London To Monte Carlo Grand Tour Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
London To Monte Carlo Grand Cycle Tour
Bike Adventure
Are you looking for a true cycle challenge of a life time…? Then look no further! Welcome to Adventure Café’s Monte Carlo bicycle rally. We believe we have the definitive adventure for anyone seeking an epic cycle challenge to top all cycle challenges. Our route will take you on a veritable Tour of France - an incredible journey like no other - taking in two capital cities, historic roads, celebrated vineyards, beautiful river valleys, dramatic mountain passes and the spice to cap it off – a crossing of the highest mountains in all of Europe - the French Alps – all this before descending from the mountains to the jewel on the Mediterranean and playground for the rich and famous – Monte Carlo… this is a truly magnificent and life changing ride!
The 100km from London to Newhaven serves as the perfect warmup for what lays ahead. We'll take our time to roll through the beautiful English countryside, over the south downs, and down to the coast for our overnight stop. Day two starts with a ferry crossing and ends with mile after mile of traffic-free riding on the famous Avenue Verte.
We'll approach and pass through Paris on our classic London to Paris route; taking in the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysee before heading out of the city on our way south. Our next few legs see us ride through the stunning Yonne Valley, home to countless Burgandy vineyards. We'll have a chance to sample some local wine as we spend one of our nights in Auxerre, the capital of the Burgandy wine region. Our ride through rural central France takes in Morvan national park, and our first proper climb of the trip before heading to Grenoble, to rest our legs before entering the Alps.
The final section of the trip sees us pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, including the iconic Col du Lautaret, and France's highest paved road; the Col de la Bonette. Our final day's route is a short one, and drops us down into Monaco for an early finish and a chance to take in everything that Monte Carlo has to offer! Enjoy a night in the home of the rich and famous and reflect back on the last 10 days of incredible cycling!
Itinerary
Day 1 - London To Newhaven [100km]
Day 2 - Morning ferry To Dieppe
Dieppe To Gournay-en-Bray [75km]
Day 3 - Gournay-en-Bray To Lieusaint [135km]
Day 4 - Lieusaint To Auxerre [140km]
Day 5 - Auxerre To Autun [135km]
Day 6 - Autun To Bourg-en-Bresse [135km]
Day 7 - Bourg-en-Bresse To Grenoble [145km]
Day 8 - Grenoble To Mont Dauphine [150km]
Day 9 - Mont Dauphine To Saint-Martin-Vésubie [120km]
Day 10 - Saint-Martin-Vésubie To Monte Carlo [80km]
Total – 1215km (754mi)
Please Note: distances are approximate
Itinerary Highlights:
• Historic Greenwich Royal Observatory start point
• Channel Ferry crossing
• Avenue Verte to Paris from Dieppe (Traffic free riding)
• Ride around the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysees
• Yonne Valley Vineyards
• Burgundy Region
• Morvan Regional Natural Park
• Night in Grenoble – capital of the French Alps
• Alpine Roads – Spiritual Home of Cycling
• Classic Alpine Cols
• Descent from the Alps to Mediterranean
• Night in Nice at the end of the ride.
Accommodation
We will be staying in comfortable 2/3 star en-suite hotels using Twin or Triple rooms. Single rooms and hotel upgrades are available on request.
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
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 the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader(s), Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Qualififed First Aiders, Baggage Transfer, Ferry Crossing, Hotel Accommodation (10 nights inc Nice) inc Breakfast, Challenge Pack
Excluded From Trip
Travel to and from event, Accommodation in London, Lunches, Evening Meals, however, please ask us if you require all meals to be included...this can be arranged.
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 first aid kits, our on hand support vehicle, 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. You will be issued with detailed safety guidance for riding safely. It is our primary focus to ensure you arrive safely at your journey's end without any crashes or accidents!
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! As we cross the Alps - temperatures will drop - so be ready for a range of temperatures, so please 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