Thursday, 19 January 2017 18:24

Things to do on a Bike This Year: The Alps

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Did you see the recent TV show Tour de Celeb. It was one of those shows with minor celebs , but it was about cycling and more specifically the Etape de Tour on roads I'd ridden a few days before. So putting aside my dislike of reality TV and my natural Welsh revulsion at Austin Healey I tuned in and you know what? In between the weeping, gratuitous lycra clad bum shots, histrionics and daring do I was reminded of last summer and my own journey.

You can't call yourself a true cyclist until you've played in the mountains. That could be on a knobbly tyred beast with loads of travel and/or a proper bike with skinny tyres and curly handle bars. Anyway I may have mentioned that I was lucky enough to go and ride my bike in Morzine last summer in anticipation of Le Tour coming through a few weerks later and what an amazing experience it was. One everyone should do. 

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Morzine is blessed sitting in the Portes du Soleil and at the foot of the formidable climbs of the Avoriaz and Col de Joux Plane. These climbs are mythical in Cycling history but there is so much more. The Col de la Joux Verte for instance; a beautiful ascent with the jade coloured Lac de Montriond , the climb to Les Gets or Samoens. The whole area is a two wheeled heaven.

I was fortunate whilst I was there to have a guide for the day and I'd recommend doing so yourself. Having a friendly local is a great way to discover the back roads and best watering holes.

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Riding in Morzine opened my eyes to what riding in the mountains is really like and I'd recommend it to anybody. I really, really can't wait to go again. But first It's winter so I'm off skiing tomorrow. Although I'd rather be on a bike.

My hosts for my trip, Inghams is offering a seven night holiday on a half board basis at the three-and-a-half-star Hotel Le Cret in Morzine, France, from £793 per person, based on two sharing. Price represents a saving of £115 per person and includes return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva and airport transfers. The package is valid for travel departing on Saturday, 1st July 2017. To book, visit www.inghams.co.uk/lakes-mountains-holidays or call 01483 791 116

The week includes:

  • FREE expert advice from a professional guide for four full days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
  • Challenging and rewarding mountain routes
  • All hotels provide bike storage and cleaning facilities

To book, guests can book a stay in any Inghams Morzine hotel during the week of 1st July 2017 and pre-register for this fantastic offer.

Bikes are available to hire locally from £26.50 per day. Alternatively, guests can arrange bike carriage (prices start from approximately £60 return) to bring their own.

 

More in this category: « Cognitive Bike Therapy Things to do on a Bike This Year: Mountain Biking »
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