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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Alpes-Maritime of Provence
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| Dates: |
Sept. 6 - Sept. 18, 2009
1/14/09: 7 spaces available
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| Pace & Distance: |
Total Distance: 1,042-1,318 km (646-817 miles), depending on choices
Daily Distance: 64-122 km (40-78 miles), depending on choices
What to expect: Quiet roads, great scenery, exceptional meals, climbs of 8-25km at 5-9%, some short steeper sections
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| Group size: |
10 minimum, 12 maximum |
| Cost: |
€2,000 (double-occupancy, per person); €500 single supplement (limited space)
Note: Special prices extended until Feb. 15, 2009. After Feb. 15, prices will go up.
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| Itinerary: |
12 nights, 12 days
Gateway Airport: Nice, France
Begin/End Hotel: Vence, France
Highlights: Quiet roads, Spectacular climbs, Gorge du Verdon, Highest paved road in Europe, Best loop rides in the Alpes-Maritime, Col du Cayolle, Col du Allos, Col de Champ, Col de Vence, Col de Bleine, Col de Vars, Col d'Izoard, Col de la Bonnet, Col de St Barnabe
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| Tour company:
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Questions? tours@veloski.com or call (877) 835-6754
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The Alpes-Maritime Provence ride is a perfect example of a tour designed by a cyclist, for cyclists who love challenging riding. Rising rapidly from the shores of the Mediterranean and forming the border between France and Italy, the Alpes-Maritime give way to the Alpes de Haute Provence (high mountains of Provence) and the Provence Alpes de Cote d'Azur to the west. So, while many know Provence, few plumb the depths of these the prime mountainous cycling regions. But if you ride with Veloski Tours you will, as this tour encompasses some of the finest parts of each. Each day will unfold pleasant surprises on the road as well as the comfortable and unique lodgings.
The backbone of the tour is based on portions of the Route Napoleon (his route to Waterloo on his return from Elba) and the Route des Grande Alpes. Myriad roads branching off these famous passages offer us a rich and deep exploration of the territory. Well known to French tourists, the area is essentially unexplored by Americans. You're sure to enjoy this unique opportunity to share roads with others who are passionate about natural scenery, quiet villages and well-maintained roads far off-the-beaten path.You'll begin outside of Nice, in old town Vence, well known for its collection of Provencal fabrics, ceramics and restaurants. In Castellane, the highlight is the pilgrimage Chapel N-Dame-du-Rock perched high above the village on a 604ft block of rock. The Spanish influence of Barcelonnette appears out of place in this remote French valley, but the loop ride over the three cols (passes) is one of the most beautiful rides in all of the Alps. You'll be tested on the Col de la Bonetteat 2710m is the highest paved road in Europe. This pass was first featured in the 1962 Tour de France, and then again in 1963 and 1993, before appearing again in 2008.The 1600m (over 5000) climb from Barcelonnette to the frontier between France and Italy is breathtakingly beautiful. And this is just one of many outright epic rides.
Before we descend all the way back down to the Mediterranean there are other, unheralded, climbs with stunning views (and descents!) that will leave you wondering why you waited so long to ride the Alpes-Maritime!
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Alpes-Maritime Tour
Detailed Itinerary
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MEETING DAY / DAY ONE
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Arrival after meeting your flight into the Cote d’Azur airport we will help get you settled into our gateway hotel in nearby Vence. Riding, reading, resting or roaming the Old Town; you decide, we are here to help. Welcome dinner will introduce you to the flavors of Provence.
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Riding: optional
Meals: D
Accommodations: 3 star hotel with pool
Attractions: Historical Vence and St Paul-de-Vence – art, architecture, shopping
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| Vence is the epicenter of great riding choices. One of our favorite loops leaves Vence thru Tourettes up the Gorge du Loup toward Greolieres, then climbs up to Coursegoulles before descending from the Col du Vence back to Vence for a nice 60km ride. As you will soon discover there are numerous diversions along nearly every road in Provence, and this loop ride is no exception. For good health and future wealth a stop at the cyclist’s fountain in Tourettes is a must; it’s on your right as you get into the center of town. The road toward Grasse continues its serpentine trace around the curves and bends with a gentle descent to Pont du Loup where we encounter our next diversion. |
Riding: 64-110km/38-68miles; 1100-2400m/3700-8000ft climbing, mostly 5-7% grades
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star hotel with pool
Attractions: Gourdon, Col du Vence, Gorge du Loup, Vence, St Paul-de-Vence, Confiserie Florean
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Today we leave most of the hustle bustle of the Cote d’Azur behind as we climb into the hills and high valleys on our ride to Castellane. A quick stop in Gourdon for a café, pastry and pictures, then we are climbing away from the sea in earnest. The climbs today are gradual as the scenery and vegetation slowly changes to a more alpine look and feel; the air will be crisper and scents sharper. We arrive in Castellane mid-afternoon with plenty of time to take catnaps as we adjust to the new time-zone and shake a bit more of the jet-lag from our legs.
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Riding: 87-117km/54-71miles, 1200-2400m/4000-8000ft climbing, mostly 5-7% and some 8-9%
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star family operated hotel, recently refurbished, wifi, and central location
Attractions: high plateau vistas, rock cliffs, quiet roads
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DAY FOUR
Castellane – Grand Canyon du Verdon
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There are many ways to enjoy this stunningly beautiful canyon, all of which are unlike any ride you are likely to find at home. The “classic” loop from Castellane is a 70km ride along the Verdon River with an amazing ride from la Palud to the edge of the rim where we will climb with the goats as we take in the dramatic cliffs above the Verdon River. We will rendezvous for a grand-picnic overlooking a rock-climbing paradise. If it is a hot day, you might want to take your swimming attire for a dip in the river on the way back to Castellane. Or for those who still have legs for more riding the loop extension to Jabron and down the gorge from St Thryse is breathtakingly spectacular. Dinner from the kitchen of our hotel is a must where dining on the terrace is very pleasant.
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Riding: 70km-86km/43-53miles, 1200-1600m/4000-5300ft, mostly 4-6% with short sections of 9-11%
Meals: B, P, D Note: Grand Picnic overlooking the canyon.
Accommodations: same as Day 3
Attractions: Grand Canyon du Verdon
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Riding over three passes that are unheralded is the essence of our Alpes-Maritime cycling adventure. You will be amazed that there are roads thru such remote areas, AND that they are paved and well maintained. This sheep grazing territory with quiet and quaint settlements where residents meet for café and to buy fresh baguettes will cause you to wonder if it gets any better. We will descend to the old fortified city of Entrevaux where a lunch across the drawbridge and inside the walls seems fitting. Afterward we climb up thru another canyon and over the col du Toutes Aures (1120m) before descending to the shores of lac de Castellane. The stunning colors of the water will have you wondering if they add coloring to the water, but it is all a result of the minerals washed down from the rocky mountains. You will have time to relax in the town plaza with a refreshing beverage before dinner at our hotel.
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Riding: 102km/64miles, 2200m/7000ft of climbing, mostly 5-7%, some 7-9%
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: same as Day 3
Attractions: Entrevaux citadel, Clue du St Auban, quiet roads, Alpes-Maritime vistas
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| Choosing which way to ride from Castellane to Digne-les-Bains is not easy, but there are easier ways and harder ways to ride. The easiest route takes on the Route Napoleon over the col des Leques (1148m) and thru the Clue de Taulane to Barreme, where we join the longer route. From here we follow the historical Route Napoleon and descend past the thermal baths to Digne-les-Bains. The longer route follows the Verdon river upstream toward Col d’Allos before climbing over a unique geological region toward Barreme. Either way you choose, the riding is superlative and the scenery ever changing. |
Riding: 76-136km/48-87miles,1000-2700m/3300-8900ft climbing, mostly 5-7% one short 7-10% section
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star elegant historic French hotel, central location
Attractions: Route Napoleon, lakeside riding, canyons, grazing sheep
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DAY SEVEN
Digne-Sisteron-Digne
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A ride to Sisteron to view the Citadel is justification enough for the journey, but it gets better as we explore another remote valley with roads that are so tiny you expect to see golf carts around the next bend. Of course there are always options for additional climbing or distance on roads that are so quiet you the only sounds you hear are distant bells, birds, the wind and your own breathing. Tonight is dinner on your own at a restaurant of your choice.
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Riding: 103km/62miles, 1200m/3900ft climbing; some 5-8% mostly river valley rolling terrain
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Same as Day 6
Attractions: Sisteron, The Citadel, quiet roads
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The route begins with a gentle climb upstream thru an amazing canyon, Clues de Barles, with one of the best examples of geological uplift in the region. Here the sedimentary rock formations are tipped vertically on edge forming the Clue de Verdaches with spectacular textures and shadows as the streambed narrows and cascades alongside the roadway. Climbing over the Col de St Jean we are treated to a beautiful view of the Parc National des Ecrins peaks before descending to the Ubaye river. We ride upstream to Barcelonnette, where you will soon be relaxing enjoying stunning views and sipping cold refreshments.
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Riding: 88km/58miles, 1000m/3300ft climbing; some 5-7% mostly 3-5%
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 Star French/Spanish motif updated hotel
Attractions: Clues de Barles, Clue de Verdaches, Parc National des Ecrins vistas
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DAY NINE
Barcelonnette 3 cols loop
(Allos, Champ, Cayolle)
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| The loop of the three cols is perhaps the most scenically beautiful loop in all of the Alps. Because it is so stunningly beautiful on a sunny day, an early morning start to catch the good lighting is recommended. Each of the three climbs offers strikingly different topography and vegetation, so make sure your camera batteries are charged and your memory cards are cleared before you ride. |
Riding: 122km/74miles, 2600m/8500feet climbing; mostly 7-9%, twisty descents, good pavement
Meals: B, dinner on your own in Barcelonnette
Accommodations: same as Day 8
Attractions: stunning scenery, waterfalls, cattle grazing, ski stations, Colmar old fortress
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DAY TEN
Barcelonnette 2 cols ride
(Vars, Izoard)
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| Barcelonnette is a wonderful town for just relaxing, reading or riding. And the ride options for today might be over the top, but you always sleep on the plane ride home. So, the epic ride takes us to the top of the col d’Izoard, then retracing our route back to Barcelonnette. Or you can have a more leisurely day and ride to Guillestre for lunch and return. Either way, the roads you will never tire of the scenery and riding enjoyment. |
Riding: 80-150km/52-95miles, 1100-3200m/3700-9500ft climbing; mostly 5-8%, some 9-10% sections
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: same as Day 9
Attractions: Col du Vars, Col d’Izoard, scenery and riding
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DAY ELEVEN
Valberg
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| Col de la Bonette at 2710m is the highest paved road in Europe. The 1600m (over 5000’) climb from Barcelonnette to the frontier between France and Italy is breathtakingly beautiful. The Route des Grande Alpes begins in Nice; fortunately today we are descending nearly 2400m (almost 8000’) before our last climb of the day to Valberg.
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Riding: 125km/82miles, 2700m/8900ft climbing; long sections 6-8%, some 9-10% sections
Meals: B, P, D Note: Picnic after the summit of Col de la Bonette
Accommodations: 3 star Swiss Ski Chalet
Attractions: Highest paved road in Europe, long descents, stunning scenery
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DAY TWELVE
Vence
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| Today is our last day of riding remote roads amid wild-flowers and changing colors of the trees as we continue our descent toward the Mediterranean Sea. It is a special day of riding as we descend thru the (…to be continued) on a road that is an engineering marvel. It seems that sole purpose of the road is to provide access for tourists to see the incredible rock formations and the unusual coloring of the rocks and hills in this erosion crafted gorge. We will pass thru Entrevaux on our route to the sea, this time stopping only for pastries and a café, because tonight is bike packing time and our bon voyage dinner in Vence. From Entrevaux the riding is on quiet roads nestled in the canyons and high valleys above the Mediterranean Sea with a thrilling last descent of the Col du Vence to the hotel. |
Riding: 122km/74miles, 1520m/5000ft climbing; mostly 7-9% long sections of 3-4%
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Same as Day 1 & 2
Attractions: Amazing vistas on roads traversing high above valleys and canyons, Vence shopping
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DAY THIRTEEN
Departure
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| After a lovely breakfast we will transport riders to the airport for departing flights.
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Riding: Van transfers to the airport!
Meals: B
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing
€2,000, double occupancy, €2,500 single occupancy (limited space). These prices are good for CBC members until Feb. 15, 2009. Unsold spaces become available to the general public and CBC members after Feb. 15, 2009 at a non-discounted rate (currently €2,250 double occupancy and €2,750 single occupancy).
Note: When trips do not fill to the required level, a price adjustment may become necessary to avoid trip cancellation.
Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, you may choose to be matched with an available roommate. If you prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee will be charged (see specific trip information).
Sign up
Registration & Payment Schedule
- Deposit: 20% of the trip fee (payable at time of registration)
- 2nd Installment: 40% of trip fee (120 days prior to departure)
- Final Payment: 40% of trip fee (60 days prior to departure)
If the trip departure is less than four months away, a 60% deposit is due at time of sign up. If the trip is less than two months away, payment in full is due.
Payments may be made by VISA/MC or personal check made out to Veloski Sports. Late payment may result in a cancellation of your reservation.
Download PDF Registration Form.
Cancellations
Written notice is required to cancel a trip. The following cancellation fees apply: (time calculated from receipt of written notification).
- 90 or more days prior to departure: $100
- 60-89 days prior to departure: 25% of tour costs
- 31-59 days prior to departure: 50% of tour costs
- 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of tour costs
You may opt to transfer to another Veloski Sports trip, without penalty, 90 or more days prior to your original departure date. Cancellation fees will apply to all other transfers. Veloski Cycle Tours reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason. In this event, Veloski Sports will refund the land costs in full. Please allow 60 days to process refunds. Veloski Sports is not responsible for any other expenses incurred in preparation for the trip such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, equipment purchase/rental or visas. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Trip Inclusions
- Breakfast daily (please see detailed trip itinerary for exact meal information)
- On-the-road guide
- Van support (includes: spare parts, wheels, tubes, tires, pumps, mechanical support)
- Luggage transfers and sag vehicle functions
- Ride snacks and drinks
- Ground transport to/from gateway airport,
- Earlier arrival or later departure is an additional expense.
Trip Exclusions
- 2 dinners, lunches
- Airfare
- Insurances
- Alcohol,
- Tips & gratuities
- Bicycle rental - riders bring their own bikes
Weather notes
Please check Weather Underground or other weather sites to view seasonal weather patterns in Europe. In general we have an excellent chance of ideal riding weather on all 2009 European tours.
Rider Testimonials
"I have taken two Tours with Larry Smith & his company VeloSki; the Swiss Alps in 2007 and Austrian Tyrol's in 2008, and both exceeded my expectations in every regard. The routes were scenic and as challenging as one would want. Larry typically has at least two routes to choose from everyday...a challenging one and one less so. The accommodations are typically local 3 (if not better) star…the meals are memorable....not to mention complimentary wine with dinner.
Larry previously led groups for Erickson Tours for many years but since about 2007 has been on his own. He knows the cycling roads of Europe like we know the Burke Gilman Trail! He'll take care of you and your bike from the moment you land until the time you take-off for home. I highly recommend whatever trip VeloSki has arranged."
-Tom Napa
Seattle-CBC Member
"In 2005 I had the pleasure of riding with Larry Smith when he was tour leader on a wonderful tour of Tuscany, produced by Seattle-based Erickson Cycle Tours. Being the slowest rider on a group of about 24 could have been a disaster, but Larry made sure that I was given every opportunity to ride every mile of the tour, with the full support of his crew. He also was a wizard at recommending fabulous local restaurants for lunch and was very conscious of never allowing our group to take over (and therefore over run!) local business along the route. He also went out of his way to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip- whether it's hitting the road hard & fast each day or stopping along the way to get "that" amazing photo of an old church or vineyard.
Finally I would say that the best thing about Larry is that he is truly a world class bike mechanic- he rebuilt my front wheel twice plus added a new, larger back chain ring so that I could make it up those 14% climbs".
-Peter Verbrugge
CBC Event Director, Seattle, WA
Please visit Veloski Tours for additional rider testimonials.
Important Information
We here at Veloski Sports believe that successful tours require a partnership between guide, guide service and participant. We do our best to provide a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our goal is to help you choose, plan for and participate on a trip that is best suited to you. Your responsibility is to select a trip that best matches your interests, skill level, physical abilities and timeline.
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Contact Sarah at 206-647-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com. Please send your itinerary to Veloski Sports no later than 45 days prior to departure. For certain trips, we need this information so that arrangements can be made to meet you at the airport. If you plan to redeem frequent flier mileage make sure to book your flight early, as seats are limited. It is also a good idea to try and arrive one day early, in case of missed flights and to help to any Jet Lag.
Travel Insurance
Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance information will be contained in the trip confirmation packet.
Veloski Sports Expenses
Veloski Sports covers all land costs as part of the overall trip fee. Land costs include hotel rooms, meals as indicated, ground transportation unless otherwise noted, guide services (both Veloski Sports and local guides) and sightseeing (only activities explicitly described in the trip packet). The cost of alternate ground transportation is not included. If a trip is rerouted due to weather and/or road conditions, government intervention, acts of war or terrorism, illness or any other contingency that we or our agents cannot control, Veloski Sports reserves the right to modify the trip fee.
Participant Expenses
The participant is responsible for airfare, personal/travel/medical insurance, passport and visa fees, excess baggage fees, airport taxes and tourist entrance fees. Riders are also responsible for meals prior to or after the actual scheduled trip or meals that he/she chooses as alternatives to the ones offered by Veloski Sports, additional room charges (room service and the like), laundry services, alcoholic beverages (other than wine provided with meals), tips for guides and support staff, medical costs and cost of any hospitalization and/or evacuation required for him/her. There are no bicycle rentals available; riders bring their own bikes.
Veloski Sports Responsibilities
Veloski Sports is responsible for running logistically sound and enjoyable cycling tours. If a trip is rerouted due to weather, road conditions, or any other contingency that we or our agents cannot control, we reserve the right to alter hotel and route itineraries as necessary to ensure the safety of the group. There will be no refunds under these conditions.
Participant Responsibilities
Participants have responsibilities to themselves, Veloski Sports and to each other. They must choose the trip that is appropriate for their interests and skill level. Good physical condition is important on all Veloski Sports trips and is a prerequisite for participation. Proper trip preparation includes but is not limited to, understanding the trip's itinerary, acquisition of the proper equipment and clothing and understanding proper riding safety. Once on the tour, Veloski Sports reserves the right to disqualify a participant from any trip for any reason as deemed necessary by the guide. Safety is paramount to a successful adventure.
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Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle the hills? Join Cascade Ride Leaders this spring in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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