The Trans-Alps Challenge with Thomson Bike Tours

[Duncan Chapman]

 

1 888 446 5502 outside the US: +1 203 453 3900 E-mail: in...@thomsonbiketours.com Trans-Alps Challenge We continue our series of trip reviews with a look at one of our most popular "Trans" Challenge trips. Our Trans-Alps Challenge crosses the French Alps, starting from Lake Geneva in the north and finishing across the Italian border in Piemonte. Our itinerary follows the Route des Grandes Alpes over classic cols such as the Joux Plane, Colombiere, Madeleine and the Galibier. From the Galibier we take a short detour to ride the famous 21 switchbacks to Alpe d'Huez... then continue the ride with the spectcaular Col d'Izoard and the massive 50km Col d'Agnel which drops us down to our final hotel in Piemonte. All in all, a phenomenal week of bike riding - not to be missed! Trip Stats Trip Duration 8 days Total Mileage 439 miles Total Elevation Gain 56,000 feet Number of Categorised Climbs 13 Toughest Climb Col du Telegraphe & Col du Galibier Combo Highest Altitude Colle del' Agnello at 2,744m (9,000ft) Toughest Ride St Jean de Maurienne to Alpe d'Huez - 11,500ft elevation gain, 68 miles - Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez! List of Climbs Alpe d'Huez Col du Galibier Col du Telegraphe Colle del'Agnello Col de la Madeleine Col de la Colombiere Col d'Izoard Cormet de Roselend Col des Saisies Col des Aravis Col de Joux Plane Col du Corbier Col du Lautaret Pas de Morgins Trip Profile In Pictures Click on the following link to see a selection of pictures from recent Trans-Alp Challenge trips: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomsonbiketours/sets/72157625947580756/ Spectacular descent from the Col d'Izoard - through the "Casse Deserte" Peter's Top Ride With so many good rides, it's really difficult to pick out 1 favorite ride. If I had to choose one, I'd have to go for the Day 3 ride between La Clusaz and Bourg St Maurice - over the Col des Aravis, Col des Saisies and the Cormet de Roselend. In my mind this ride has the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, great climbs and fantastic descents - and very little traffic throughout the entire ride. We start the ride in La Clusaz and immediately start climbing the Col des Aravis. The climb up to the Aravis is just a great way to start the morning - the road winds its way at a gentle 5 to 6% through green pastures with the sound of cow-bells filling the morning air. After 7km we reach the summit and if it's a clear day we can enjoy the spectacular views of Mont Blanc. The wiggly road down to Flumet is a dream for those who enjoy a technical descent - one of my favourites. Close to the summit on the Col des Aravis From Flumet we start the climb to the Col des Saisies - another really nice climb through very picturesque Alpine scenery, typical of this part of Savoie. After 15km of climbing we reach the ski-town of Les Saisies which marks the summit - and, for those riding with me, a short stop at the coffee shop is mandatory so I can load up with an almond croissant and an espresso...;-) The A Group on the Col des Saisies - June 2009 Down the Col des Saisies then along the valley to Beaufort where we start the final climb of the day, the 20km Cormet de Roselend. Often overlooked by some it's more famous counterparts, in my mind, the Cormet de Roselend is one of the most spectacular climbs in the Alps. The views from the lake close to the summit are quite simply stunning. And don't understimate it - with an average grade of 6% over 20km, the Cormet is a tough climb, worthy of it's "hors-categorie" status! Spectacular Cormet de Roselend - the road leads from right to left just below the shadow of the ridge, then through the gorge for another 3km to the summit From the summit of Cormet de Roselend we have just 20km to ride to our hotel in Bourg St Maurice - and it's all downhill! And what a downhill - one of the Top 5 descents in the Alps! It's super-fast and technical - enjoy, but ride with care! Top 5 Profiles   Click on the profile to enlarge Colle del'Agnello Col du Galibier Alpe d'Huez Col de la Madeleine Col de Colombiere Testimonials A few comments from riders on previous Trans-Alps Challenge trips: The Trans Alpine Trip was the most challenging, fun and spectacular cycling trip I have ever taken. The route was incredible, the service could not have been better, the food was great and the feeling of accomplishment I had when we crested Col de Vence and saw the Mediterranean will never be forgotten. Thanks Peter for organizing a fantastic week in the Alps. Hal Shapiro – CA :: 2009 Trans-Alps Challenge My overall impression of the trip is wrapped up in my desire to get on with another one as soon as possible. I had a ripping good time, was well cared for, well supported on the road and have a grand appreciation for the quality of TBT route selection. Dean Cahow – CO :: 2009 Trans-Alps Challenge Once again Peter you surpassed expectations with the Trans Alp ride. As usual, the organization, support, riding route and logistics were flawless. The staff always seemed to put our needs as a priority and were always so happy to help. I was looking forward to this trip for 6 months, and still the trip exceeded my expecatations. I just love the point to point days and the accomnplishment of completing the epic trek of crossing the Alps. Thanks, Peter! Brad Eisman – CA :: 2009 Trans-Alps Challenge It is difficult to imagine a better cycling experience. Excellent route - challenging but not impossible - big, old guys should not be deterred. The organization is flawless, the staff a wonderful mix of backgrounds and personalities. The riders were a diverse group and quickly formed a "band of brothers" - and sisters. Hotels and meals were just right for serious cyclists. A+ across the board. Peter Blaikie – Quebec, Canada :: 2010 Trans-Alps Challange The Trans-Alps trip was amazing!  Peter's attention to details in routes, support, hotels, and staff make the difference between a good trip and a life-changing experience.  This was my sixth trip with TBT and each one has offered unique experiences and unexpected gems because of the routes he chooses.  I highly recommend this trip for any serious cyclist. Jim Cracraft – MA :: 2010 Trans-Alps Challange Overall, the TBT team put together another outstanding trip and quite frankly it is difficult to come up with anything but positive feedback.  I thoroughly enjoyed the week and very much look forward to a 4th ride with you. Dennis Zuliani – Ontario, Canada :: 2010 Trans-Alps Challange Read More... To view full trip details on our website, click on the following link: http://www.thomsonbiketours.com/trips/Alps-01/index.php

 

 

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