Tour de France 10 – 25 July 2011
Dear Fellow OTBs
We're proposing to organise a trip to the Tour de France 2011 with the assistance of Karl Woolcott of Adventure Travel and Shane Collett for OTBs
At this stage the trip itinerary is currently quite high level, but the basic concept will be along the lines of -
- A mini coach and bike trailer driven by Wim (same guy who guided/led The Chosens in 2009 and SANZ guys in 2010).
This ensures a professional driver is
on hand for all our needs. Wim has a reputation second to none with
superb local knowledge. Get dropped off and picked up on each ride, our
own personal "sag wagon".
- A second tour guide and full time mechanic.
This is a new concept introduced by
Karl / Wim as they have formed a direct alliance rather than using
Bikestyle tours as in the past. This allows for in-depth knowledge and
an education on what happens in the Tour de France. No bike problems
either as our bike mechanic is on the spot in the form of Shane Collett.
- A separate, additional option to ride L'Etappe (not compulsory)
Yes, for those who are especially
keen and looking for a challenge then there could be the opportunity of
you riding the L’Etappe. It’s certainly a challenge and
this year early indications are that it’s finishing on the mighty
Alpe d’Huez. L’Etappe is a personal choice. It’s not
compulsory however it would be very rewarding.
- VIP access to 'rider only' areas and better to race viewing.
Get up close and personal with the superstars behind the public barriers..
- Minimum 3-4 star accommodation.
In France, 2 star accommodations can
offer very small rooms. Unlike some previous years, a good standard of
accommodation for 2011 is assured.
- The trip is cycle centric, so the
expectation is that everyone on the trip will be doing it for the
cycling first and foremost.
That does not mean to say you have to
ride every day, or be a brilliant bike rider. There will be rides each
day that will cater for all abilities, but a degree of self-sufficiency
and competent skill level will be required
The opportunity to secure a spot on this
particular trip is limited, so please give it serious consideration.
We’d like expressions of interest in September before a meeting
sometime in October with the more defined trip details
- Indicative Cost would be around $8,000.00
ex France with flights on top. So, you are probably looking at around
$11,000.00 including flights. VIP access costs extra and would be a
personal choice
- We need a core group of 10-12 riders to
make this work. It will then be up to us to market it and sell it to
others. Maximum riders will be 20.
Please RSVP expressions of interest to me at- allan.moss@xtra.co.nz
Here is the rough itinerary-
Tour de France 10 – 25 July 2011
Start in Toulouse – Finish in Paris
16 days – 15 nights
5 different hotels : 1 night in Toulouse
5 nights in Pyrenees
2 nights in Provence
5 nights in Alpes
2 nights in Paris
Rides
Pyrenees : Hautacam, Tourmalet, Soulor, Col d’Aubisque, Col de Peyresourde, Luz Ardiden,
Col de Marie Blanque, Col d’Aspin
Alpes : Alpes d’Huez, Telegraphe, Galibier, Croix de Fer, Glandon, Col de la Madeleine,
Provence : Mont Ventoux
VIP-acces : Stagestart – Stagefinish – Paris Champs Elysées
Day 1 : Sunday 10 July : Arrival Day in Toulouse
Day 2 : Monday 11 July : Transfert to the Pyrenees
Day 3 : Tuesday 12 July : Pyrenees
Day 4 : Wednesday 13 July : Pyrenees
Day 5 : Thursday 14 July : Pyrenees
Day 6 : Friday 15 July : Pyrenees
Day 7 : Saturday 16 July : Pyrenees to Mont Ventoux
Day 8 : Sunday 17 July : Mont Ventoux
Day 9 : Monday 18 July : Provence to Alpes
Day 10 : Tuesday 19 July : Les 2 Alpes
Day 11 : Wednesday 20 July : Les 2 Alpes
Day 12 : Thursday 21 July : Les 2 Alpes
Day 13 : Friday 22 July : Les 2 Alpes
Day 14 : Saturday 23 July : Alpes > Paris
Day 15 : Sunday 24 July : Paris
Day 16 : Monday 25 July : Goodbye
Live for the Moment