practicebicycle.com - Cycling in the French Alps April - September 2010  Cycling in the French Alps is our signature bike tour, unique cycling "escapism". Beginning with your charming location in the wonderful town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region of France. It's only after many years of cycling experience, management and coaching that practice bicycle have the skills to design and tailor our quality cycling holidays to suit the individual abilities of our clients. We believe the small group (4+ bike riders), meticulous attention to detail and planning philosophy gives you the highest quality of personal service throughout your cycling week. You will be amazed at the pleasure and sense of achievement of your fully supported cycling holiday week, brought to you with our local knowledge and experience of living and cycling here in Annecy and the French Alps. The perfect balance of cycling as much or as little as you like, as well as relaxing, the pleasure that we share with you. Your "Cycling in the French Alps" holiday tour includes: 6 nights 3*** perfectly equipped comfortable air-conditioned apartment accommodation (New options available 2010) centrally located in Annecy. Continental buffet breakfasts each morning French style. 6 days (or as required) of superb guided rides, carefully planned, designed and structured with the highest level of safety and tailored for your enjoyment throughout the tour. Qualified professional coaching services & full support of Paul Hughes (highly experienced, qualified Level 2 Australian cycling coach). Experienced female cycling guide and highly acclaimed International bike racer Bridget Evans and your discoverer of fine gourmet experiences. Spectacular and breathtaking scenery each day from a variety of different geographical locations around Annecy. Support vehicle, mechanical assistance and a selection of sports drinks & nutrional bars. Professional "practice bicycle" cycling jersey. "practice bicycle" - welcome pack!. Welcome Aperitif followed by a superb gourmet experience of a traditional French dinner upon arrival. French mid-day lunch of "Menu du Jour" in one of the fabulous French restaurants in Annecy. Small group tailored personal service. Access to local professional French Mechanic. Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) and practice bicycle transfer to your Annecy accommodation (tour arrival & departure days). Cost per person (twin share) - HIGH SEASON (June/July/August) AUD $3670.00 - Luxury Accommodation (Suite) AUD $3435.00 - Superior Accommodation (Studio 40m2) AUD $3260.00 - Quality Accommodation (Studio 30m2) Cost per person (twin share) - LOW SEASON (April/May/September) AUD $3420.00 - Luxury Accommodation (Suite) AUD $3185.00 - Superior Accommodation (Studio 40m2) AUD $3010.00 - Quality Accommodation (Studio 30m2)
(For your convenience click-on the Cost of your chosen tour & Optional Extras to see the price in your local currency.) Optional Extras Single person/room supplement - HIGH SEASON (June/July/August) AUD $700.00 (Luxury), AUD $580.00 (Superior), AUD $450.00 (Quality) Single person/room supplement - LOW SEASON (April/May/September) AUD $500.00 (Luxury), AUD $420.00 (Superior), AUD $350.00 (Quality) Professional "practice bicycle" - bib knicks - AUD $220.00 Bike Hire for the tour - AUD $350.00 Accompanying non-cycling person (twin share) - reduction of AUD $500.00 To view the Booking Conditions of your cycling holiday click here.  
"Cycling in the French Alps" Tours run between April and September, for one week periods arriving on a Sunday and departing on a Saturday (additional days available by request) with our suggested tour dates available to you on our Tour Calendar. Personalised weeks for you or your small group (4+ bike riders) can also be organised upon request. With our experienced team bike riding with you every pedal stroke of the way you will truly experience the escapism of everyday life with practice bicycle - cycling in the french alps, an unforgettable cycling holiday. With all this cycling experience and knowledge of the area available to you and whilst you are in the very capable hands (and legs!) of both Paul Hughes and Bridget Evans, bike riding by your side and available to assist you as much or as little as you wish. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy your cycling and soak up the atmosphere of your holiday in the French Alps and all that this superb cycling region has to offer and as one of our guest's put it "we spent our time cycling and relaxing, rather than the day to day stress of travel". We have carefully chosen a quality, very comfortable 3*** air-conditioned apartment accommodation (New option available for 2010, Quality, Superior and Luxury) located in the heart of Annecy, close to all amenities and just a 10 min walk from the edge of the Lake. This apartment-type accommodation in France is rare and with a fully equipped kitchen area it gives our guests the additional flexibility and space for post cycling relaxation. For those of you who are looking for a new cycling challenge or that cycling holiday that you may have only dreamed of. If you have years of cycling experience or consider yourself new to the bicycle, we believe that everyone can practice bicycle in the French Alps. Whether you need some cycling tips or that extra motivation and push near the summit of the climb, or maybe you just need an experienced cycling guide who can keep up with the pace and point you in the right direction, you and your group are guaranteed that cycling holiday week of a life time! Some of our guests have commented "Riding with these guy's for a week is like being in your own pro bike team, but of course at a slower speed!".  
An example of a "Cycling in the French Alps" bike tour week After your delicious "petit dejeuner" (breakfast) your guided week of bike riding in the French Alps begins! Each morning we will take a few minutes to talk about that days planned bike ride before we head off on the bikes around 9.00am to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world to practice bicycle. Fully-supported by your experienced guides on interesting and a variety of routes, some challenging and some easy, tailored specifically for your bike riding ability and experience. Your support vehicle will be available at the hotel for your convenience and peace of mind and to take any additional clothing or personal items for the day, or if you would prefer to take it easy and enjoy the day's spectacles from the comfort of the vehicle with our local resident driver. The vehicle also carries sports drinks and nutritional supplies as well as mechanical and first-aid support for any unforseen occasion. Don't for get to bring your compact camera and sufficient euro to enjoy the frequent cafe, patisserie or lunch stops on route each day. With a coffee and a mouth watering "Pain au chocolate" or "Citron tart" never far away to keep the legs turning. Depending on the duration of the days planned bike ride we will be back in Annecy between midday and mid-afternoon, with plenty of time to relax un-wind and explore this wonderful French town. Your evenings are free to explore, whether you choose to wander the streets and enjoy one of the many superb restaurants or sit by the lake and admire the spectacular views. From our recommended suggestions of great Bars, Cafes, Restaurants and of course shops, you will receive valuable information from practice bicycle to enhance and make your cycling holiday with us more enjoyable and pleasurable. Sunday: Your tour arrival day in Annecy. You will be personally collected from Geneva International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Annecy. We will organise your check-in and be available to assist you in any way with the un-packing and assembling of your bicycles. Should time and opportunity permit this maybe the perfect time for an easy bike ride to ensure the bikes have travelled safely. This evening we will get together for Welcome drinks and dinner (compliments of practice bicycle) and chat about your great cycling holiday week ahead. Monday: This morning we will introduce you to the Alps with a moderate bike ride to the East of Annecy heading towards the Grand Alps, stopping for a cafe stop in Thones, a beautiful town and the centre of the "Roblechon" cheese production. We will then climb the gentle slopes of the Col du Marais (843m) before descending into Faverges, stopping for lunch or patisserie. Planned Moderate bike ride: 70km approx ride time 3hrs, Col du Marais (843m). Tuesday: Today we will explore some of the flatter roads to the East of Annecy and away from the Alps, first we must take in a gentle climb out of town before we will be into the French countryside and heading into the next valley with small vineyards. Here we can enjoy the scenic flatter roads as we pass alongside Lac Bourget and into the town of Aix-Les-Bains for a well deserved cafe or lunch stop. Our return to Annecy skirts around the edge of the Massif Bauges National Park before our descent back into town. Planned Difficult bike ride: 100km approx ride time 4.30hrs, Aix-Les-Bains. Wednesday: After the last couple of days of longer bike rides, today we propose either a easy ride or a well deserved REST DAY. Today will also give us the opportunity of a lunch time traditional French feast of the "Menu du jour" in Annecy (compliments of practice bicycle). Planned Easy bike ride: 40kms approx ride time 2hrs, Lake Annecy. Thursday: This morning we may not be venturing too far away from Annecy, but expect some incredibly spectacular panoramic views from 1699m. Our bike ride will take us into the region Park Massif des Bauges, which is frequently used by the International bike race, Criterium du Dauphine Libere which includes the gentle and enjoyable climb of Col de Leschaux (900m), followed by the mountain of Cret de Chatillon (1699m). From here you will have a great opportunity to take in the views from what seems to be the "top of the world"! And if we get that perfect clear day we can see way into the Grand Alps and Mont Blanc. Planned Difficult bike ride: 60km approx ride time 3.30hrs, Cret de Chatillon (1699m). Friday: Today we explore the roads to the North along the ridge of the Alps and the village of Thorens Glieres, before the climb of the Col des Fleuries (932m) and the valley of Le Petit Bornand, heading deep into the Grand Alps. We are now on familiar roads made famous and often used by the Tour de France and it's also a great opportunity to take a cafe or lunch stop amongst the Alps at one of our favourite locations taking in the splendour of this magnificent alpine atmosphere. Planned Difficult bike ride: 90km approx ride time 5hrs, Petit Bornand. Saturday: Sadly today is your departure day and it's time to pack the bikes ready for your onward journey from Annecy, we will personally transfer and escort you to Geneva International Airport and practice bicycle wish you a "Bon Voyage". PLEASE NOTE: The carefully designed ride options of all the practicebicycle.com itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to meet the requirements and abilities of the specific tour guests. Each day you have the option to either ride or relax and enjoy the comfort of the support vehicle ( also, ideally suited for the accompanying non-cyclist) we believe that everyone can practicebicycle...as much or as little as you wish. For those of you looking for a greater challenge, then living in the French Alps allows us to offer you..........endless climbing options and there is "always another hill" should you wish! Should you wish to extend your practicebicycle.com tour with additional days, please contact us for further details.  What bike rides are available to me? The surrounding area of Annecy is a bike riders dream with endless quiet roads suitable for all abilities and degrees of difficulty. Ideal for the novice or for an easy bike ride "looking at the Lake and Mountains" and of course stopping for a coffee and croissant, the 40km (25mile) circumference of Lake Annecy with the bike path (velo pista) is perfect. This great bike path follows the route of the old railway line running south for 40km (25miles) to the town of Ugine, passing through villages and typical french countryside a perfect gentle and leisurely bike ride. Typical moderate bike rides include the gentle rolling roads to the North and West of Annecy through the small farms and villages and the valley roads of the Bauges region or the flat roads South to Albertville, city of the 1992 winter Olympics. The Albertville games were the last Winter Games to be staged in the same year as the Summer Games. Albertville is at the base of some exhilarating climbs such as the Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roseland which featured in the 2009 Tour de France. Heading south is the gateway to the Madeleine, Télégraphe, Galibier and Col de Croix-de-fer. Then of course the difficult bike rides into the Alps, starting with those climbs made famous by the “Tour de France” and "Criterium dauphine Libere", such as the Col de la Forclaz (1157m), Col des Aravis (1498m), Col de la Croix Fry (1477), Le Semnoz (1635m), Col du Revard (1448m) and the Col de la Colombiere (1618m) which was the final climb of Stage 17 in the 2009 Tour de France. Endless climbing options and there is "always another hill" should you wish!  Limited places are available for your unique quality cycling holiday with practicebicycle.com register your interest today Click here to start planning your cycling tour! Quick Links to our Cycling Holidays |