Tour de France 2005

Le Tour, operated by ASO (Amaury Sports Organisation) announced the 2005 Tour de France today. Here are my initial thoughts without reading any other pundits or analysis by others "more informed" than I.

Great route to some parts of France regularly overlooked such as the Vosges mountains. They aren't the Alps, but its not easy. I remember a few years back when Laurent Jalabert and young Australian sprinters ran away with a stage into Alsace and put more than 30 minutes on the main pack making a lot of work for Armstrong to gain back.

Weird route going from Pau all the way back to St Etienne across the massif central which isn't easy riding either. Also, we seem to be without Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux (again), as well as Tourmalet this year on the pro circuit. Also, one less individual time trial but at the same time more emphasis on the prologue time trial. The prologue has always been a time trial, but this year the distance is longer and on the island wind can be a factor. It will be very important for the contenders to go out very strong on day 1; as much more than a few seconds will separate the riders from day 1.

The team trial in Tours/Blois area of the Loire Valley is a great chance for people to see the TDF and take advantage of a beautiful region for cycling and visiting. The TTT is early in the race though, and on top of the early prologue will possibly put someone well out in front in yellow.

3 mountain climbing finishes in Courchevel, Ax les 3 Domaines, and St Lary gives some relief to less strong climbers to get over the last climbs and descend fast or make up ground over the last kilometers.

Best viewing points in my personal opinion for people wanting to go out and watch:
Tours/Blois/Troyes - easily reached from Paris by train and back in a day as well as lots of hotels in the area.
Grenoble/Montpellier - easy to reach by train
Col de Madeleine/Telegraph/Galibier/Lautaret - best mountain stage; huge stage with lots of miles of climbing and viewing; good access by highway and autoroutes. Don't expect to find much in the way of hotels around Briancon!

Tickets: for the unitiated; there is no such thing for sale. Tickets to Village du Tour as well as grandstands in Paris or for sponsors, press, and other people with contacts.

Best way to view: on a bike! Parking and walking are obligatory. So, find a hotel or place to stay where you can ride to the tour viewing point you want, and then home. Road closures make traffic hell; avoid it if you can. Another good tip is the train. In towns that are serviced by trains, park somewhere else and take the train to this town and walk!

Best overall viewing: on TV! BUT, you miss all the ambiance that the TDF is all about. There is nothing like being there, even if you don't follow it as well!

Our tours will be announced starting tomorrow, Oct 29.

L

Ile de France

What the hell is the Ile de France? Well, it is a funny name, translated as the Island of France. Unless your a francophile, you wouldn't know that this is the official geopolitical region that encompasses Paris. By virtue of its containment of Paris, the region is the most visited region in France. Problem is, very few of those visitors leave Paris and its famous suburbs such as Versailles.

So, if you are into some hiking and cycling while visiting Paris you will definitely want to know that this region outside the city is fantastic for both! First, you can get outside of Paris very easy by RER train or SNCF Banlieu trains from any station serving the other provinces of France. Here are some of my suggestions based on personal experience:

Foret de Saint Germain en Laye - can be reached by RER or SNCF train. RER is easier, and there is a stop right at the edge of this huge park. It may be called a forest, and it is, but it is a carefully managed with straight rows of trees. No matter, the point is that there are many many trails great for hiking, running, or mountain biking. Now, you can take a bike on the RER train, just avoid the rush hours in Paris. Where can you get a bike in Paris - many places. Try "Paris a Velo", or Roue Libre.

Road cycling in the region around Cergy-Pointoise: you can ride to places like Auvers dur Oise - famous Van Gogh painting and hangout - as well as Isle l'Adam and many, many more villages in the department. Here, I suggest you contact the tourist office for Ile de France for some free brochures and suggested cycling routes. Try Ile de France

Hiking/walking: numerous options. Of course, walking in Paris is about as good as it gets anywhere for urban walking scenery! If you have anything left and want to around you; check out the castle of Chantilly and the medieval village of Senlis. There are some walking paths between the two which can both be reached by SNCF trains from Gare du Nord. Again, see free maps and brochures from Ile de France or even Paris tourist office.
Some closer options within the city include: Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. Check with the office of tourism for suggestions as these parks are huge and also, you should confine your walking in these large parks to day light hours.

Other very charming places to see: I suggest for you independent types for cycling to find your way around this area: Marne area between Meaux, Disney, all the way down to Provins. Wonderful green rolling countryside with lots of small little farm roads that are great for cycling. Go down to FNAC and get yourself a good IGN map of the Marne area east of Paris and pick your way around - its beautiful here!

Enjoy!

Travel to Eastern Europe

The new frontier in travel is fast becoming Eastern Europe! What with instability around the world and the "old Europe" which is really the new Europe getting to be old hat; the eastern countries are really looking good! We are all over these new destinations and we are adding as many as we can for 2005! We did already add Romania in 2004 and customers who went had absolutely fabulous trips! Coming in 2005 is Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland for sure and a little bit further out will be Macedonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.

Many of the countries are joining or have joined the European Union and are on track to join the monetary union, but for the most part Euros are the currency of choice. This makes things even easier for us, as well as for travelers. Upstart tour companies are really starting to proliferate in these places as they look west. Though most of the services are still basic there can be had some deluxe lodging. But, hey, if you are going to Eastern Europe for a posh trip - don't; stay in France! Our new adventures in hiking and cycling are really exciting. I plan to visit the east a lot over the next six months and so will have a lot more input to add. So far, I can tell you that the lack of air competition is an obstacle for intraEurope travel. Some cool little airline startups though look good from the big western cities. Examples include: Air Polonia and German Wings. Ryan Air has also added flights to Riga Latvia. However, once in the east it isn't so easy to get around if time is limited. Trains take days. Just going from Riga to Gdansk is more than 24 hours by train! Time will fix all that; so don't be in a hurry!

If you want to see some really great links to Croatia, check out these websites below:

Croatia factbook

all about Hvar Island

Brac photos

Split info

all about Korcula

all about Dubrovnik

photos of Croatia

Enjoy!

LT

Spring Classics

Another day - more wind!

Speaking of wind, that makes me think of weather and since here in Arizona we really don't have weather except sunshine, I imagine other parts of the world where cycling and hiking goes on in all kinds of conditions. My heart goes out to you - I hope you are having fun - I don't miss it.

But, for those people who endure adverse weather conditions I salute you! This is my lead up to the subject of this post - the Spring Classic Bicycle Races! These one day races are known mostly for their bad weather that often prevails as well as the rough road conditions of the courses. It isn't all that bad, but these 2 things have made the races famous. April is one of those spring months that can be nice and sunny or wet and windy and even snowy although that is very rare. We at Cycling Classics are returning again in 2005 and offering passionate cycling fans the chance to come and ride and watch the pros duke it out on the cobbles! The title above is linked to our tour page, and the links below give you more info about the races from the race sites. On the right, you can go to the Tour de France site and still find many of these races; problem is that the 2005 info isn't yet posted.

So, if you were going to travel all the way to Europe for some cycling races, it has to be good right?! The crowds still come out to cheer, but nothing like the Tour de France. This is a great chance to get up close to the pro riders and even ride the courses yourself. See the links for full details. Below is a partial list of the cycling calendar for the more well known spring races:

March 6-13: Paris-Nice Official Site 2004
March 19: Milano-St Remo Unofficial site but good!
April 6: Gent-Wevelgem Official site, but no English
April 10: Paris-Roubaix Official Site 2004
April 17: Amstel Gold Official Site
April 20: Fleche Wallonne Official Site
April 24: Liege Bastogne Liege Official Site
April 26-May 1: Tour of Romandie Official Site

Enjoy!

LT

Fred or Fabio?

Ever heard these terms when on the bike or around bicycle heads? I can't stand it, I have to say. I just want to weigh in on this subject for a moment; but if you aren't sure what this is about let me just summarize with my own interpretation:

Fred: someone new, unskilled, or uncool when on the bike.

Fabio: someone very cool on the bike, too cool, but always looking good, talking good. This person is usually a strong rider, but not always.

I learned about this not from personal experience but by reading about it in Bicycling Magazine. I have to rip on them for just a moment now. This is a cycling publication who, it seems to me, should be doing everything to advocate bicycling, bike riding, and all its forms in every conceivable way. The reality is, of course, that sales of ads and mags probably depends on a certain amount of snobbery and what I call the Mountain Dew factor. You know, that young punk skate dude(ette) who can do anything on a bike/board, etc. Bicycling has published articles whereby a journalist goes on a tour, probably gratis from the operator, and comes back and writes a story that is mostly positive except for 1 thing: being on a bicycle tour is equivalent to being a Fred! You see, only Fred's would pay to travel by bike, and would pay to ride a hybrid bike rental, and pay to ride a relatively short distance in a day.

This was in a story published a few years ago about a Backroads bike trip. (I searched but couldn't find the article in the Bicycling online archives.) Since, I've seen stories or short items and regular zingers that reinforce the Fred/Fabio cyclist titles. Now, we do advertise in Bicycling because it does so far still pay for itself, but barely. I would like to believe that readers are mostly not buying into this crap, but wait, I'm not sure. Since road cycling has really grown in recent years, I've heard more often derogatory references to Freds.


Lets get something straight: you as a cyclists are only as good as your legs and lungs. Things like diet and your training only improve upon these. Whether you shave your legs, wear your glasses on the inside or outside of your helmet straps, waive at other cyclists or not, etc - these things change nothing about you as a cyclist. It might make you more of an asshole, but not a better or cooler cyclist. I guess you can tell that I'm defending Freds!

I personally love to show up at club rides or event rides and drop the Fabios like a bad habit. So, yea, I'm probably a Fred: hairy legs and all. The best riders I know, the ones who kick my ass, are not Fabios either. I find that most Fabios are the people with all the gear, nice bikes, like to talk gearhead stuff on the rides, but you often lose them on the first hill.

The point of all this? I'm not sure; I'm just ranting. But, one thing for sure is that all Freds are welcome on our tours. They are the best clients. They enjoy cycling for the fun of what it does for them, and they aren't bothered with the other stuff. Fabios can come too, if you drop the attitude and learn that all bicyclists have something to offer for the advancement of the sport.

LT

New Zealand Hiking Tour

The main travel season in New Zealand really starts in late November, which is spring time in the southern hemisphere. Below is a news release we are sending out about a new hiking tour in the north island of New Zealand. My personal opinion is that New Zealand is one of the best "undiscovered" destinations in the world. It is truly exciting because it is so diverse geographically which makes outdoor active vacations the best. The country really places emphasis on its natural beauty and they take great care of it. I was recently at a the annual Kiwi Link meeting in Los Angeles where as a tour operator we were meeting with local ground suppliers and services as well as getting what we call product knowledge or destination knowledge. I was particularly impressed by the participation of many Maori tribal members both in the ground service companies and the tourism office. It was my impression that the Maori and their newer neighbors have really found a way to get along and not just tolerate each other but truly interact and live in harmony. I may be on glue, but that was my impression. This is compared to what I know of Native Americans, as well as Australian Aborginals.

Though New Zealand isn't so close, so its not a weekend trip, but a journey. I can't think of a more exciting new destination - no matter who you travel with or how you get there - just add it to your list of places to go!

NEWS RELEASE:


Value for the Volcanic Wanderer:

Volcanoes-Virgin Forests-Vintage Wines

Pure Adventures Offers Guided Hiking Tour on New Zealand’s North Island


Scottsdale, AZ, October 2004 - Pure Adventures, a boutique tour operator created from their highly successful sister company Discover France, now enters its 2nd season with their new-guided walking tour in New Zealand. Pure Adventures biking and walking itineraries allow their clients to venture off-the-beaten path and experience the country in a more personal fashion, meeting the locals and seeing the sights through their eyes.

New Zealand Walking Tour – 8 days, 7 nights for only $2149!
The lush native rainforests of Te Urewera National Park and the fury of the active volcanic plateau are explored through a variety of walks, carefully selected to inspire, challenge and reward the enthusiastic walker. New Zealand’s North Island is where it all happens, from Rotorua, the tourist center world famous for its thermal attractions and strong Maori culture, we travel through the largest untouched rainforest on the North Island, to the East coast wine country, and then inland to the Central Plateau volcanic wonderland.

The tour starts in Rotorua – about 100 miles southeast of Auckland, Pure Adventures suggests arriving at least one day in advance in order to enjoy sights. Rotorua’s community philosophy is beautifully expressed with the word manaakitanga. In the spirit of Maori hospitality, manaakitanga encompasses the cultural strength of the people here; the amazing geological forces of the region; the natural beauty of the forests, lakes and rivers; and the development of sustainable tourism. It is also your invitation to discover the very essence of New Zealand in this exceptional region. Rotorua has been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful city and with its striking gardens, cobbled streets and the fascinating mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture that gives the city a unique character. Beyond the urban center, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The Volcanic Wanderer Tour begins with a moderate hike of 2 hours around the rim of Mt Tarawera crater and continues on through the Waimangu Valley past boiling mud pools, geysers and steaming vents. You will also have the opportunity to partake in a traditional Maori (native people of New Zealand) hangi: a feast and interactive show explaining elements of Maori culture.
The tour takes you through dense native forest and small Maori settlements into the heart of the Te Urewera National Park to discover the dazzling beauty of Lake Waikaremoana staying in chalets on the lake’s edge. By boat we will visit a submerged fossilized forest, secluded beaches, and the idyllic Korokoro Falls followed by a night in a classic New Zealand bush hut.
Moving on the group leaves the Te Urewera National Park and heads to New Zealand’s gorgeous East Coast, which is known for its Chardonnay grape varieties, for wine tasting at a premier winery in Napier, before heading on to Taupo. Lake Taupo fills the largest volcanic crater in the world and is home to the powerful Huka Falls. Heading south along the shore of Lake Taupo the group moves on to the Central Plateau. This unusual area has a desert-like landscape caused by volcanic activity and altitude, is dominated by 3 towering volcanic mountains and is the gateway to the Tongariro National Park.

On day 7 of the tour you have 3 hiking options: Tongariro Crossing, known as the best one day walk in New Zealand; Ruapehu Crater Lake, ascend first by chairlift and then by foot for spectacular scenic views; Short Walks, range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, taking in the volcanic features of Mt Ruapehu such as lava flows, rock formations, and waterfalls.
The tour concludes in Wellington, the arts and culture capital of New Zealand. Here you will have an opportunity to see the sights such as the Kaori Wildlife Center and the Te Papa National Museum before your departure.

Priced at $2149 per person double occupancy, this trip includes seven nights’ lodging, all breakfasts except day 1, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, all transport, Lake Waikaremoana boat trip, hiking equipment except boots, permits and entry fees to all activities included in itinerary. An experienced local guide will accompany you for the duration of the trip, and expert travel planning services of the Pure Adventures staff. The trip is rated “intermediate,” requiring an average level of fitness. This tour is available for as few as 2 people, thereby eliminating any chance of cancellation due to low participation. Available November through February; and upon request year round 2004/2005.

About Pure Adventures
Pure Adventures is a creation of the highly successful Discover France, now in its 10th year. The tour format is the same: small and intimate tours that give vacationers a low-cost, high-quality alternative to large group tours. Pure Adventures applies the proven Discover France tour model of soft-adventure activities like cycling and walking to interesting, unique destinations inside and beyond France. A "Pure Adventure" is one that gives tourists the independence to move about their destination and interact with local people as they see fit. This approach to touring also results in "pure savings" to the traveler. Because the tours don't involve expensive guides, tour busses and other overhead, Pure Adventures can pass the savings on to tourists – making more of their vacation dollar available to them.

For reservations or additional information, contact Pure Adventures, tel: 800-960-2221; Web site: www.pure-adventures.com

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Tour de France info

We are making some headway in our TDF05 tour planning; though we can only guess at this point about the tour, the official route will be announced on October 28. At letour.fr the first 3 days of the route are shown, starting in western France. We have been able to determine that in the Alps the tour will probably pass through Gap on its way to Briancon and over the Col de Lautaret and then Col de Galibier, and Col de Telegraph. If so, this would mean that Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes are NOT on the 2005 route. It would be appropriate for Alpe d'Huez to go missing this year with the last 2 years being very prominent for that "hill".

Also, we seem to have discovered a time trial in the area of the Chateau of Chambord toward the end of the race. Probably, this will be the last time trial before going into Paris, and possibly the deciding stage of the 2005 race.

The Pyrenees have not been so revealing just yet, though we have some ideas, including Ax les Thermes and Pau certainly on the route.

So, will Lance Armstrong race the Tour in 2005? Yes, he has to. Though I have no first hand knowledge, I would think his new sponsorship would require it, whether he wins or not is another question however. Who can beat him? Good question, the competition is really weak. This year's victory by Lance was either total domination by an obviously superior team, or a supreme let down by the rest of the field that is not very strong. I would think that the best challengers are now Vinikourov and Basso.

Anyone wishing to get an announcement of our Tour de France tours can send an email. To check out the latest news and info see the sites linked at left. Note; the l'Equipe site is only in French.

L
Email contact

Welcome anybody!

Blogging is big! Well, don't I know it, but apparently it has gone well beyond teen romance and I therefore hope to be able to connect to people interested in our subject matter via this fantastic method of self-promotion!

As the top dog at our small company, I welcome any chance to help someone interested in cycling and walking vacations - anywhere in the world. I have not visited every place in the world but I am working on it. I would welcome anyone's input and comments about sites, destinations, or other. Please be patient if you are an experienced blogger or blog user as I am only discovering this medium.

I intend to publish information in this site that will be useful from an insider's point of view. There are tons of forums and so forth out there where cycling related matter generates thousands if not millions of blathering postings. I don't want to talk about cog ratios, I want to talk about travel, and specifically how traveling by bicycle and by foot is one of the greatest vacation experiences out there.

Thanks for reading this far.

Loren

Media Information

Interested media can obtain more information at this page. Also displayed is a short list of media outlets that have featured our tours in the past as well as previously written stories. Future press releases will be published and available here as well.

Discover France Media Link