Essex (and Rest of World) peoples in the Alps - June 2023

[bobb]

Which month of 2023 are you thinking? And for how long?

I'm planning a Scottish tour at the moment, but of course, there's no reason I can't have more than one summer tour 

[huggy]

Usually mid to late June for 1 week, Friday night to Saturday/Sunday

[Oscar's dad]

Which month of 2023 are you thinking? And for how long?

I'm planning a Scottish tour at the moment, but of course, there's no reason I can't have more than one summer tour 

So historically we have gone for mid-June which is before the school holidays and after the snow has gone from the high altitudes although we have encountered roadside snow on Galiber.  In both 2014 and 2017 we drove down overnight on Friday, got to Le Bourg-d'Oisans early afternoon Saturday then drove home the following Saturday getting back to The People's Republic of Mid-Essex late Saturday evening.  This means we have 6 full days hurling ourselves up big hills 

For those of you reading this who might be unfamiliar with the Alps a little about Le Bourg-d'Oisans.  Twice now we have based ourselves in or near the town which sits at the foot of the legendary l'Alpe d'Huez and its 21 hairpin bends.  The only time we used a car to get us to the start of a day's ride was in 2014 when we drove closer to Galiber, the rest of the time we rode out from our accommodation each day.   

Of course there are dozens of locations from which to base yourself but for me Le Bourg-d'Oisans ticks all the boxes.  There are at least 3 routes up l'Alpe d'Huez, each of which allows you to descend the 21 hairpins.  But there are other superb routes as well, the best in the Tunnel Ride on the opposite side of the valley to l'Alpe d'Huez. If you have 13 minutes to spare WATCH this video shot by me and Fred.

[Toby's Dad]

Depending on timings, I'd be up for a trip to the Alps.

[Oscar's dad]

Depending on timings, I'd be up for a trip to the Alps.

Date suggestion... Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th June?

[tedshred]

I'm planning a Scottish tour at the moment, but of course, there's no reason I can't have more than one summer tour 

Me too, possibly instead of going to the Alps if it is going to be even harder to cross into Europe with the upcoming border protocol changes.

I am looking at routes with plenty of forestry tracks, cycle paths and pubs.  Camping most nights but mainly eating out.

I also fancy a trip to Flanders for beer and bergs and spending a bit more time in the Ardennes/Eifel region (but see comments above).

The Alps sets a good target for fitness though. 

[jiberjaber]

All have potential... might invest in a new tent - one thats easier to get out of would be good LOL

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

Was climbing in the Alps, June/July.  It's the first time I have ever had my front wheel literally blown across the road - when I rounded a corner.  Luckily there was some road left when it returned to earth.   Alpine climbing is a very good way to get fitter if you survive.

[Oscar's dad]

Hello Alps People,

I had an email from THESE FOLKS, you'll see they have two apartments in Bourg d’Oisans.  I have been in touch and four bed apartment is is 900Euros and the two bedder is 500Euros.  There's an optional cleaning fee of 60Euros for big apartment and 30Euros for small one.  Towel rental is 7Euros per person, bedding is included in price.  There's also a refundable security deposit to cover any damage.

I have no idea whether this is cheap or expensive but it looks nice.

The dates I have given is Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th, we'd set off on the evening of Friday 9th and drive down overnight as we've done before.

What do people think?  Is anyone willing to make a commitment now which would enable us to book one of both apartments?

[huggy]

Me, I'm committed 
Probably need to not take too much time deciding to book

[Oscar's dad]

Me, I'm committed 
Probably need to not take too much time deciding to book

It's just you and me then!

[Oscar's dad]

Hello Alps People,

I had an email from THESE FOLKS, you'll see they have two apartments in Bourg d’Oisans.  I have been in touch and four bed apartment is is 900Euros and the two bedder is 500Euros.  There's an optional cleaning fee of 60Euros for big apartment and 30Euros for small one.  Towel rental is 7Euros per person, bedding is included in price.  There's also a refundable security deposit to cover any damage.

I have no idea whether this is cheap or expensive but it looks nice.

The dates I have given is Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th, we'd set off on the evening of Friday 9th and drive down overnight as we've done before.

What do people think?  Is anyone willing to make a commitment now which would enable us to book one of both apartments?

Hello,

During Epiphany I was asking around about the Alps.  5 people were prepared to commit so we could get some accommodation booked.  Those 5 are:

1. Me
2. huggy
3. jibers
4. Elliot
5. Raymond

Various other people expressed tentative interest.

I have made enquires and the accommodation linked to above is still available at a total cost of 1532Euro including cleaning and towels.  With 5 sharing the cost it'll be 307Euro each, with 6 sharing its 255Euro each.

If we go with the above accommodation we can fit another person in, does anyone want to commit now?

Ideally I would like to get the accommodation booked this week, so will need deposit money off folks.

Once accommodation is sorted the next step will be to decide how we get there.  5 or 6 people will mean two cars if we go with our usual format.

[jiberjaber]

I've booked the week off at work... 

Think I'd prefer a room to myself but lets see how it pans out.  Remember - no fish, mushrooms or cucumber please 

[Oscar's dad]

I've booked the week off at work... 

Think I'd prefer a room to myself but lets see how it pans out.  Remember - no fish, mushrooms or cucumber please 

Thanks 

I don't see a problem with people saying what they do or don't want, might put the cost up or perhaps just for them so let's see what others come up with.

BTW, there's a {url=https://www.camping-lecolporteur.com/fr]campsite[/url] in Bourg d'Oisans which does cabins so there's another option.  Some people in tents, others in cabins etc

[Oscar's dad]

In fact, come to think of it, I like the idea of the campsite.  Its close to the centre of town and opposite a Casino supermarket if I recall.

There are a number of accommodation options which folks can book themselves, you could have accommodation all to yourself or share with someone else.  Could also be easy for people joining the trip later, even last minute.

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

Make sure you ride the Col du Solude up through Villard-Notre-Dame.  There is a little bit of gravel at the top, but nothing to travel a road bike, and you descend to the Col d'Ornon road.  Most spectacular piece of road I've ridden on.  You will need a little front light for one of the tunnels as they are unlit (but not long).

[jiberjaber]

In fact, come to think of it, I like the idea of the campsite.  Its close to the centre of town and opposite a Casino supermarket if I recall.

There are a number of accommodation options which folks can book themselves, you could have accommodation all to yourself or share with someone else.  Could also be easy for people joining the trip later, even last minute.

Looks cheaper than the ABNB option too. 380euro for a 3 bed palace (static caravan with wooden facelift + AC + TV) as a 7 night booking yields a 25% disco !

[Oscar's dad]

Make sure you ride the Col du Solude up through Villard-Notre-Dame.  There is a little bit of gravel at the top, but nothing to travel a road bike, and you descend to the Col d'Ornon road.  Most spectacular piece of road I've ridden on.  You will need a little front light for one of the tunnels as they are unlit (but not long).

We know it well!

[the straggler]

"Last time a I spent a week in Bd'O, I took the M-bike with camping gear and stayed at the Camping La Piscine across the river at the foot of Alp d'Huez. Just hired a road bike at Bleach Bike & Ski Hire shop opposite the Tourism Office on a daily basis during Mid September. Just ate out every time".

I think most of the campsites have a small communal building with seating areas for meeting up etc

I have never used self catering - so to me I didn't see many major advantages apart from a comfy bed to sleep in.

Either way I'm happy to take the camping, cabin or ABNB option.