classic climbs of the alps 2014 - trek travel · warm up ride: menthon-st. bernard to col du marais...

TREK TRAVELCYCLING VACATIONS OF A LIFETIME

613 Williamson St., Ste. 207Madison, WI 53703 USA

866.464.8735 | trektravel.com | [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Welcome & Map vItinerary v

Trip Accommodations vArriving & Departing v

Before & After Recommendations vWhat’s Included v

Essential Travel Guide v

The world’s most famous cycling event. The majestic French Alps. Two essential elements in every true road cyclist’s dream race trip! Join Trek Travel for a heroic adventure featuring the most exciting and scenic climbs in the Alps and fully supported by experienced and professional guides that know the bikes, the routes and the locals! Equipped with a Garmin bike computer tracking times and route information, we have also selected three challenging stages where timing checkpoints will be set to track your individual performance. Ride iconic climbs including Mt. Semnoz, Col de la Forclaz, Col de Leschaux, Galibier, Télégraphe and, finally, battle for the prestigious King of the Mountains award on the mythical Alpe d’Huez. The Alps Challenge trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one you’ll never forget.

• STAGE 1: The Annecy Challenge featuring Col de la Forclaz, Col de Leschaux and Mont Semnoz

• STAGE 2: The Télégraphe and Galibier Challenge

• STAGE 3: The Alpe d’Huez Double ascent and Queen or King of the Mountains Challenge

• Experience a Pro race-style challenge trip complete with: custom road ID; a Trek Travel kit; use of a Garmin; and

a massage after each timed stage.

• Imagine yourself leading the peloton on your timed trials!A bientôt

Penny GatwardClassic Climbs of the Alps - Challenge Tr ip Expert

CLASSIC CLIMBS OF THE ALPS 2014Explorer |Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Spain

Germany

Italy

Belgium

Switz.

atlanticocean

mediterranean sea

FRANCEAnnecy

Grenoble

La GraveAnnecy

Geneva

Paris

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Personal Cycling Gear:

On your trip Trek Travel provides a helmet, flat or caged pedals & a Bontrager saddle.

Beyond what is provided on your trip,

you are welcome to bring your own gear: a helmet, seat, pedals, shoes, etc. Just label and pack it in a separate, easily

accessible bag.

Remember also to bring spare cleats for

your clipless pedals, as replacements are difficult to find during your trip.

To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735.

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To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at [email protected]

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Soc ia l ize wi th us :

DAY 1: Warm up ride: Menthon-St. Bernard to Col du Marais Loop Approximately 30 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Annecy Train Station (Place de la Gare, 74000 Annecy, France) at 9:30 AM on the first day of the trip. A short walk through the bustling heart of the city and the Sunday market leads you to a ferry that will take you and your new traveling companions across Lake Annecy to your hotel. Lunch will be a delicious Trek Travel picnic featuring a range of local specialties hand picked by your guides. After a round of introductions and a thorough bike fitting, you’ll take to the road for a spin in the alpine hills. After a challenging and beautiful climb followed by a winding, forested descent, you’ll finish your warm-up along Lake Annecy and arrive at the hotel with ample time for a swim in the pristine waters of the lake. You’ll gather with the rest of the group for an evening wine reception and then enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Hotel | Le Palace de Menthon | www.PalaceDeMenthon.com

DAY 2: STAGE 1: Menthon-St. Bernard to Col de la Forclaz to Col de Leschaux to Col de Semnoz Loop Approximately 54 miles with 7200 feet of climbing

Your first stage starts with an intense climb up the imposing switchback ascent of Col de la Forclaz, originally a trail used by mule teams and smugglers to pass over the mountain. Continue to push your limits as you race up 8 miles of steady climbing on Col de Leschaux and finally Mont Semnoz, the mountaintop finish of the penultimate stage of the 2013 Tour de France. Finish your first Alps Challenge race day with a few final turns around the placid waters of Lake Annecy and savor your achievement with lunch overlooking the winding canals of this charming town. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, recover from the morning’s ride and unwind with a relaxing massage to prepare for the days ahead. Tonight, your guides will announce and award the Stage One Alps Challenge winner and discuss the logistics for tomorrow’s intimidating Stage Two.

Hotel | Le Palace de Menthon | www.PalaceDeMenthon.com

ITINERARYClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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DAY 3: STAGE 2: Annecy to La Grave with Col du Télégraphe & Col du Galibier Approximately 115 miles with 10,700 feet of climbing

Stage 2, and your first King/Queen of the Mountains opportunity featuring two infamous Alps passes: Col du Télégraphe, and the lofty Col du Galibier! This demanding route is similar to what the Pros ride each July. In fact, Galibier is often the highest point in the Tour de France, and the elevation makes it one of the highest paved roads in France with a maximum grade just over 10%! Your experienced Trek Travel guides and van support will be available along the way to ensure you are fully fueled. With awesome Trek Travel support, you can focus on the race and the road, to battle against your newfound friends for bragging rights and the day’s crown. Once the day’s endeavors are over, head onto the hotel, your base for the next three days. There, relax with a cold drink and a smile on the hotel terrace and a well earned massage. This evening, savor a hearty Savoyard dinner at the hotel and salute today’s winner as your guides reveal tomorrow’s recovery ride details.

Hotel | Auberge Edelweiss | www.Hotel-Edelweiss.com

DAY 4: Recovery Ride: Venosc Approximately 36 miles with 4600 feet of climbing

OR

La Grave to Les Deux Alpes via Venosc Télécabine Approximately 20 miles with 950 feet of climbing

There are two options available today, depending on how you’re feeling after yesterday’s epic race day. Spin downhill toward the village of Bourg d’Oisans and marvel at the majestic Bérarde Valley, while climbing alongside the turquoise river to reach the small shepherd village of La Bérarde. Here you’ll have time to enjoy a lunch of your choice, while soaking in the magnificent views of the Ecrins Mountains. On your return, a cable car will give you a lift to the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, a mountaintop resort often showcased in past Tours. If you’d prefer to not ride today, rest yor legs and hop a cable car to the top of the La Grave ski area, where you can walk on the glacier and marvel at its rugged peaks; or simply enjoy some down time at your hotel. Tonight you’re free to explore the charming village of La Grave for dinner and get mentally prepared for the ultimate challenge: a double ascent of Alpe d’Huez!


Rider Level

Rider Type: 4

Terrain: mountainous

Average Daily Distance:

60 miles

Average Daily Climbing:

8175 feet





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Thank Your Guides, By Tipping:

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are

not included inyour trip price. Industry

standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your

guide team. Please tip your guides

at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest

care and service.

DAY 5: STAGE 3: Alpe d’Huez King/Queen of the Mountains Double Ascent Challenge Approximately 60 miles with 10500 feet of climbing

Today’s Stage 3 is an avid road cyclist’s dream—ascending Alpe d’Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish in France. Your ride starts with an easy 19-mile downhill warm-up to the base of Alpe d’Huez, with the timed challenge starting at the ascent of the infamous 21-switchbacks to the summit of this most imposing pass. This climb was first included in the Tour in 1952 and each year is one of the most exciting points in the race as the Pros dance on their pedals to the summit after pushing through an average grade of nearly 8%. If this isn’t enough, you will continue, following the 2013 Tour de France route and a winding alpine road over the Col de Sarenne, witnessing some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever experience from the seat of a bicycle. You’ll head back down to the base of Alpe d’Huez to ascend, for the second time! After all the riders have crossed the check point, the winner will be crowned and all contenders will have their photo taken on the podium before being presented with official certificates documenting their achievement. Later, relax with a bistro lunch while you linger at the top of this mighty mountain and soak up the reward of the grueling ascent—astounding views, the support and good cheer of your Trek Travel guides, the camaraderie of kindred spirits and the pride that you’ve just mastered one of cycling’s most difficult climbs . . . twice! Gather for drinks tonight at the hotel and raise a toast to the final stage of the Alps Challenge, today’s stage winner and each other for having the courage to chase these epic dreams.


DAY 6: Le Chazelet Hill Climb Approximately 10 miles with 1300 feet of climbing

If you’re interested in one last farewell climb, ascend above the village of La Grave to a five-star panoramic viewpoint of the La Meije massif—stunning mountains and tumbling glaciers from the best seat in the house. You’ll say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the Auberge Edelweiss. You will be arriving by 11:30 AM at the Grenoble main train station. Please do not book a train before 12:00 PM on this day. For all train travel, feel free to confirm train times on the posted timetable at France’s rail site, www.SNCF.com.








Trip Changes:

Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel

strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc.

listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides

to improve the trip experience.



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LODGING

In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Classic Climbs of the Alps - Challenge trip, you will stay in two very different and charming hotels. At the Belle Epoque era Palace de Menthon, enjoy a daily post-ride swim from the hotel’s private dock. While at the cozy Auberge Edelweiss, enjoy warm hospitality and spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers.

Le Palace de Menthon | Menthon St. Bernard, France (Haute-Savoie)

This chateau-like hotel is ideally located between the lake and the mountains. Le Palace de Menthon sits on

the shores of Lake Annecy, considered the cleanest lake in Europe, directly beneath the Col de la Forclaz. It

is the perfect base for the “Classic Climbs” vacation of a lifetime.

665 route des Bains | +33 (0)4 50 64 83 00 | www.PalaceDeMenthon.com

Auberge Edelweiss| La Grave, France

Located along the route between the Col du Lautaret and Alpe d’Huez, the charming Auberge Edelweiss is

run by a family passionate about cycling. Accustomed to housing cyclists - even a stage winner or two - this

hotel knows how to cater to active travelers and has the appropriate facilities, including a whirlpool and

sauna. Additionally, the hotel’s terrace offers the ideal setting to enjoy a cold beverage and spectacular views

of the Meije glacier after a great day of cycling.

Le Grave | +33 (0)4 76 79 90 93 | www.Hotel-Edelweiss.com

DINING

Trek Travel scopes out unique and delicious dining locations, and we usually leave at least one meal

for you to explore on your own. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have

informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to

accommodate your dietary requests.

On our Classic Climbs of the Alps - Challenge trip, you’ll be experiencing a variety of regional Savoyard cuisine. This is the home of the fondue, raclette, and tartiflette dishes. Meals are presented with avid cyclists in mind. Breakfast is always served at the hotel, buffet style, to fuel you for each day’s challenge.

ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALSClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







Enjoy our Travel Agent

Services!

For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent

can reserve air travel, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and additional tours and sightseeing before or after your trip. Call

Trek Travel at 866 464 8735 and choose option #2 to speak with our in

house Travel Agent.



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HOW TO GET THERE

Flights | We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA). From Paris’ Gare de Lyon, trains depart daily for Annecy with a travel time of 4-5 hours. The train journey from Geneva to Annecy takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours. However, train options and times are somewhat limited to and from Geneva and can sometimes present more logistical challenges. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Geneva airport to Annecy for approximately 100 euros or a bus for 20 euros. Please consult www.SNCF.com or speak with our travel agent for current train schedules.

The trip ends in Grenoble and we recommend booking your return flight from Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS). Trains run from Grenoble to both Paris and Lyon. Please consult www.SNCF.com or speak with our travel agent for current train schedules.

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION

Annecy Train Station | Annecy, France

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Annecy Train Station (Place de la Gare, 74000 Annecy, France) at 9:30 AM on the first day of the trip. A beautiful ferry ride across the lake will bring you to the hotel where you’ll begin your ride. Please have your first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to facilitate the bike fitting and ride.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You

will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot

reach them, please call our first hotel, Le Palace de Menthon (+33 (0)4 50 64 83 00), and leave a

message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You may take a taxi to the first night’s

hotel, Le Palace de Menthon, in Menthon-St. Bernard. The cost of a taxi is approximately 40 euros.

DEPARTING TIME AND LOCATION

Grenoble Train Station | Grenoble, France

You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00:00 at the Auberge Edelweiss. You will be arriving by

11:30 AM at the Grenoble main train station. Please do not book a train before 12:00 PM on this day.

For all train travel, feel free to confirm train times on the posted timetable at France’s rail site, www.

SNCF.com

ARRIVING & DEPARTINGClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







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Last minute question?

Your guides will be available 24 hours

before the start of your trip. You’ll receive

their mobile numbers in an e-mail one week

before the trip start date. In the event you

don’t receive this email, please contact

our sales team: [email protected]

or 866.464.8735.

ANNECY, FRANCEIf you have the time, consider staying in Annecy at the beginning of your trip to further explore the diverse activities this French town offers. Guided tours of historic Annecy allow you to discover the medieval aspects of the town and visit buildings dating back to the Renaissance and 12th century. Hiking trails are numerous, covering diverse terrain, offering spectacular views all around, and water activities are bountiful along the lake. Paragliding is world-renowned in Annecy, boasting some of the world’s best and providing, literally, a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Be sure to lounge in the park by the lake, just across from the town center, or linger at a café or ice cream parlor surrounded by flowers. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

L’Impérial Palace | 32 Avenue Albigny | +33 (0)4 50 09 30 00 | www.Hotel-Imperial-Palace.com | ~$315

Located in a park on Lake Annecy, l’Impérial Palace houses the Casino Impérial, as well as one of the most famous convention centers in France. It has been fully remodeled and includes both a fitness and a beauty center with a sauna and steam bath. 98 rooms.

Les Trésoms | 3 Boulevard Corniche | +33 (0)4 50 51 43 84 | www.LesTresoms.com | ~$300

This is a residence-style hotel that dates from the early 1900’s, with a shaded terrace overlooking the swimming pool and a beautiful view of the lake. 48 rooms.

Hotel Splendid | 4, Quai Eustache Chappuis | +33 (0)4 50 45 20 00 | www.Splendidhotel.fr | ~$160

This recently renovated hotel is ideally located between the lake and the mountains. The Hotel Splendid sits across from the shores of Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in all of France, and is perfectly nestled in the heart of the old town.

BEFORE & AFTERClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







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Thank Your Guides, By Tipping:

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are

not included inyour trip price. Industry

standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your

guide team. Please tip your guides

at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest

care and service.

“To call the trip anything short of

amazing is an understatement.

Everything was as promised and the

surprises that were thrown in along

the way put it right over the top.”

— Jim

GRENOBLE, FRANCE

If you have the time, consider staying in Grenoble at the end of your trip to further explore the diverse activities this French town offers. Grenoble offers numerous outdoor activities, including via ferrata, a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges providing access to otherwise isolated routes to climbers with a variety of skills. Not to be missed in this Rhône-Alpes town is a ride on the téléphérique: egg-shaped cable cars, les bulles, take you across the Isère River to the Bastille, a series of ancient fortifications. Enjoy the view from the summit, then wander the many trails leading down to the city. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Park Hotel | 10 Place Paul Mistral | +33 (0) 4 76 85 81 23 | www.Park-Hotel-Grenoble.fr | ~$395

Situated adjacent to the Paul Mistral Park in the center of Grenoble, the city’s only 4-star hotel is sure to win you over with its elegance and charm.

Patrick Hotel | 116, cours de la Libération | 33 (0) 4 76 21 26 63 | www.PatrickHotel-Grenoble.com | ~$425

Located close to Grenoble’s city center, this hotel offers you many of the modern comforts you enjoy.

Best Western Terminus | 10, place de la Gare | +33 (0) 4 76 87 24 33 | www.Terminus-Hotel-Grenoble.fr | ~$175

This Belle Epoque hotel (1906), with modern conveniences, such as air-conditioning and WiFi, is conveniently located just across the street from the Grenoble train station.

BEFORE & AFTERClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







The Best Bikes, Period:

Bike vacations are more fun when bikes

ride and fit well. With the best in the industry and our knowledgeable

and well trained guides our bikes always fit and ride smoothly.

Enjoy $300 off a select Trek bike after you

travel with us.



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INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE

Dining & Lodging• Unique accommodations during the Classic Climbs of the Alps - Challenge trip• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 3 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for

each day’s ride

Support• Dedicated Trip Consultants to answer all of your questions and aid you in choosing a vacation

that suits you• Email sent to you one week prior to your trip with guide contact details, meet time & location

and any final information • The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides• Daily route support, detailed route guide, highlighted map, van support• All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip

Gear• The use of a Trek Domane™ 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane™ 5.9 Women’s Specific

Design carbon road bike (limited selection) (visit www.trektravel.com/ridethebest.php for more details)

• The use of a Garmin while on your trip• Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise• Bike computer, a map case, and stocked seat pack for use during your trip• Two Trek Travel water bottles for you to keep• Choice of multiple stem lengths, seat posts and saddles for a custom fit

Activities• Gratuities for all scheduled restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip.

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations• Lodging before and after the trip• Personal items purchased during the trip• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore

the local cuisine at your leisure.• Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their

professionalism and leadership.Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price.

WHAT’S INCLUDEDClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







UPGRADES

Upgrade to the Trek Madone 6.5 road bike, electric assist bikes, and carbon wheels.

TRIP INSURANCE

Protecting your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances that might affect your trip.

IN HOUSE TRAVEL AGENT

Allow us to arrange your pre and post trip hotels, air travel, trains and other activities for a nominal fee.

TRAINING

Our partner, Vision Quest Training, offers custom training programs to prepare any rider for their trip.

RIDER LEVEL

We have trips for every type of rider. Find the best fit with our “rider type explained” section.

TT CLUB

Our TT Club rewards repeat guests with trip discounts, complimentary upgrades and more!

CYCLING GEAR TO PACK

Use this comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike.

OFF THE BIKE APPAREL

With your bike fashion covered, here are suggestions for off the bike apparel for your trip.

FAQS

Read a lot of great information about your bike tour in our easy to navigate FAQ section.

REFERRAL REWARDS

Bring a friend on your Trek Travel cycling vacation and earn a $200 referral bonus each time!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Be informed rather than surprised. Trip cancellation policies differ so take a moment to look yours over.

WHAT’S NEXT?If you are ready to book call at 866-464-8735 or fill out on our online booking form. If you already booked, there is a lot of great information below regarding getting ready

for your trip and things like upgrade bikes, trip insurance and housekeeping items that you’ll want to ensure are completed on time.

THE ESSENTIAL LINKS

CancellationPolicy:

If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation fee of $100; between 61 – 90 days prior to departure

there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original

trip price; between 31 – 60 days prior to departure there is a

cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price;

there is no refund for cancelling a trip less than 30 days prior

to departure.

If you choose to change your trip more than

90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee.

From 61 – 90 days, there will be a $1,000

administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy

outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure

date.



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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDEClassic Climbs of the Alps 2014 | Explorer | Alps Challenge | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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classic climbs of the alps 2014 - trek travel · warm up ride: menthon-st. bernard to col du marais...

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