Goodbye 2008!

Anyone sad to say goodbye to 2008? Today, the 31st of December is the last chance to talk about the best of 2008 and what to do in 2009, so articles are everywhere.

For travel, the predictions seem to be that 2009 will be a tough year. Airlines will continue to struggle (as if that mattered to anyone's travel plans anyway!); and credit will be tight. However, when I talk to people, especially people in the know like CPA's and other business and tax advisors, the overarching thing seems to be fear. There are problems out there, but there seems to be money on the sidelines and a pent up demand for services and goods that is not breaking free for now due to fear.

Travel consulting firm Xola believes that 'pent up' demand will continue to rise in 2009 and then explode in 2010 when the overal 'global climate' improves. What most are predicting is a slow 2009 and then late in the year things will start to change. Demand will take off in 2010 and so then will all associated services. What will make this change? Perception mostly, but that will be rooted in the general 'feeling' of businesses and consumers. Banks that feel ok to lend again will help business get rolling which will then reinvest and spend and when the media starts talking about these good things the consumer will start to feel like its safe to go out again. That is when the money will start to flow again.

So, that's the perception issue. How can you get a deal in 2009 if you want to go? I can only address what I think is applicable for Europe since that is what we study and sell. Will I go to Europe in 2009? You betcha. I plan to be at the Tour de France and ok, its business, but I will take the family too. So, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. I'm also lining up my air tickets now. Space and routing is the factor; and I'm going to know exactly what that is going to cost me now and then work on the rest over the next 6 months and find ways to save.

What can people do? The euro is back up again from previous lows; so be aware of what the valuations are and watch for a time to lock in some services. Just 3 weeks ago services could have been had, and prepaid, at 10% less than today. So, know what is a good rate. For 2009, I would say anything below 1.33 dollars US to Euros is good. Canadians, Aussies - you have to know your market likewise.

Deals will abound this year. Suppliers are cutting margins just to cover costs and 'stay alive'. Another idea, suggested by me - a tour operator/supplier: book the pre-packaged tour! The more customization requested, the more costs have to be increased to adapt and pass on. We offer self guided trips that can go any date; if you book a package as we offer it, you will get our best price which is posted. We spread certain costs of support and route development out and once its created, we have lower costs to reproduce it. If we have to create something new, then costs are higher. Now, perhaps it sounds less 'unique' to book the package off the shelf, but speaking of our product which is mostly self-guided, that couldn't be less true. Its not like 5000 people per week are doing this, like some stomp up the Eiffel Tower. You will most likely encounter very few others doing it on the same dates and so it will feel like your own personal program. Et voila, yet another reason Self Guided is superior. Don't forget that the cost is WAY less than a guided trip.

Bring on 2009! Happy New Year!

L

Crossing the Alpes or Pyrenees

As if cycling up the famous climbs of Oisans area or Mont Ventoux wasn't enough; we are coming out with 2 trips for crossing the entire range of the French Alpes or French Pyrenees!

First, crossing the Pyrenees; this is the site which we support with tour services. We will offer this on a guided basis as well composed uniquely of foreigners in English. The site below also offers some guided dates in French; and the possibility to go self guided.

http://www.routepyrenees.com/groupes.htm

Now, for the Traversee des Alpes; or crossing the Alpes! We are using a known itinerary and organizing one group guided date. See the first bit of info at this link: http://www.cyclingclassics.com/french_alps02.php

These trips are hard. No way around it; you have to like climbing! The scenery and the challenge as well as the reward are incomparable! Stay tuned for more details or if you have an interest; shoot me an email: info@cyclingclassics.com

Armstrong Confirms for Tour de France

USA Today and Velo News are reporting, as is everyone else, that Lance Armstrong has confirmed he will race the Tour de France in 2009. The Astana Website has an announcement: http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/index.html


I particularly liked the story by the LA Times Online for the way it addressed the way this has played out in the press over the last weeks. Its great to have Armstrong finally take a decision on this; who knows what may have been discussed in back channels, but lets get on with it. This announcement is great for all concerned parties, regardless of the result - save one. (no doping allegations or dramas)

Now we can let the anticipation begin, the hype for a really big Tour de France with Contador and Armstrong and a powerful Astana looking for redemption. It should be fun, and I will be there to catch it - will you?? www.cyclingclassics.com/grand_tour.php

L

Tour de France Visits Spain in 2009

The Tour de France is making an important visit to the Spanish region of Cataluyna in 2009 with a stage from Girona to Barcelona and a stage from Barcelona to Andorra. Not only is Barcelona one of the biggest tourist markets in Spain and in Europe, but Girona has become associated with professional cycling for the number of athletes who have called the city home. There are a number of professional races as well in the Cataluyna region that are highly regarded by the pro teams as well, and so now the Tour de France will bring the worldwide attention it generates as well!

Under our brand Pure Adventures, we have been offering and continue to offer cycling tours in the Girona area, mostly along the coast (Costa Brava) but we also offer a "challenging cycling" tour that covers the rolling hill country and goes into the Spanish Pyrenees. This tour is shown on our website at www.cyclingclassics.com/girona.php .

Now, for the Tour's visit in 2009, we have organized a special weeklong trip that combines viewing a few stages of this big event with the challenging cycling routes we offer in our 'challenge' tour. See full details of the new program at http://www.cyclingclassics.com/grand_tour03.php

The New York Times ran a story in 2005 about cycling in Girona and the "buzz" given this town by Lance Armstrong. See the story and our company mention at http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/travel/12girona.html

French Grand Tour 2009

Want to see the best cyclists duking it out on the most beautiful roads anywhere? We have finally posted our 2009 tours to follow the French Grand Tour, aka Le Tour, across France next July!

In case you missed the release of the route about 2 weeks ago, check it out on the official website at http://www.letour.fr/ Some really great and surprising changes we made for the 2009 edition. This route allows us to offer a number of tours in conjunction, some that will challenge the strongest cyclists and one that will accommodate more moderate cycling.

Our tours are VERY well priced too! We are pretty proud of the fact we are able to offer fully guided trips, quality accommodations, and sell it at the rates we do. Of course, we are supplying services to wholesalers around the world, but in this case you go direct to the source!

We have trips that cover the Alpes, the Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, Spain, and the French Riviera to Provence. These are truly the best places to ride and take in the race. The Euro has lost value over the last month so that it is more and more affordable. Contact us with questions, the groups are small, and will fill up quickly. First come, first served!

All tours are listed in detail here:

http://www.cyclingclassics.com/grand_tour.php

Le Tour 2009 - Its here!

What; world economic collapse? Stocks down the drain? College & retirement funds worth half? Well, no fear, the 2009 Tour route has been announced and is the perfect reason to NOT watch the news! Official Website of Le Tour

Many of you who subscribe to this feed are looking for tours to follow this race, "The French Grand Tour". We are working on them! We had a few surprises with the announcement today, but had it mostly correct. Here are some teasers about what we will announce:

4 Open Tours for Booking:

Group 1: start in Nice/Monte Carlo to watch the Opening, then move on to Provence and base ourselves on the beach near Montpellier and watch the various stages and enjoy life in the southern Provencal coast with some rides and race ambiance! This trip will be a combination of moderate and challenging rides - so good for some people who aren't as strong as their spouses!

Group 2: Spain Bebe! Meet in Barcelona, start on the coast and take in the early stages of Barcelona and Girona. We'll ride into the Pyrenees and up to the Vallter - about 2000 meters in elevation. Return to Girona. Challenging cycling!

Group 3: Alpes + Ventoux - get started with Alpe d'Huez and the Galibier before we move on to Annecy area for the stages in Grand Bornand and Annecy. Then we'll get south for the famous Mont Ventoux and the extraordinary "final race day" of the tour.

Group 4: Like Group 3 above, except with the French Pyrenees and then Mont Ventoux.

Details are coming...

But, what about this 2009 route that was released today??!! I think its GREAT ! Why? First, I love the fact that the first week isn't in the rainy and cold north. The French Riviera, Provence and then Spain - perfecto! What is shocking is the very little coverage for the French Pyrenees and the traditional routes of the Alpes. I don't know when Pau was left off a TDF! The next few days after the Pyrenees could be a little less interesting as the route moves north, but it will get fun again as it turns south. There is no Alpe d'Huez this year, no Galibier, and some of the other 'usual suspects' of the Oisans area. That too is schocking, but there is the Tourmalet! Then, the agent of change Mr Prudhomme, has put in the grand daddy Mont Ventoux as the final stage before TGV back to Paris and the ceremonial final stage. WOW!

I like the fact that the team time trial is back, and also a prologue TT that is a bit more than ceremonial at 15 km. The Tour will really be decided on July 23 and July 25: Annecy time trial and then Mont Ventoux. Can a time trialist put in enough time at Annecy to hold off a climber? Or can a climber put in a good enough TT to be in position for the Ventoux?? I have no idea who this favors, but I would think Contador is a favorite given his performances this year and last.

Finally, lets hope Team Astana is not overlooked. ASO can deliver a very dramatic and FUN 2009 tour if they invite Astana. If they don't, well, sorry to the rest of the peloton, but it just wouldn't be that serious and the victor could hardly be considered the best of the best.

L

Etape du Tour & Cyclosportives

What is Etape du Tour? First, perhaps I should discuss the 'cyclosportive'. Wikipedia actually has a great description/definition and then lots of links. See the link below. (photo: yours truly at the 2007 Etape)

Etape du Tour and La Marmotte are among the most popular cyclosportives. They are both mass start cycling events that travel over closed roads with timing chips, water and food stations as well as limited technical support. They are great events, professionally organized, and extremely well attended. Etape du Tour draws about 8000 participants. Both the Marmotte and Etape take place in July. La Marmotte is always the same course in the Alpes from Bourg d'Oisans around the big climbs of Croix de Fer, Galibier and finishes up at Alpe d'Huez. L'Etape is always a stage of the Tour de France (stage = etape in French). So, its 'stage of the tour'. Therefore it changes every year. Its usually a well kept secret what the route will be until about the same time as the Tour de France route is released. The official website of the Etape is this:

http://www.letapedutour.com/

For 2009 we are running trips for several private groups at Etape du Tour and depending on final numbers we may have some extra places available. We plan to coordinate the Etape experience with some cycling to also catch the 'French Grand Tour' (as we call it). To see updated info about La Marmotte in 2009, see below. Depending on dates and how it may lay out for a combination with L'Etape, we may have programs available to do both.

We do currently have some educated and informed guesses about the Etape route and we are making plans. We will announce programs after the official release later this month.

Links:

http://www.sportcommunication.com/ - click on Epreuves to find La Marmotte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosportive

http://www.discoverfrance-adventures.com/2007_07_01_archive.html - an archive recount of the 2007 Etape

http://www.discoverfrance-adventures.com/2006_07_01_archive.html - an archive recount of the 2006 Etape

L

Mont Ventoux and Truffle Hunting

We've had some late season inquiries recently; so here is a unique adventure idea for this November and December:

Truffle Hunting and Cycling In the Mont Ventoux area of the Vaucluse! The Chateau de Mazan is organizing some truffle hunting excursions at the end of November and into December. We can add on some cycling routes if you are hardy enough to endure the possible cold, windy, and potentially wet weather!

As the Chateau de Mazan is a luxury chateau hotel, you will have plenty of comfort to come back to after a nice autumn ride. Dinners are gastronomic affairs and are sure to make you warm and comfortable.

Truffles - you aren't sure? Well, yes, they are mushrooms, but not just any mushroom. Sometimes called black diamonds, they are worth about as much as real diamonds. They are rare, hard to find, and delicious! The truffle hunter who leads the hunt brings along his dog to sniff out the diamonds!

Contact us for info! info@cyclingclassics.com

Tours Preview for 2009 TDF

We are looking at some early information that says Mont Ventoux will be on the 2009 Tour route - FINALLLY! We are holding tight to the dates and so on we have pieced together for now, but we are looking to propose 4 tours because of the way the route will go. Each of these tours will be small groups, supported, guided, and affordable! We hope to cover more of the race this way without killing everyone in the process. The route we see makes this manageable. Here is a brief outline of our plans:

Week 1 - Opening of the TDF in Monte Carlo
We'll offer a trip here for the start and then move on to the Provence/Languedoc area. We believe that with a start in the sunny and beautiful French Riviera region we will have more interest. That as opposed to more traditional starts and a first week over flat and relatively less attractive ride routes.

Week 2 - Stay in the South of France, maybe cross over into Spain and the Pyrenees

Week 3 - 2 tours; one starting from the French Pyrenees and one starting in the French Alpes and both converging at Mont Ventoux before going to Paris.

Minimum group sizes will be 6 persons, max group size 12. A number of private groups and past travelers are already in line for what we are working on. Lance Armstrong has given a boost - of course - to the race and more people are relooking at coming to France in 09!

L

Armstrong to Astana

Its official, and we can let the frenzy begin. And why not! Lance Armstrong is a star - clearly - and its just fine because cycling benefits and Lance gets to promote his cancer message.

Today it has been confirmed that Armstrong will race for Team Astana, the same team of Alberto Contador who just claimed his own thunder in the Vuelta and at 25 looks to be a future cycling star in his own right for many years to come. So, undoubtedly they are talking about tensions between Armstrong and Contador. There has to be some drama somewhere doesn't there?!

So, what will be available to watch Astana and Lance Armstrong in 2009? It starts with the Tour Down Under in Australia, in January. Velonews reported previously that the list of races targeted would also include Paris-Nice, the Dauphine Libere, and of course the Tour.

Anyone interested in attending any of these races as part of a tour group to do some hard core cycling at the same time, please contact us with your interest. We are holding space and will be forming tour groups to announce later when dates and events are confirmed.

Go Lance!

Loren

Lance is Back

New blog starting; transferring content from the Discover France Adventures blog over to this for when it pertains to Challenge Tours in France.


Yes, OMG, Lance has announced his return! Its great news for cycling fans and travel companies for sure. Since the rumor on Monday and the official news on Tuesday, our inquiries for going to see the Tour in 2009 have taken a 5 fold increase in a few days.
So, to add momentum to the mounting frenzy, here is the best place to get info on the 2009 Tour - what we know for the moment:
http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/COURSE/us/grand_depart_2009.html
The Tour will start in Monaco on July 4th and do a 2nd stage on July 5th. Team presentations and lots of activities will preceed the July 4th start. The first 2 stages will be impressive with a beautiful seaside city of royalty hosting including the use of part of the Monaco Grand Prix course. Oh, and it isn't flat on that coastline!
The rest of the route remains a mystery until it is announced officially at the end of October in Paris. We are making advance preparations, including the blocking of space, but there is still time to quote and book private group trips. There are a number of ways to see the Tour, and we have some ideas on how to do it without it being too exhausting.
All of our tours for 2009 at the "French Grand Tour" will be cycling tours. We have no plans to offer spectator tours. Contact us if you have a private group and want to quote a program, or if you want to join a group and need details about what will be available.
info@cyclingclassics.com
Alright now, can we be patient and wait til the end of October?
Regards,
Loren
www.cyclingclassics.com
800-960-2221