I'm planning on doing a cycling tour in the French Alps in June 2007.
For anyone who has either done this before, or who knows their stuff...could you let me know....
1. Are the big passes (eg Galibier) likely to be closed at that time of year? I know it's hit and miss...but what % chance will they be closed?
2. Could anyone suggest a good tour operator that offers fully supported rides (ie. follow you in a car so you don't have to carry everything...maps...accom...food etc)? I want to ride the classic Alp circuit...Alpe d'Huez, Croix de Fer & Galibier over 2-3 days.
The best I've found online is www.gpm10.com which was featured in ProCycling last September. Their "Classic Cols" ride is absolutely what I'm after, but they've typically only offered it in September.
I've found some other good options, but many of these are self-guided, which means they arrange accomodation and transfers, but once you're out on your bike...you're on your own. I'll only take that option if I can't find a good fully supported operator.
For anyone who has either done this before, or who knows their stuff...could you let me know....
1. Are the big passes (eg Galibier) likely to be closed at that time of year? I know it's hit and miss...but what % chance will they be closed?
2. Could anyone suggest a good tour operator that offers fully supported rides (ie. follow you in a car so you don't have to carry everything...maps...accom...food etc)? I want to ride the classic Alp circuit...Alpe d'Huez, Croix de Fer & Galibier over 2-3 days.
The best I've found online is www.gpm10.com which was featured in ProCycling last September. Their "Classic Cols" ride is absolutely what I'm after, but they've typically only offered it in September.
I've found some other good options, but many of these are self-guided, which means they arrange accomodation and transfers, but once you're out on your bike...you're on your own. I'll only take that option if I can't find a good fully supported operator.