RCT 2010 ALPINE STAGES CYCLING TRIP
***NEW 2010 ITINERARY***

Day 1: Saturday, July 10th

We arrive at Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport to begin our adventure in the French Alps. Our team will meet you at Lyon airport, load your bikes and luggage, and drive you to our chalet in Villard-Reculas. Relax and unwind at "Il Fera Beau Demain", our base for the next seven nights. Depending on arrival times, you might have the chance to recon the last five switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez, above our chalet, for a taste of what is to come! We will enjoy a welcome dinner together at Bonsoir Clara, the chalet's fantastic in-house restaurant. Our staff will help you assemble your bike and have you ready to go for your first morning ride in one of the world's most challenging mountain ranges. (D)

Day 2: Sunday, July 11th

We ride out from our chalet down Villard Reculas road, and start climbing the Col du Glandon (25km @ 4.7%). There are magnificent views of the Barrage du Grand-Maison, one of the largest dams in Europe, which creates a stunningly clear blue alpine lake. We stop for snacks at one of the highest bars in the world and then turn around for a beautiful descent all the way to Allemont, where we stop for lunch. Those who wish to sag back home are welcome to throw their bikes on the roof of the van; otherwise, the steady Villard-Reculas road (the backside of Alpe d'Huez, 12km @ 6%) is yours for the taking. We will spend the evening comparing rides, exchanging war stories, enjoying some great local wine and a wonderful dinner at Bonsoir Clara(=60km to base of Villard road). (B)(D)

Day 3: Monday, July 12th

We begin the day by riding out across Summer Road to Alpe d'Huez, and enjoying the fabulous descent to Bourg d'Oisans. From there, we head out towards La Berarde, the famous mountaineering base in the enormous "Ecrins" National Park. The route winds slowly upwards through a beautiful alpine valley, past spectacular waterfalls, and stunning views of La Meije glacier. There are two short, steep sections on the route - the Venosc Climb (2.5km at 10%) and St-Christophe Climb (3km at 10%). We stop for lunch at the end of the road (literally) in the picturesque town of La Berarde, and then enjoy the meandering descent back to Bourg d'Oisans. As always, Alpe d'Huez (14km @ 8%) is an option for those who wish to ride up; otherwise, we anchor the bikes on the roof and sit back for the ride up to our chalet. You are highly encouraged to try the magnificent jacuzzi out on the terrace for a pre-dinner soak! (=81km including Alpe d'Huez). (B)(D)

Day 4: Tuesday, July 13th (TDF Viewing)

Today we begin with a sag ride out to the top of the Col du Glandon. From there, we will get on the bikes and descend 20km of pastoral alpine scenery into the Maurienne Valley. We cross the valley to the town of La Chambre, where the road immediately begins to climb up to the Col de Madeleine (19.5km at 8%). Nearing the top, there are breathtaking views over to the "Three Sisters" peaks. We go over the top and descend a couple of kilometres to our van where we have positioned ourselves to watch the Tour. Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking up the excitement of the most famous bike race in the world! Once the riders have passed, we will climb back over the top of Madeleine and descend into the Maurienne Valley. From there, we will jump in the vans for a sag ride back to the chalet in time for dinner (=66km). (B)(D)

Day 5: Wednesday, July 14th (TDF Viewing)

Happy Bastille Day! You get to experience France's national holiday first-hand. We start the day with a short sag ride out to Sechilienne, and start climbing up to Saint-Barthelemey-de-Sechilienne and Laffrey (8.7km @ 6.2%). The Tour will be coming over the Laffrey climb en route from Chambery to Gap. We enjoy some traditional "sandwichs jambon & fromage" while waiting for the riders to pass. We ride back through Saint-Honore, Entraigues, and over the Col d'Ornon (14.5km @ 4%) to Bourg d'Oisans and the requisite ice-cream stop! As usual, you have the option of riding back home up Alpe d'Huez or taking the sag wagon to our beautiful home village of Villard-Reculas and a chef-prepared meal (=70km to Bourg d'Oisans). (B)(D)

Day 6: Thursday, July 15th

We jump in the vans for an early start up to the top of the Croix de Fer climb. We descend from there through Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves into the Maurienne Valley. The Col du Telegraphe is a fabulously steady climb (11.8km @ 7.3%) through dense pine forest with occasional glimpses of the rapidly-disappearing valley floor below. We stop for lunch in the quaint ski-town of Valloire before tackling the legendary Col du Galibier (18.1km @ 6.9%). Once on top, the return to Bourg d'Oisans is practically all downhill, so enjoy the ride! Spend the evening relaxing in the pool and sauna, or soothing your tired muscles with a massage (=124km to Bourg d'Oisans). (B)(D)

Day 7: Friday, July 16th

There is a fabulous artisans' market in Alpe d'Huez on Friday mornings, so today is a great opportunity to try your own Time Trial of Alpe d'Huez. We descend Villard-Reculas road, ride over to Bourg d'Oisans, and then hit it from the "CHRONO" line at the base of Alpe. We will take any extra gear from you at the base of the climb, and then meet you at the top. Take some time to wander the market, enjoy the mountain atmosphere, and do some shopping for the folks back home. There is a cable car from the village of Alpe d'Huez up to the summit of Pic Blanc (3330m) for a great bird's-eye view of the region. Upon returning to the chalet, it's sadly time to pack up our bikes and get ready for tomorrow's departure. Tonight over a farewell dinner we say goodbye to new friends, trade our cycling experiences, and perhaps plan to meet up again next year (=40km). (B)(D)

Day 8: Saturday, July 17th

After breakfast this morning, we depart for Lyon airport, bidding you farewell and a good trip home. (B)