The Cycling
As you might have guessed this cycling trip in the Alps, like the Pyrenees, requires a high level of fitness, both in strength and endurance. This is not a bike tour for inexperienced riders or people who aren't fit. You must be accustomed to riding centuries and climbing hills, you must be capable of riding 5 to 6 hours for multiple days in a row. In essence you need to be a biking junky, someone who trembles and drools with excitement at the thought of this bike trip. If this is you, then this trip is for you. This isn't a race, you will need to pace yourself, but don't even think about it if a 50 mile bike ride is what you consider a long ride. Bottom line you need to be an experienced and fit cyclist, and you need to know what it's like to suffer and you thrive on suffering.
It is hard to put into words why we are attracted to such a cycling challenge. One of my French aunt's summed it up best, "it's like love, it's a combination of joy and suffering."
The start of the climb up the Col d'Izoard from the east side.
I have planned each day to be challenging but not insane. The climbs are long, 8 to 12 miles, sometimes more, and they average 7 to 9 percent grades, meaning that there are grades of 10, 11, 12 percent and more. There are multiple climbs in a day. The average ride per day in the mountains is 80 miles and 9000 feet of climbing; that's a lot when you have eight days in the Alps, and more then enough when you consider that the beginning part of the trip averages 100 miles and 7,208 feet for the first 4 days as we make our way to the Mediterranean across the Alps foothills. Believe me, no one has lobbied for longer days. Furthermore, you will want to have some time left in your day to enjoy the towns and to relax before dinner.
Coming out of the high mountains towards the Gorge du Verdon. This stage is 113 miles and 11,000 ft.
Everyday you will be riding from hotel to hotel. The support van is used to carry your luggage, the food/refreshments, and any other extras necessary for support. It will not have the capacity to seat and carry more than 3 riders and their bikes when filled with all the luggage etc ... therefore don't plan on being able to automatically bail into the van when the going gets tough. Then again if you sign up for this trip you are the kind of rider who won't settle for anything less than completing every day's ride. The van should be your last resort.
