Bargain Hunting Cycling or Hiking Tours

I'm a bargain shopper, love a deal! So, in addition to all the tips I've posted in this blog, I'm going to pick over the tours we offer to help any bargain hunters who stumble across this posting.

The other day, someone said to me; "So, when are you going to Europe again this summer?" I said, "I'm not!" Bad, bad, bad....not because of prices though, just because we spent the whole summer last year and my young kids don't need to do that again. BUT, if I were going, and I was looking for self guided trip to save a few Euros this summer I might look pretty hard at the following:

Ireland: still pretty good prices here. We have a 7 night trip in the Connemara region for 839 euros per person! That's a good deal!
http://www.pure-adventures.com/tours/cycling-connemara-special.php

Spain: Catalonia and farmhouses. Also, still a really good value. From 737 euros for 4 nights or add 3 more nights and only 220 euros more for 957 euros per person for a week!

http://www.pure-adventures.com/tours/cycling-catalonia.php

"Bargain" doesn't only have to mean not expensive. You can get a bargain on a deluxe package too. Loire Valley - deluxe 4 star chateaux hotels: 1645 euros/person for a week! There are some other deluxe tours out there in the same that start at $5,000/person for a week. Bargains are in the eye of the beholder! Then again, there are those who don't care about bargains - as if the word cheapens an experience. For me personally, I like a little independence, but I'm willing to pay a little extra for quality and no hassles; but hate overpaying for anything! To me, its a good combination right in the middle!

L

New Bikes Coming In

Boxes are arriving daily in Lunel, at our shop and admin offices in the south of France. The new Scott P3 looks awesome! The guys are busy building up the bikes, adding on our gear including our personalized panniers, handlebar bags, bottle cages and bottles, computers, etc. Simple stuff, but when you have 175 bikes to build up, it adds up!

Note this 'female' frame only fits one bottle cage and bottle!

These new bikes are lighter, have superior components, and will require less maintenance over time. We are going to offer them on a bike rental only basis as well in the same spirit as our Merckx CHM bikes shown at www.cyclingclassics.com/rentalbikes.php This will be totally updated shortly with rental rates, and details.

Tour de France Route Change

I pass this along for TDF followers...

The risk of falling rocks on a climb of the race's 15th stage has prompted Tour de France organisers into a late change.

PARIS, April 10, 2008 - The risk of falling rocks on a climb of the race's 15th stage has prompted Tour de France organisers into a late change of the 2008 race route, a statement said Thursday. It means the 15th stage, initially set to start in Digne-Les-Bains and finish at Prato Nevoso, Italy, will now start in Embrun because of the "fairlyimportant risk of falling rocks on the climb up the Col de Larche". The Col de Larche, whose altitude is 1948 metres, has now been replaced onstage 15 with the Col d'Agnel, whose altitude is 2744. The route change has also forced the reduction in length of the stage from 216km to 185. Tour organisers made the decision after speaking to local authorities, and after speaking to the relevant departmental authorities have now modified the race route. The statement added: "The risk of falling rocks on about four kilometres of the course was known for several months and all the parties concerned were trying to find a solution. "Unfortunately, three months before the start of the Tour, the work considered could not guarantee the necessary security for the passage of the race, and based on the time necessary for the study of a new course, it was decided to change the itinerary." Embrun will also play host to the start of the race's fifth and final day of racing in the high mountains, the 17th stage to the legendary Alpe d'Huez.

D-Day in Normandy

Well, its still a little ways off yet, but here is some info for anyone planning a visit to Normandy this coming June 5th and 7th. No 6th you say? The actual D-Day is of course June 6th, but most sites are reserved for media, dignitaries, and veterans. June 6th is not a visit day, but if you go to the region, you could spend a great day in Bayeux or Caen around these other 2 days:

D-DAY FESTIVAL
FROM 5th TO 7th OF JUNE 2008
Free entrance

A PROGRAMME OF FESTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE FRANCE’S LIBERATION!

Thursday 5th of June:

Longues-sur-Mer: « The night they arrived » Tribute evening
11 pm Grand musical firework display: at the top of the cliff, dominating the landing beaches to the east and west, we fill this site with fireworks, military displays and the big band hits of 1944.
Organised by the Tourist Office of Bayeux-Bessin (0033 231 21 46 87)


Saturday 7th of June:

Bayeux: « Bayeux, first liberated city of France »
9.30 am to 12.30 pm Allies’ Camp: Next to the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie, visit the recreation of a military camp of June 1944, including vehicles that will be presented during the Parade.
Organised by the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie (0033 231 51 46 90)

4 pm Big parade of 1940’s vehicles: Relive the Liberation’s atmosphere with a parade in the town centre with vehicles that have participated during the landing.
Co-organised by the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie (0033231514690) and the Tourist Office of Bayeux-Bessin (0033 231 51 28 28)

7 pm Liberation’s evening: Within the framework of the Normandy Day, take part to the Liberation’s picnic (bring your own picnic) and to a musical and dancing dinner.
Organised by the town hall of Bayeux (0033 231 92 03 30)