• The successive line-up of ‘must do’ rides: L’Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer!
• Hearty Savoie dining

Our favorite time to cycle the Alps is outside the madness of the Tour de France where we can savor the solitude of quieter roads and indulge in our special mountain hideaways at any pace we choose. The French Alps are home to the high cols of the Tour de France;  L’Alpe d’ Huez, Col du Lautaret, Col du Galbier and Col de la Croix Fer and the lower, but equally as pitched climbs of the Col de la Porte and Col du Coq. With category cols around every turn, our bike tour in the Alps is a paradise for cyclists the world over.

Our trip is designed with multiple night hotel stays, no van transfers (except for your luggage), daily ride options and optional days-off.  Our hotels are located in the heart of the Alps where non-cycling mountain activities abound including trail running, world-class hiking, swimming or just shopping for a new French cycling kit.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Grenoble, France.

Your guides will meet you at the Grenoble train station between 12- 3pm for the short transfer to our hotel in Grenoble’s historic center.  One of our favorite French university towns, Grenoble is buzzing with energy, students and bicyclists galore. Nestled on a river bed surrounded by the Alps, Vercors and Chartreuse mountains, Grenoble claims the ironic distinction of being the flattest city in all of France! Wander the lively streets, soak in the surrounding peaks or fine tune your bike before our welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Ride Grenoble to Bourg d’Oisans.

Every way out of Grenoble is up! We’ll take the local’s ride from Grenoble connecting to a scenic loop up La Morte (15 km/3,300 ft gain @ 6.5% average) and around the backside of Bourg d’Oisans via the Roizonne river valley and Col d’Ornon (14.4 km/1850 ft gain @ 3.9% average). The ride today serves to warm-up our legs and low gears. From the summit of Ornon, it’s a fantastic twisting descent to our cycle-friendly hotel located near the bicycle buzzing town of le Bourg-d’Oisans.  Ride: 65 miles/5,250 ft+, 2 cols.

Day 3 – L’Alpe d’Huez Loop Ride.

There’s no time like the present to tackle the most mythical col in history. Introduced to the Tour de France in 1952, the 14 km ascent is adorned with dramatic Tour de France history. The stats are well-known: Hors Category, 3,680 ft. elevation gain, 21 hairpin turns, 7.9% average grade, 14% max, record time 37 minutes in 1997. Although we won’t break any records, the myth is surprisingly manageable. Most riders will continue the ride over the the dramatic balcony road. We’ll dine tonight on the best local Dauphine cuisine in town! Ride: 50-75 miles/5,584 ft+, 2 cols or more.

Day 4 – La Berarde and Les Deux Alps Loop Ride.

Have a massage, go for a hike or continue the endless options of world-class cycling. Our recommended ride takes us through the heart of France’s wildest and most beautiful National Parks to an old shepherds’ village, La Berarde. Soaring mountain peaks and tumbling river rapids serve as the back drop of this undisputably awesome climb.  Stronger riders will continue to Les Deux Alps for an up and down, out-and-back before returning to our hotel for a carbohydrate inspired meal.  Ride: 40-75 miles, 4,100+ ft climbing).

Day 5 – Bourg d’Oisans to St Jean-de-Maurienne.

If you like to climb hills, today you’ll experience heaven; cycling the Lautaret, Galibier and Telegraphe in 48 km of climbing. An early stretch of flats allows us to flush our legs before cycling a perfectly painless ascent up the beautiful Romanche Valley. The summit of Col du Lautaret (34 km; 4,300 gain at 3.8% avg) has evolved to be THE lunch stop for cyclists approaching from all three directions. Next up is the Col du Galibier (HC; 8.5 km; 1900ft gain at 6.9% avg.), the first alpine col introduced to the Tour de France in 1911 and a regular feature in the Alps mountain stages 50-something times since. Tonight is reserved for recovery, refuelling and hydrating on Savoie specialties  Ride: 62 miles and 7,250 ft climbing.

Day 6 – Col de la Croix de Fer Loop Ride.

From the get-go, we have a classic day of sweet climbing, beautiful mountains and quiet roads. Following the 2006 Stage 16 (in reverse), we’ll gear down to go up the infamous Col de la Croix Fer (30 km; 5,400 ft gain at 5.1%). We summit the Col de la Croix de Fer a few kilometers and cafe o’lait later at the intersection with the Glandon. The 20 km descent of the Glandon is nothing short of stunning looping us back down into one of our favorite pubs. The afternoon is free for relaxation, more riding or exploring the cafes.  Ride: 5o miles/6,100 ft climbing.

Day 7 -Chambery to Grenoble.

Our Alps cycling tour of the high cols of the Tour de France culminates with a day of breathtaking biking through the Chartreuse mountain range. Adrenaline junkies will follow the patchwork of category climbs all the way into bustling Grenoble (Col du Granier connecting to the Category 2 Col du Cucheron and finally the pesky Col de Porte).  Tonight we’ll celebrate in our favorite downtown restaurant, toasting the monumental week of cycling the French Alps!  Ride: 50 miles/4,600 ft climbing.

Day 8 – Homeward bound.

After breakfast we’ll return you to the Grenoble train station (or airport by prior arrangement) for your short connection to Lyon airport.

Details

Our French Alps & L’Alpe d’Huez Trip Includes

• Services of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 7 nights accommodation in city hotels and charming mountain auberges;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day) and 6 dinners(including wine);
• Energy snacks and hydration in van;
• Luggage transfer and sag support; and
• Cycling route maps, distances and climb profiles.

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival point and departure city;
• You are not only required, but you WANT to bring your own bike and helmet. If you really need to rent, let us know and we’ll arrange for a rental at an additional fee;
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

French Alps & L’Alpe d’Huez Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

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Overview

La Marmotte 2010 Tour Highlights

• Challenge yourself on the toughest cyclosportive in France
• Ride the Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Galibier and L’Alpe d’Huez in 1 day!
• Acclimate and train in the French Alps
• Entry into La Marmotte race (event is already sold-out)
• Private aid station on day of event
• Private shuttle to Event Expo
• Stay in beautiful mountain chalet for entire week

Save your spot now with our simple online registration.

Ride Strong Bike Tours is an Official Tour Operator of La Marmotte Event.

Billed as ‘the toughest one day amateur cycling event in the world’, La Marmotte is a 174 km (108 miles) loop covering nearly 16,500 feet of climbing over the most monsterous (and scenic) peaks in the French Alps.

The course departs every July from Bourg d’Oisans looping clockwise over the Col du Glandon, traversing a chunk of flat road in the Maurienne Valley before the long and fabled ascent of the Telegraphe and hors categorie, Col du Galibier. From the summit of the Galibier you can catch your breath and take in some fuel on a nearly 45 km section of downhill back to the base of L’Alpe d’Huez. From here, it’s a mere 13.8 km to the finish!

Our Marmotte week is designed to prepare you physically and strategically for the event. We’ll spend the first 3 days of our week together on vehicle supported rides training on La Marmotte course. Our resident French Alps expert will conduct short informal talks about race strategy, mental preparation and nutrition. We’ll get you situated at race registration and discuss more details of the course over lunch. Event day we’ll have a short 15 minute shuttle to the start and be on the course to support you with a special Ride Strong Bike Tours refueling stop.

Check out the best video we’ve found of La Marmotte taken by local resident, awesome rider and owner of grenoblecycling.com.

Marmotte 2009 from Russell Standring on Vimeo.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day in Grenoble.

Most riders will arrive to the Grenoble train station via the Lyon airport, Geneva airport or Paris. Your guides will meet you in Grenoble for a short transfer to our beautiful chalet on the northern slopes of L’Alpe d’Huez where you can unpack for the entire trip. There’s a short orientation before dinner with an overview of the week. Our resident La Marmotte expert will give a brief overview of the race. Note: Shuttles from the Lyon or Geneva airport direct to the chalet are available for an additional 80 euro/person (minimum 2 people).

Days 2, 3 & 4 – Training Rides in French Alps.

We’ll spend the next three days on SAG supported rides of various portions of La Marmotte route. Having familiarity with the course, climbs and, more importantly, perhaps, descents has proven to be a tremendous benefit to our riders in years past.

Days 5 & 6 - Rides and Race Registration.

For Thursday and Friday, you can opt to rest, massage and/or we have two shorter, easier rides planned along the valley floor. Registration activities start early on top of l’Alpe d’Huez Friday. It’s always an event with a fun expo, farmers market and thousands of anxious cyclists buzzing around. You’ll have plenty of time to buy all the jerseys and other cycling souvenirs.

Day 7 – La Marmotte Challenge!

It’s time to roll! 174 km; 16,400 feet elevation gain in one day! By now you’ll know the stats and all the cols: Col du Glandon; Col du Telegraphe; Col du Galibier and the legendary L’Alpe d’Huez. We’ll wake early for a special breakfast and shuttle you to the start line with plenty of time before the 7:00 a.m. start. Bon courage!

Day 8 – Homeward Bound.

After breakfast we’ll shuttle back to Grenoble train station for your connections home. There are direct trains to Lyon airport from here. If you’d like to spend a few extra days relaxing or doing more riding (hard to imagine), we’ll be happy to recommend hotels in the area or extend your trip to Mt. Ventoux!

Details

Our La Marmotte 2010 Trip Includes

• Services of two or more of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
• 7 nights accommodation in our mountain chalet;
• Breakfast daily (except arrival day) and 6 dinners;
• Energy snacks and hydration for daily training rides;
• Marmotte Entry fee;
• Private Ride Strong aid station on the course;
• Q&A sessions with a local coach about La Marmotte
• Luggage transfer and ride support;
• Cycling route maps, distances and col profiles; and
• Ride Strong Travel Planner

Travel and Bikes

• You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival point and departure city;
• You should bring your own bike and helmet. If you really need to rent, let us know and we’ll arrange for a rental at an additional fee;
• Passports are needed for all international tours.

Travel Insurance & Cancellations

Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.

Photos

La Marmotte Challenge Photos

Book this Tour

Book this Tour Now!

Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.

[contact-form]