Montvernier Alpe dHuez Ventoux Grand Slam

Itinerary

Day 1 - Outbound Day & Bike Check

Our journey begins in Albertville. You may either fly into Geneva or meet us directly at the hotel. Evening meal, and ride briefing. Optional Shake down ride to Beaufort (if time permits).

Day 2 - Lacets and Col de Croix de Fer - Starting Off with a Bang (135km) (+2100m) ... we tear into the beautiful Lacets de Montvernier (there is a short flat ride down the valley to warm up)... but with barely time to catch our breath, the amazing scenery continues. and we continue on to the mighty Croix de Fer... overnight in Allemond or Bourg.

Day 3 - Alpe DHuez - Col D'Ornon & Provence Backroads (139km) (+2400m)

We start by riding directly up the Alpe - and the day is only just beginning! We ride via the Col D'Ornon and the Lac du Sautet before a couple more cols rise up to greet us - the Souloise, the Rioupes, and the Potrachon, before we descend to join the Valley Road, and our overnight accommodation in Serres

Day 4 - The Beautiful One - Serres to Carpentras via Mont Ventoux(140km) (+2000m)

We ride through beautiful farmland in the valley of the Beuch River, with a gently descending road to begin, before reaching Laragne, where we branch off into the wonderful Meouge Gorge, a road which emerges into ever more beautiful countryside, with little traffic, and stunning views. Passing Sederon, and the Col de Macuegne we wind our way on the unconventional approach to Mighty Mont Ventoux. Try and save those legs a little, as after our lunch, the towering beast awaits us. The gentler gradient of the lower slopes and Lavender Fields of Sault are not to be underestimated though. This climb is some 21km long, and although fairly easy going in the early section, the final stage, amongst the lunar landscape of the higher slopes of the mountain, becomes ever more draining. The photo at the top, is a moment to savour for any passionate cyclist.

All that then remains, is the descent to Bedoin, arguably the home of French Cycling, and then an overnight in Carpentras, and celebratory dinner, prior to a transfer and return flight the following day.

Day 5 - Farewell to the Alps - breakfast, and transfer to Marseilles airport or train station, before heading home, with weary legs, but epic memories of stunning mountain roads :-)

Day 5 - Optional Triple Ascent of Ventoux - 135km / 4300m

We shall be on the road early - latest for about 07:30 - and into the first ascent of Mont Ventoux. We climb just under 1600m on our first ascent, and the climb starts almost immediately. We should take the first one steadily, as there are a further two to come. The support vehicle will stay towards the rear, but will try and keep an eye on the group. The cycling leader will be towards the front of the pack (depending on who is in the pack...!). Each time we crest the mountain, we shall attempt to regroup. We shall also set clear cut off times, in order that the team know the schedule for completing the ride. Each climb should take us a maximum of 2 hours, and a descent of around 1 hour. So the first cut off will be at the bottom of the first descent (in Bedoin) - at approximately 11am. Each subsequent climb will be similar. The exact cut off will be issued in the joining instructions, but the longest duration for the ride will be between 11 and 12 hours. The group will reassemble near the summit each time (in a café) and then once again at the bottom of the climb. By doing this, each rider will be guaranteed good service from the support vehicle. You will ride the climbs at your own speed however!

Accommodation

Four nights good quality b&b accommodation. We use 2/3 star hotels and twin rooms. Single rooms available on request. Dinners are not included, but are taken in nearby restaurants.

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

When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact

Included In Trip

Route & Navigational Planning, Experienced International Cycle Leader, Support Vehicle, Mechanical Back Up, First Aiders, Luggagae Transfer, 3 nights Accommodation (inc Breakfast).

Excluded From Trip

Flights, lunches and evening meals,

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

You must stay within range of either your cycling leader or the support vehicle at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each day. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. The leader will attempt to ride towards the front of the group for this ride, and the support vehicle towards the back. The team will regroup at the start and end of each climb on this ride.

Weather

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! The higher mountain cols, even in summer can get very chilly, 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

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge