I've been thinking about this for ages but always seem to put it off.
I'd like to go riding somewhere a bit different (for me). I've had a desire to go and ride some of the famous mountains of Europe (as featured in the grand tours).
Ideally I'd like to go to the Alps and ride some cols for a week. I'm fit, can quite easily ride a hilly century in this country so I'm not too bothered about that side of things as long as I'm not trying to replicate a week of the tour.
So should I go on an organised trip or should I just sort something out myself. It's unlikely I'd pursuade any of my mtb friends to go to the alps and ride [b]up[/b] hills!
Anyone been any trips? Any companies or routes to recommend. I'm happy to consider somewhere other than the Alps but it seemed like a natural choice.
Finally, inspiring photos welcome, particularly those to distract from the grey rain of winter.
Frenck Alps are a good start, and certainly plenty of infamous climbs!Why not take your mates and let them MTB while you roadie. Places like Morzine cater for both exceptionally well...
I was out in Provence during the '09 Tour around Ventoux, Bedoin, Malucenne areas. Not as 'mountainous'as the Alps, but just about guranteed superb weather during the summer months and excellent network of quiet roads. The weather makes or brakes these types of hols for me...
I've stayed around Bourg d'Oisans a couple of times and used that as a base to get out and do some cycling. It's at the base of Alpe d'Huez so there's one to tick off, loads of other famous (and not so famous) climbs nearby too, really is a perfect base. There's loads of accommodation too around the area, we've stayed in apartments and chalets. There's also a few B&Bs catering for cyclists.
It's a really good place for a family holiday. I've taken the OH and Jnr out there, and whilst they've not cycled they found plenty to do, although I didn't ride every day I probably went out every other day.
Combine it with a stay in 2013, it's rumoured that one of the TdF stages will go up the Alpe twice.
There are loads of companies that do organised trips too if you want support/maintenance/meals and riding partners.
Find somewhere cheap to stay aroubnd Bourg D'Oisans, Camping La Piscine is as good as anywhere. You're on the foot of Alpe D'Huez and about 50km from The Gallibier. There is also plenty of other routes around including the route that keeps going up after the top of The Alpe.
Edit, too slow!
You can download some guides to rides in the area [url= http://www.bikes-oisans.com/mtb-cycling-practice-352.html ]here[/url]. Some of the climbs also have chip timing where you can hire a chip and it'll track you.
King of the mountains is brilliant (near alpe d'huez).
Pyractif is brilliant and has a hot tub (but in the pyrenees, but then you can ride the tourmalet and the mente, and the aspet..).
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D'huez is a brilliant climb that needs to be done, would really recommend it. Brilliant area too.
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Ventoux is pretty epic as well, and the area was surprisingly good. It's definitely not just one big hill surrounded by nothing.
Tourmalet was fantastic too.
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Actually any reasonable sized valley town with ski resorts nearby would make a good base. You can get nice rides up to the ski resorts and back down, usually have the odd col to provide the option for a circular route.
I honestly believe the road riding here Sierra Nevada, Andalucia, Spain with our established routes with
[b]www.bikingandalucia.com[/b]
cannot be bettered, whether you are training for an event such as the "L'etap du tour" or just want to improve fitness levels, we can provide the perfect venue for you. There are a wide variety of cycling routes in this part of Andalucia - inland, coastal, or mountain - and, with a great all year round climate, this area is an ideal training base.Other advantages include:
hills of the Sierra Nevada and Andalucia
low traffic density and excellent road surfaces
best climate in Europe
fantastic scenery
lower cost of living than many of the traditional road biking resorts, check out
I've been to Freeride Spain on a road riding holiday a couple of times even though they're a bit more MTB orientated - the guides will still take people out road riding or just sketch a route out on a map.
A Quick Release, based in Luchon, Pyrenees also offer Road weeks and Luchon has been on the TdF route several times, in fact it's on again this year.
Pretty much anywhere in the French Alps will be fine. I've stayed in/around Grenoble before (just camping) and ridden a lot of the lesser known climbs
I've done a lot of road riding in the Pyrenees and its been fantastic.
The weather is better the further East you go,Basque area was damp and miserable in Summer.Loads of Cols to do with a great atmosphere because of all the other cyclists on them.
Been looking at Bourg D'oisans this year and 2 weeks in a mobile home about £600.Its also less of a drive than the Pyrenees.
Wouldn't bother with a tour company as its not like mountainbiking as you only need a decent road map.
Have a look at Vamos Cycling. They are based in Cadiar Spain. Run by an English couple who are lovely people. Perfect tarmac and beautiful scenery. Sarah is a hell of a cook and the accommodation is first rate.
Bourg D'Osians is pretty much road cycling heaven.