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Lakes and volcanoes of the AuvergneDiscover this enchanted land on some the the best x-country biking tracks in France. |
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Off road mountain biking tour. |
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OVERVIEWCone shaped mountains, deep blue crater lakes and cool shady forest; this has to be the perfect mountain bikers playground.This is an exhilarating journey traversing the "Parc Natural Regional des Volcans D'Auvergne." This is an area of outstanding natural beauty in the centre of France, dominated by a chain of young dormant (we hope!) volcanoes. Our route takes us from the medieval town of Besse en Chandesse, over the Massif de Sancy (1885m), to the Puy de Dome before dropping to the mineral water springs of Volvic. En route we stay in good small town hotels, where we enjoy the local cuisine, which has a strong cheese influence. These towns are linked by a network of well maintained trails which drop us into deep volcanic craters, down hardened lava flows, around lakes and across high mountain passes. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?The trip is suitable for anyone who enjoys mountain biking, however the nature of the riding requires reasonable fitness. Some prior exposure to single track would be advantageous. The ride can also be done (self guided) by a network of beautiful mountain roads, if you want a change from the mountain biking. The mountain biking ride is fully supported. The cycling is 80% off road, 40% forest trails and 40% single track. The daily distances between hotels is manageable for all, at an average of 35km per day with an average of 500m of ascent. For those wanting more of a workout, on most days there is an optional (harder) guided ride to explore the proximity of the nights accommodation. There are some long climbs, however these are mostly on road or good trails. It is important to me that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have have any doubts.DATESMon 9 June - Sun 15 June 2008 (Trip code MFM H23)HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £560, starting and ending at St Etienne Airport. Flights can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £80 return. The only thing not included is drinks and snacks, allow £30 depending on your thirst. There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?5 days guided rides. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Vehicle support. 7 nights in comfortable hotels. 7 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in a variety of small town Hotels and Auberges. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis and most of the hotels have private facilities. There is a single supplement of £100 if you are looking for your own room.FOODFood is a very important part of all biking trips and the French way of life. This area is famed for its dairy products, which crop up in most of the dishes in various forms. All breakfasts are included and are continental style. Picnic lunches will be provided on biking days, which you will be expected to carry with you. Evening meals will be taken in the Hotel or Local restaurants.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by James Thompson, who has over 7 years of experience of leading mountain biking trips around the world. James is a competent mechanic and experienced First-aider. During the week informal instruction will be given for those wanting to improve their technique. James will be assisted by another leader.GROUPThere is a maximum of 15 people (minimum 4) plus James and assistant on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORT / SUPPORTThroughout the trip you are supported by a minibus fitted with a bike rack. It will intercept the group where possible offering medical / mechanical assistance as well as a lift up the hills (if you would like it). Bags are naturally transported from hotel to hotel.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire one from Marmot-Tours (and return it dirty at the end of the holiday). Marmot-Tours has a fleet of Specialised Rockhoppers Bikes with either 'Normal' of 'Disc' Brakes. There are no full-suspension bikes available. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section.HOW DO I GET THERE?The trip starts and ends at St-Etienne Airport. Ryan Air provide a reasonably priced flight service between London Stansted St Etienne. If booked in advance flights should not cost more than £80. A minibus transfer will be arranged to tie in with these flights (approx 2.5hr transfers). For further flight information please look at www.ryanair.com. Ryan Air also serves the UK with regional connections.Please see the Transport section for more information on airlines, airport transfers and travelling with a bike |
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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NOTES |
The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate for the weather conditions and the desires of the group. The rides described below are to give you an idea of what we could encounter during the week. There is a good months worth of world class rides to select from - James' biggest problem is trying to work out which rides to miss out!! |
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DAY 1 |
Transfer from St Etienne airport to our tour start point in the medieval town of Besse-en-Chandesse. This enchanting walled town is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with old fashioned shops and street cafes. This is the perfect base for the first two nights of our trip. We will have time to your assemble bikes or introduce you to your hire bikes before drinks and dinner. |
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DAY 2 |
The area around Besse is cris-crossed by a network of trails which provides us with a perfect playground to warm up for the days to come. Riding tips will be given before we take on an ancient foresters path down into 'la Couze Parvin'. Climbing back onto the Plateau we explore the volcanic cone of the Puy de Montchal, before heading back to Besse for a few beers and a hearty dinner. (30-35km, 19-22miles) |
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DAY 3 |
We start our journey North on the x-country ski trails around the beautiful forested crater lake of Lac Pavin. From here our way is seemingly barred by the towering mountains of the massif de Sancy. Fortunately a Telecabin does most of the work for us. From the top of which a short walk takes us to the highest point of Central France, the Puy de Sancy (1885m). The view is certainly breathtaking. Back on the bikes we let gravity do the work as we plummet 800m towards the thermal spa town of Le Monte Dore. We will arrive in plenty of time to relax, have a massage or head out on more adrenalin filled guided rides. (25km, 15miles + optional 17km, 10miles) |
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DAY 4 |
Our ride takes us past a couple of tumbling waterfalls before we climb up into the heart of the National Park. Vultures and eagles are not uncommon sightings as we head over the high pastures blanketed by wild flowers. A fast descent takes us to the Lac de Servières where we can spend a relaxed afternoon cooling off in the crystal clear waters of popular beauty spot. Fortunately from here its mostly down hill to our nights base in the historic village of Orcival. (30km, 19miles) |
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DAY 5 |
Today is toughest ride of our trip. We undulate our way over the cattle pastures towards the towering line of forested volcanic cones which dominate the horizon. The Chaîne de Puys is our playground for the rest of the trip. We will have time to visit the National Park Museum to learn about the region, before dropping into the mountain village of Lashamps, where we stay for two nights. (32km, 20miles) |
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DAY 6 |
Today is an optional free day to do as you wish. Laschamp is perfectly located to embarking on a trek to the peak of the imposing Puy de Dome (1464m). The fearless could even leap off the top on a paraglider. Other activities include horse riding, golf or for the die hard bikers there will be a guided ride around the lava flows of the Puy de Come. Relaxing is also an option. (optional 32km, 20 miles) |
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DAY 7 |
We head North winding our way between the volcanic cones and crater rims. The trails are a explosive mix of solidified lava flows and loose volcanic ash. A final epic corkscrew descent takes us to the end of our journey in the town of Volvic. We enjoy our final meal together washed down with some of the world famous mineral water... and a few beers too! (35km, 22miles) |
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DAY 8 |
Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer to St Etienne airport full of memories of some of the worlds best biking. |
