Travel from Grenoble to the hotel – installation – welcome meeting – bike delivery - and orientation of our program for the week. Local bus service is regular to Freney; or we can arrange a private transfer for a supplement. (D)



We don’t waste any time as we head out directly for warmups and some big climbs!

You may wish to ride down the valley toward Grenoble and return along a steady but gradual climb after which you can choose among Le Col de la Sarenne, Le Glandon, La Croix de Fer, the Col d' Ornon or Les Deux Alpes. (B,D)



A legendary day - This vertical climb of 1.120m (3.733 feet), 14 km (8.75 miles) long, gradients between 7.7 and 12% and 21 switchbacks is one of the most historical and heroic ones in the history of the Tour de France. Again, you can warm up with some miles in lower valleys around Bourg d’Oissans. There is an option to a timed ascent of the Alpe today - see details below. (B,D)



Today you will climb the Col du Lautaret (40kms – 25 miles) from Le Bourg d’Oisans, with a vertical climb of 1.400m (4.666 feet) and average gradients of 3.8 % (max 9%) – the climb to the Galibier is 8.5 km (5.3 miles) longer with a vertical climb of 585m (1.950 feet) with an average gradient of 6.9 % (12% max). The good news is you can come down afterward if you aren’t dizzy! (B,D)



Departure after breakfast – 10:00 transfer to Bedoin and Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. After checkin in Bedoin, you can use any free time to spin or visit the village. Dinner on the terrace after a dip in the swimming pool, then rest for tomorrow! (B,D)



Today, its best to start the attack today. You can opt for a different ride to stretch and prepare if you rather do it tomorrow. All of the rides below are at your disposal. You are free to ride them in any order you wish.

To start, we suggest to climb the Mont Ventoux via the south side from Bedoin which is the most difficult route ! Starting from Bédoin, we have a climb of 21km but we suggest you to make first a nice warm-up ride through the vineyards of the Ventoux area. And then, finaly the climb: between 2 and 6% during the first kilometers but after Saint-Estève between 9 and 10,5% until Chalet Reynard... and then there are still six kilometers to go to the peak winding up in a steep stone-desert landscape. (B,D)

If you will attempt the Club des Cingles, we have additional advice for your preparation. This is not advised but for the strongest of riders.



Take your pick, all are lovely country rides. We strongly suggest the Gorges de la Nesque, it will take you through lavender country and wind alongside deep gorges and provide wonderful views. It does come with some climbs: Combe de l’Hermitage, Col N.D. des Abeilles and back via Gorges de la Nesque (canyon). (B,D)



If you have time, you can do some more riding this morning, or you can add on some additional nights. Hotel checkout is noon, and return transfer to Avignon included. (B)

© 2008 Cycling Classics