The Alps 1000 Challenge !

Another cycling trip of a lifetime.

... 1000 miles

... 100,000 feet

... 12 days of riding

... + 2 rest days ...

... June 17 to July 2 - 2024

The French Alps are breathtaking and a paradise for the hardcore cyclist.

The Alps 1000 mile Challenge

1000 mi. -  100,000 ft. -  12 stages

Stage 6: A change of pace.

A "topo-map" view of stage 6.

And the corresponding profile of stage 6.

Today we leave Bourg d'Oisan to head south and east to the town of Gap. The course takes us away from the higher peaks into what I call a mid-mountain range. It's a nice break from the high granit peaks with climbs that are shorter and at lower altitude.

Stats for Stage 6.
Stage
 Stage start/finish
# of Mtn. passes
Mileage
Elevation gain
Ride time
6.
 Bourg d'Oisan - Gap
3
96 mi.
9137 ft.
 6.5 hrs

Even the smaller roads are well paved. Stage1, Basque region foothills

The Pyrenees are beautiful and offer what I consider the best cycling in the world. Sure there are other spectacular places to ride, but I'd argue that there isn't anywhere better.

Even the smaller roads are well paved. Stage1, Basque region foothills

The Pyrenees are beautiful and offer what I consider the best cycling in the world. Sure there are other spectacular places to ride, but I'd argue that there isn't anywhere better.

Overview of the first 4 stages of the tour, from Vence (on the Mediterranean Coast) to Bourg d'Oisan (base of the Alps d'Huez in the high mountains).  Day 1 ends in the high mountains, and the next 3 stages are all in the high mountains.

Overview of stages 4-8 of the tour.

Overview of the last 4 stages of the tour.  Stage 10 is a long day to transition from the high mountains down the gorge de Verdon.  Stage 11 is a loop around the beauiful gorge de Verdon.