RCT 2012 ALPINE STAGES CYCLING TRIP

***NEW 2012 ITINERARY***

Day 1: Sunday, July 8th

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: Monday, July 9th

We are opening this year's itinerary with one of our favourite rides in the area - Les Deux Alpes. We begin the day by riding out across Summer Road to Alpe d'Huez and enjoying the fabulous descent down to Bourg d'Oisans. We use a secret route across the valley to the climb of Les Deux Alpes (9km @ 6%). Les Deux Alpes is not a difficult climb, and its newly paved road surface and numbered switchback turns help you keep track of the distance to the summit as you ascend. The village of Deux Alpes is a wonderful place for lunch, nestled beneath the Deux Alpes glacier, which is still ridden by snowboarders in July! We will descend to Le Freney d'Oisans and head back up into the mountains on the north side of the valley. There is a difficult climb up out of Le Freney, but once on the ridge, the views down the valley toward Bourg d'Oisans are absolutely stunning. The road is built out from the cliff along the edge of the mountain, and offers a perspective of Alpe d'Huez you cannot see from anywhere else. We link back into the Alpe d'Huez climb at La Garde, and anyone is welcome to sag or ride back up the remainder of the mountain to Villard-Reculas. We will spend the evening comparing rides, enjoying some great local wine and a wonderful dinner in Villard-Reculas. (=65km to La Garde)(B)(D)

Day 3: Tuesday, July 10th

Today we return to a climb that we've been wanting to go back to for a few years now: the Col du Sabot (14.5km @ 9%). We head out over the gorgeous Allemond dam and then start climbing through Vaujany, up the wonderfully steep, forested roads to La Villette. The higher switchbacks offer unbelievable views over to the Grand Maison dam on the the Croix de Fer climb! After a lunch stop back in the picturesque town of Allemond, we return via the steady switchbacks of Villard-Reculas Road (10km @ 6.9%) to our chalet. You are highly encouraged to try the magnificent jacuzzi out on the terrace for a pre-dinner soak! (=60km)(B)(D)

Day 4: Wednesday, July 11th

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 upward 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 the St-Christophe Climb (3km at 10%). We stop for lunch at the end of the road (literally!) in the tiny 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. (=81km including Alpe d'Huez)(B)(D)

Day 5: Thursday, July 12th (Tour viewing)

After a drop-off on the summit of the Col du Glandon, we will warm up our legs on the last few kilometres to the Croix de Fer summit before a long, breathtaking descent into the Maurienne valley and the climb to La Toussuire (15km @ 6%). The Tour de France riders will be hot on our tail this day, and hundreds of thousands of fans will be lining the roads to cheer you on - an unforgettable experience. You're welcome to ride as much of the return route as you wish. (=75km-135km)(B)(D)

Day 6: Friday, July 13th

Monument to Monument!!! It's back: the infamous ride that was the brain-child of our own Phurba. We will ride from the Henri Desgrange Monument on the Col du Galibier to the Galibier summit (2km @ 9.5%), then follow the often-travelled Tour de France descent into Briancon (28km downhill!). From the beautiful village of Briancon, we ride up the famous Col d'Izoard (20km @ 5.7%), pass over the summit into the Casse Deserte, to arrive at the Fausto Coppi Monument. We all agree that the descent back down to Briancon is one of the finest Alpine descents in France. You will not forget this day on the bike! There will be a chance to do some shopping in Briancon before the sag ride home. Spend the evening relaxing in the pool and sauna, or soothing your tired muscles with a massage. (=86km)(B)(D)

Day 7: Saturday, July 14th

Happy Bastille Day! There is a fabulous artisans' market in the town of Alpe d'Huez on Friday mornings, so today is a great opportunity to do your own Time Trial of our cherished home mountain of Alpe d'Huez (14km @ 8%). It's also your best chance to win a coveted RCT Cowbell! 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 cycling experiences, and perhaps plan to meet up again next year. (=40km)(B)(D)

Day 8: Sunday, July 15th

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