xcwhite wrote:
> We plan on starting the tour on June 25, and have to be in Italy by
> july 2. We are very accomplished cyclists and can easily handle 150 to
> 200 km a day for a week straight. We plan on doing the tour with a
> credit card and a small bottle of woolite. Climbing does not bother us
> and actually prefer it being from Colorado, but obviously we will ride
> shorter distances in the mountains. If we cannot finish the tour in 7
> days, we will take a bus/train at the beginning and/or end of the tour.
> Traffic and scenery are definite considerations and will do longer
> days to avoid traffic and have a better riding experience.
OK, I can't help you with Belgium and nothern France or Switzerland,
but given the time period, I'd definitely recommend the Alps. The
Grenoble Cycling Pages (
www.grenoblecycling.com) has a lot of
information about the passes reachable from Grenoble, as well as a
members' forum where you can post questions. Membership is free.
In France, I'd expect you can find accommodations readily at B&Bs
(Chambres d'Hote). They are typically rural rather than urban, so
unless they also offer dinner (Table d'Hote), you'd have to make your
own arrangements for evening meals. The "Office du Tourisme" in each
town should have a list of Chambres d'Hote.
On the Italian side, the rough equivalents are "agriturismi", and the
local "Pro Loco" or "APT" or "IAT' office will have information. I
don't think the agriturismo system is as well developed or standardized
as its French counterpart. Two- and 3-star hotels can be very
affordable, and if you don't mind sharing a bathroom in the hall with
other guests, 1-star places can be downright cheap.
I haven't made it to the pass yet myself but the Col de Larche (French)
/ Colle della Maddalena (Italian) at 1991 meters is said to be a very
scenic climb. On the Italian side you descend down the Valle Stura to
the Po river basin. Or farther north there's the Colle d'Agnello
(Italian) / Col d'Agnel (French) at 2744 meters, which descends down
the Val Varaita to the Po basin.
The Mediterranean coast should not yet be terribly busy with holiday
traffic (peaks in late July through August). However, to my taste it's
overdeveloped and not terribly interesting to ride. You might consider
going through the Langhe wine country in southeastern Piemonte, and
visit the bike museum in Novi Ligure (Museo dei Campionissimi) on your
way to Genova.
