First Alps Tour

robgriffin247

Hi,
I'm trying to plan a trip to the alps next summer to do a tour for 2 weeks (with a 2-3 rest days during) I'd like to start and finish in Geneva - or at least ride around lake geneva en route. But I've not been on a riding holiday before so I'm not sure what sort of distances I can expect to cover - particularly in the alps, I live in Sweden and its fairly flat here. I can pretty comfortably ride for 80+ km at the moment and will be doing a few weekend trips & plenty of training in the build up to the holiday.

So I'm looking for some advice really from someone that has done alps tours:

>>How far can I expect to ride in 2 weeks in the alps?

>>What sort of spares/kit should I take? (what am I likely to need? obviously puncture repair kit, couple of innertubes, spare tires, allen keys, spanners, pliers, brake cables, pump, oil + tent, camping gear, clothes, food & energy gels).

>>Would you camp or stay in B&B's?

Also I've set up a handful of routes so let me know what you think about time for those, plus if you have any recommendations on places to visit then let me know!

http://g.co/maps/xhnxb
http://g.co/maps/54wme
http://g.co/maps/xsw4m

Many Thanks,
Rob

durhamwasp

I reckon you could do 80-100km a day and not over do yourself, in this you could maybes do two climbs which may include 30km of climbing, but 30km of descending too...

If i was you, i would go as light as possible and stay in B&Bs/chalets/campsite huts. We were not far from Geneva this summer, staying in Le Grand Bornand and there were chalets galore, with loads of availability at decent prices in the summer. (Theres some photos on my website below)

Check these sites for cycling in that area...
http://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/cyclin ... #selection

http://www.hautesavoie-rando.fr/pages/e ... sm-70.html

robgriffin247

So you reckon I could cover 1000k in 2 weeks then?

In terms of kit I'm thinking pannier bags and trunk bag and thats about it, shouldn't need too much, just a couple of clean changes of clothes to get in to once Ive finished my days riding and don't want to smell of sweat... not pleasant!

durhamwasp

Yeah i reckon you can, but u know better than me! 1000km in 12 days (83km per day) and 2 rest days.

All suppose it depends on what you want? might wonna be more laid back, do 75km a day and have a few beers each night. You will have ALL day long in the summer and hopefully nice weather, so 80-odd km's per day is easy doable.

Its a fantastic part of the world to cycle, you will enjoy every minute of it! Sounds like a fantastic holiday!

andymiller

The important thing is how many metres of climbing are involved. 80kms with a 1000 metres of climbing, fully-loaded, is a very different proposition than 80kms on the flat with no baggage. Also riding 80 kms on a single day is a different proposition from riding 80kms 12 days in a row.

If you don't have experience of touring, never mind loaded touring in mountains, then it's better to underestimate how far you can travel rather than overestimate. Also allow yourself flexibility - there's nothing to stop you staying in one place and then doing circular day-rides.

robgriffin247

Well I am leaving my self 3-4 rest days in this so I can always stop once I get tired and just make up the miles on a rest day, plus I've got to do my first tour with loaded bike on mountains at sometime.

andymiller

3-4 rest days sounds very wise.

Could you do a short (eg long weekend) tour before you go to France?

As far as camping vs b&bs is concerned, I think it does come down to personal prefrence and budget. France has lots of very good value campsites so camping would save a fair bit. On the other hand, if you can afford it, you could travel lighter staying in hotels etc. (I don't know what the exchange rate for the kroner is, but the value if the Swiss franc has rocketed even against the euro).