Classic Tour de France Cols Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Classic Cols of the Tour
Bike Adventure
We will be flying into Geneva, and making a short transfer to Annecy. After bike prep and an early night our trip begins the following day. Our high point will be the Col du Grand Cucheron at 1203 metres. From here we will descend into the town of La Chambre. The following day we will climb the infamous Mount Vernier before climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer at 2067 metres. From here we descend back to the town of La Chambre. Our final day will see us make one final big climb up the Col de la Madeleine 1996 metres. The descent will take us back past through Albertville finishing off at Annecy. Here we will have a final night together before airport transfers the following morning.
On day 1, Adventure cafe will arrange an airport transfer for you and your bikes to Annecy. Here we will prep bikes before having an evening meal and an event briefing.
On the second day we will ride out past Lake Annecy before taking on our first climb of the trip. As we enter the afternoon we will tackle our first Col, the Col du Grand Cucheron before taking our descent into the L'Arc Valley and our over night destination.
On our third day we will follow the L'Arc Valley to the infamous and stunning climb of Montvernier. From here we will drop back into the valley, before climbing out of the town of Villargondran towards the col de Croix de fer. we pass through a few small towns before taking on the Col de la Croix de Fer topping out at 2067 metres. From here we will cruise back to our over night accommodation in La Chambre.
Our fourth and final day of riding will see us heading out La Chambre and back towards Annecy, with the small matter of the Col de Madeleine. Once we have accomplished this final Col we have a final long descent before a (relatively) flat ride back to Annecy through Albertville and alongside the lake before our final overnight stop in Annecy. Here we will have chance to celebrate this mamouth cycle ride.
On the fifth day we will transfer back to Geneva airport and our final farwells.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Geneva - transfer to Annecy - Prep bikes
Day2: Ride to La chambre - via col du Grand Cucheron - 120km -
Day 3: Loop Ride to La chambre - Mount Vernier - Croix de Fer - 90km -
Day 4:Ride to Annecy - via col de Madeleine - Overnight in Annecy - 115km -
Total Climbing - 6549 metres - Total Distance 325 km
Day 5: Morning Transfer to Geneva Airport.
Accommodation
We will be staying in 2/3* accommodation in twin and triple rooms. This trip is designed to be a moderately priced challenge - although room upgrades may be available for a small fee.
What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
None required for this trip (if you are an EU citizen. If from further afield you will need to check requirements.) You should hold an EHIC card and comprehensive travel insurance.
Included In Trip
4 nights accomodation - 4 Breakfasts - Support vehicle - first aid mechanic driver - Cycle Leader - Event Planning - Airport Transfer.
Excluded From Trip
Lunches
Dinner
Bike Hire
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
We will run this challenge during summer - and have mild warm and sunny weather. Be prepared for hot and sunny conditions - so be prepared to protect against the sun. Equally however, we could get unlucky! So pack rain jackets and warmer clothes too! Just in case….
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events