Non Riding Parties/Spouses: We suggest car rentals from Grenoble as a way to get around. You can meet up with your rider partner after the rides to go do your own thing, or you can spend your day visiting sites in the region. We will be glad to suggest and point out sites and activities. Nearby is skiing/snowboarding, river rafting, hiking, via ferrata, rock climbing, and more.
Duration: 6 nights/ 7 days July 20-26, 2008
Accommodation: Space for twin bedded rooms (2 single beds per room) All rooms have private bathrooms and amenities.
The Hotel Cassini is a mountain inn located in the village of Freney d'Oisans just below the Chambon Dam and at the foot of the climbs up Les Deux Alpes, and Alpe d'Huez. All rooms are equipped with private bath, TV, telephone, and the inn itself offers a gastronomic restaurant that our clients RAVE about! The hotel is comfortable but not deluxe, the owners are charming and will make your stay unforgettable as will the epic rides! To reach the hotel, you have 2 options: rent a car and keep it for use throughout the stay, or take the bus from Grenoble. We can indicate exact buses and departure times. Return to Grenoble the same way. Private transfers can be arranged for rates starting at 150 euros each way.
Bike Rentals: Rent our Eddy Merckx (triples) 175 euros carbon frames.
Tours: The proposed climbs have an elevation between 719m (2.397 feet) and 2.556m(8520 feet), gradients vary between between 3.8 and 12 %. For fun, we can arrange a helicopter flight for your with your free time; though it isn't included this will give you an amazing perspective of the region.
Trip includes: 7 nights lodging, dinners, buffet breakfasts, route book with maps and cue sheets for all rides, sites on the routes, and information about the region. Also included is a souvenir cycling jersey, 2 CO2 cannisters, Maxim energy drink and bars, emergency support and arrival orientation. Note: prices in Euros are fixed; final payment in $US may change based upon currency fluctuations.
Booking Terms: As noted in our general booking terms with the exception that cancellations within 45 days of travel are NON-REFUNDABLE, and deposits on tour are non-refundable from March 31, 2008.
Rides: Alpe d'Huez - HC (hors categorie = unclassified), Col de Galibier - HC, Les Deux Alpes - Cat 1, Lautaret - Cat 2, Croix de Fer - Cat 2, Glandon - Cat 2, and other "smaller" climbs! Mileage can vary from 40 to 130 km in a day. Time in the saddle can be from 3 to 6 hours or more. Pace/speed is not important; there is time to do the key climbs. Slower climbers and riders may have less time for extended riding, but the stronger riders can go at their pace. Grades on these HC climbs can go from 7% to 12% and is extended over many km with no relief. Descents are fast and caution is required.
