2 Day Marmotte Cycle Challenge

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 in Albertville. Transfers from airport included. Evening meal, and ride briefing.

Day 2 - Maurienne Valley & Galibier, 144km, 2740m climbed 

The ride begins gently as we head down the flat bottomed valley through a series of wonderful villages, beside the crashing torrent of the river Arc. We then climb the monster that is the Galibier - via the Telegraphe - and then over and down to join the Briancon road at the Lauteret. The wonder descent continues all the way down the valley to Le Freney for our well earned overnight!

Day 3 - Alpe DHuez, Croix de Fer & Lacets - 127km, 3570m climbed

We start by tearing directly into the Alpe - and the day is only just beginning! If your legs are feeling tired, you can relax at the bottom of this col for the rest of the riders to return back down. We ride via the Col de Croix de Fer before descending back into the Maurienne Valley at St Jean. One last optional  300m climb of the Montvernier if your legs are still holding up and then we ride back for our celebration in fantastic La Chambre.

Day 4 - Farewell to the Alps - breakfast, and transfer to Geneva airport, before heading home, with weary legs, but epic memories of stunning mountain roads :-) Bikes will be transferred for you back to London - subject to group size.

Accommodation

Three nights good quality B&B accommodation. We typically use character 3 star hotels and twin rooms. Single rooms available on request for a small upgrade fee. 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 Intl Cycle Leader.

Support Vehicle.

Mechanical Back Up.

First Aiders.

Luggage Transfer.

3 nights Accommodation (inc Breakfast).

2 x Lunches.

Excluded From Trip

Return flights.

Evening meals.

Personal insurance cover.

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!

Optional Extras

Optional Extras 1

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