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Participants
Who is the tour aimed at ?
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge
themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the
whole distance between Como in the north of Italy and
Nice at the Mediterranean. But the tour is also meant
for the people who like to travel by bicycle through the
beautiful Alps. It is not a problem if you take a seat
some days in the supporting vehicles. If you like the
challenge or if you prefer more the journey through the
mountains, you are both welcome in "Les Dix Alpes".
Am I capable of doing this ?
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy
cycling, you are capable of completing "Les Dix Alpes".
We average 110 km per day and you can ride at your own
pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each
day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist
you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any
day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch
a ride on one of our support vehicles.
Before you start
What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel
insurance, including emergency rescue. Further
information will be given in the brochure. Individuals
without proper insurance will not be allowed to
participate.
On the Tour
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ?
During "Les Dix Alpes" we camp in well equipped
campsites that provide many creature comforts. The first
day in Como and the last day in Nice you stay in a
hotel.
At several campsites you have the possibility to rent a
bungalow or site caravan at own expense. The campgrounds
are most of the time on the outskirts of cities on our
route.
What will I eat ?
On biking days, our cook will prepare four meals. We
know how important food is on a trip like this. You will
be treated to generous portions of food that will be a
combination of regional recipes and meals made from
local ingredients as well as some of the cook's
specialties. We will also provide energy bars, clean
water and an energy boosting beverage.
Everyone is of course free to explore and sample the
culinary hot spots along the way. We believe eating the
Italian and French cuisine is part and parcel of the
journey.
For those with dietary restrictions and/or ferocious
appetites, you need not be concerned. We take all this
in consideration when preparing your meals. You may go
to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items
including tent, sleeping bags, camping gear and spare
parts. In addition, support vehicles will also carry
such items as food, water, kitchen equipment and
emergency medical items. While riding, you only have to
carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a
snack.
Climate
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions in the Alps in the second half of
the summer season are normally fine with temperatures
between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is not uncommon
that we will get some rain showers along the way. Keep
in mind that the temperatures can drop down considerably
in the Alps at altitudes above 2000 meter. On a whole,
we expect too have good weather for cycling. Not too
hot, and rarely too cool or wet; and in the end it's all
part of the adventure.
Road conditions
What is the terrain like ?
"Les Dix Alpes" is all together 1100 kilometer which is
divided into 10 cycling days. An average of around 110
kilometers. Except from the first and last day you can
expect some serious climbing.
Bike
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of
your equipment. The tour can be completed on any kind of
bicycle as long as it is entirely human powered. The
route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most
efficient way to cover the distance, but hybrids,
mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more
comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you
prefer. Enough gears, strong legs and common sense, and
you can do the job.
Non-cyclist
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come
?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who
like to join "Les Dix Alpes", but don't like to cycle.
You can take part in the organization around the
cyclists and join the other staff with their daily
activities like setting up campsites, providing the
meals, visit local markets, etcetera.
What to bring
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
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