Route of the 2015 Tour de France

What the 2015 TDF means for you

Every October the route of the Tour de France is announced under great fanfare. The race organizers provide maps and glossy videos and make sure the correct pro riders are present standing on a stage with a fancy backdrop. Hype and suspense pre race seem as much fun as knowing who won. The camera pans over the nervous faces of the riders in the audience at the Tour announcement, it is tradition, and yet this year the theme for 2015 is "breaking away from tradition." Recreating anew the grandest of the Grand Tour races will be great fun to watch.

In 2015 you will be taken to new places and new heights. You will be entertained by a team time trial. You will witness the Tour de France riding over cobbles and see new climbs never before visited. That is if the pro riders make it through the tricky and treacherous first week (the exact descriptive words of Vincenzo Nibali). You will also see impeccably selected teams, for the parcours of this Tour de France will require many well seasoned all-rounders and several very good climbers in top form. And, of course, the fastest sprinters in the world.

It won't be until July when we will truly know who will be racing the 2015 Tour de France. But that won't stop us from planning which stages to get most excited about and discussing who will win. As you probably read, the big million dollar trifecta challenge to Froome, Contador, Nibali, and Quintana, to race all three Grand Tours, fell apart and word is that Chris Froome might not even race in the 2015 TDF. Froome was not present at today's route announcement in Paris, France. Neither was Bradley Wiggins (I knew you'd ask that).

Route map of 2015 Tour de France.  Map via Velopeloton

The Stages of the 2015 Tour de France

July 4, stage 1: Utrecht, individual time trial, 13.7km
July 5, stage 2: Utrecht – Zélande, 166km
July 6, stage 3: Anvers – Huy, 154km
July 7, stage 4: Seriang – Cambrai, 221km
July 8, stage 5: Arras – Amiens Métropole, 189km
July 9, stage 6: Amiens – Le Havre, 191km
July 10, stage 7: Livarot – Fougères, 190km
July 11, stage 8: Rennes – Mûr-de-Bretagne, 179km
July 12, stage 9: Vannes – Plumelec, team time trial, 28km
July 13, rest day: Pau
July 14, stage 10: Tarbes – La Pierre Saint-Martin, 167km
July 15, stage 11: Pau – Cauterets-Vallée de Saint-Savin, 188km
July 16, stage 12: Lannemazen – Plateau de Beille, 195km
July 17, stage 13: Muret – Rodez, 200km
July 18, stage 14: Rodez – Mende-Montée Laurent Jalabert, 178km
July 19, stage 15: Mende – Valence, 182km
July 20, stage 16: Bourg-de-Péage – Gap, 201km
July 21, rest day: Gap/Digne-les-Bains
July 22, stage 17: Digne-les-Bains – Pra-Loup, 161km
July 23, stage 18: Gap – Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 185km
July 24, stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – La Toussuire - Les Sybelles, 138km
July 25, stage 20: Modane Valfréjus – Alpe d’Huez, 110km
July 26, stage 21: Sèvres - Grand Paris Seine Ouest – Paris Champs-Élysées, 107km

Official Le Tour video and Europsport reviewed video (via Steephill.TV)

ClimbBybikes - climb list and profiles of the 2015 Tour de France: www.climbbybike.com/race.asp?Race=Tour2015 

The low down - key points to know about the 2015 Tour de France as a fan:

• This will be the 102nd edition Tour de France.
• Dates are July 4-26, 2015
• This year's stats to recite are: 21 stages, 21 teams, 3344km, 9 flat stages, 7 mountain stages, 5 summit finishes, 1 ITT, 1 TTT, cobbles on Stage 4.
• The start will be in Utrecht; the final big stage finish on Alpe d'Huez before the parade stage into Paris on the final day.
• Placement of a TTT in week two breaks a UCI rule and is another sign of the power and might of race organizer A.S.O.
• There will be an ITT on day one; The Netherlands, Belgium, cobbles plus a TTT in week one; Pyrenees in week two; Alps and Paris in week three.
• A new points classification system will be initiated in 2015 (see new rules below).
• Time bonuses on each stage are back for 2015 (last applied in 2008), with 10, 6 and 4 seconds to be awarded for the top three stage finishers.
• You will hear talk of Pra-Loup, the climb which ended Eddy Merck's chances of winning the 1975 TDF.
• This is the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the polka-dot jersey into the race.
• This is not the year of the solo time trialist.
• In a TTT the fifth man crossing the line must be within 25 percent of the winning team's time.
• The route is planned to engage TV viewers throughout the three-week Tour.
• We could see the yellow jersey changing hands for the first ten stages.
• Tactically the narrow roads, winds, crowds, risk of falls, plus added time bonuses run head first into the ability for a team to keep their GC man in the front of the pack, plus a full squad of riders fresh and healthy for a team time trial on Stage 9. If the Directeur Sportifs and Team Managers can achieve that feat after nine days of racing then they will be poised to unleash the climbers.

What makes the 2015 Tour de France unique:

The Netherlands & Belgium

• The last time the Tour started in The Netherlands was in 2010. If you are a true groupie of Pro Cycling - arrive days early to spot your favorite riders in the city or attend the Team Presentation.

• Stage 1 will feature a short 14km Individual Time Trial (not referred to as a prologue). There are no other ITTs in the 2015 race.   

An urban ITT in a city of 489,734.   Map via Steephill.TV

• Stage 2 and 3 cover new territory for the TDF, crisscrossing Belgium, which should make for good TV coverage and new exposure for Tour fans to small cities in Belgium (some of these roads and climbs are used in other Classics races). I highly recommend being a cycling tourist in Belgium - the country knows and lives cycling.
• Stage three includes the short but brutal Mur de Huy (Climb by Bike climb profile). The 1.2km climb averages 10% and is considered to be the toughest climb in the Ardennes, as well as a key climb in La Flèche Wallonne race. Cycling Weekly wrote a nice piece about the Mur de Huy in 2011: Iconic Places: the Mur de Huy

MAP of stages in Belgium 2015 TDF.  Pedal Dancer adapted map from Le Tour

Northwestern France

• Stage 4 contains seven cobbled sections (secteur pavé) sometimes featured in Paris-Roubaix. All that discussion last year about the cobbles having no place in the TDF fell on deaf ears, the fact remains - the cobbles made for very exciting racing.

Cobble sectuers of Stage 4 2015 TDF.  Map via CyclingWeekly

• Stage 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are all in northwestern France, which means close proximity to the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany - so expect enormous crowds for the first week.
• Stage 5, 6, and 7 are all flat stages. Marcel Kittel fans - line up. Both Kittel and Cavendish claim their goal is to stick with it all the way into Paris. Fabian Cancellara would excel in the earlier stages but will he stick around past Stage 9, based on previous years - no.

Stage 1-9 2015 TDF map

• Anyone interested in WWI history and really good Belgium beer, chocolates and cobbles will be interested in being a tourist near Stages 3, 4, and 5. 
• Anyone interested in WWII history, being a tourist in Brittany, Normandy or seeing Mont-Sainte-Michelle will be interested in traveling near Stages 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. You should be able to base yourself in two locations and drive to the stages, enjoying days of tourism before or after.

The WWII invasion beaches of Normandy

• Stage 9, on a Sunday, July 12th is perfectly placed for prime TV viewing for the Team Time Trial from Vannes to Plumelec. The official Le Tour website refers to it as an "atypical team trial at Plumelec." I am not sure if that means they will be required to ride part of the course backwards, but I will definitely be watching. Any rider surviving the wild first week of potential crashes will get to compete; the teams who have lost men will be greatly challenged. Each team's time is based upon the fifth man crossing the line. We can expect some high drama with partial teams and a derogation to break a UCI rule (requiring any TTT to be in the first week of competition). Read more about: Tour de France 2015 to break UCI rules with mid-race team time trial

BMC bikes set up for the team to warm up before a TTT In Belfast in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

The Pyrenees

• Rest Day #1 happens after nine days of hard racing with a long transfer to Pau in the Pyrenees. Base yourself in the foothills of Midi-Pyrenees and you will be able to drive/ride to two or three stages. For more information on all things Pyrenees, read: VeloPeloton. Pau is a city often used for TDF rest days. The surrounding area happens to be some of the best do-it-yourself bike riding in France, and honestly quite fun to see the teams out riding on the local roads (Pau to Gan or Nay). Also be sure to leave time to ride the climbs not in this year's TDF (Cycling Challenge offers a map of Climbs in the Pyrenees, or my personal map of my favorite climbs is below. Velopeloton offers a page of climb descriptions in the Pyrenees). This is an easy area to get a good map and ride your own rides, there are plenty of places to grab water or settle in at a cafe.

2015 TDF - 3 solid climbing stages in the Pyrenees

Map of my favorite climbs in France https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zF3Mdi_RS4EA.khPsCpthHhgk

The Pyrenees foothills - paradise on a bike.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

• It is tradition that a French rider attempt to win the stage on Bastille Day. This year they have a tough one - Stage 10 on July 14th, will finish on the summit of La Pierre Saint-Martin. Read more: VeloPeloton talks La-Pierre-Saint-Martin. Here is a photo that well describes the climb:

Okay that is steep.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer® of a sign on
La-Pierre-Saint-Martin

• The Pierre-Saint-Martin ski station climb has only been included in the Tour de France once before, in 2007 (descent). The climb is a long way from nowhere, but a stones throw from Spain, and all but abandoned in summer. I rode the 25.8km long climb alone in 2010 - it is really steep. Cycling Weekly states the climb is a maximum gradient of 15% and the photo I took of a sign on the climb in 2010 (above) collaborates their story. Arette is the nearest real town (for water and cafes).  

Location of Col de la Pierre St Martin in the Pyrenees. The TDF rarely goes this far west in the mountain chain.

The incredible views from the climb.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Rugged climb to La Pierre Saint-Martin ski station ahead.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

• Stage 11, on Wednesday, July 15th is a picture perfect Pyrenean road bike route. Challenging, beautiful and Tour defining. Mark your calendars for this one. Better yet - be there. One of my favorites - the Col d'Aspin - is featured mid-way and so too is the mighty Col du Tourmalet. This year the riders climb tje Tourmalet from the traditional east side. Having the finish of Stage 11 in Cautarets is a good sign that the town has recovered from tremendous flood damage in 2013 (Read more Pedal Dancer: Pyrenees Floods or Pedal Dancer: Recommended Ride - Tourmalet Loop Ride or Magnificent day in the Haute-Pyrenees climbing Col d'Aspin)

The top of the Col d Aspin, a very nice climb. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Profile of Stage 11 Pau – Cauteret

• Stage 12 is a test of recovery because this is a long steady day of climb after climb in the saddle. We should know a lot about the overall GC after the finish on Plateau de Beille (15.8km at 7.9 percent).

Four consecutive climbs of Stage 12 - 2015 TDF

• Stages 13, 14, 15 and 16 basically move the peloton east and north into the Alps, with Stage 13 running through the beautiful Gorges du Tarn. This is the time when you can sneak away and go climb Mont Ventoux on your way north to the Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez. (Read more Pedal Dancer: Traveling to Mont Ventoux or Pedal Dancer: Provence).
• Rest Day #2 in Gap/Digne-les-Bains - four relatively short but hard days of climbing await the peloton so there will be no true resting for the riders on this day, They will need to get out and spin, which means you can catch sight of them on local roads. 

Mountain ranges in France

The Alps

• Stage 17 - what is surprising is that this is only the fourth time that St-Jean-de-Maurienne has been a host city of the Tour de France. Amazing because most cyclists who have cycled in the Alps have passed through this working-class gateway city. Certainly not a tourist heaven, still I once had a very memorable meal in this town. Don't ignore this stage, there is a lot to going on and it sets the mood for the final week of Le Tour.
• If you were to travel to the Alps for Stages 17, 18, 19 or 20. Be sure to allow days to climb the other famous climbs in the area on your own bike. As you can see on this map of the climbs in the Alps by Cycling Challenge - you could keep busy for days riding a bike in the French Alps.

Great climbs near St-Jean-de Maurienne, although Le Bourg d'Oisans or Albertville are a better location for accommodations. Map adapted by Pedal Dancer

• Stage 18 includes the whimsical 18-hairpin climb of the Lacets de Montvernier for the first time. I did this climb (without the preceding 180km) way back in 2007 after seeing a photo of the switchbacks and researching where they were located. Lots of fun, I cannot imagine the caravan or team cars driving up this tiny hillside but am looking forward to the spectacle.

This is me climbing the Lacets de Montvernier 7 years ago. Very narrow but roller coaster fun.

The image that so captured my imagination I had to go climb these switchbacks

• Stage 19 is being called the Queen Stage for 2015. The route will also be the citizens Etape du Tour for 2015 (Sunday, July 19th). It's a monster. Read more about the Etape du Tour route for 2015 from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to La Tousuirre. This parcours video for 2015 looks brutal and after climbing the spectacular climbs of Col du Glandon, Col de Coix de Fer, and Col du Mollard, the stage will ascend up to the La Toussuire Ski Station - where Froome dropped Wiggins in 2012. (Read more Pedal Dancer: Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer)

The magnificent high alpine view from Col du Croix de Fer toward Col du Mollard. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

• There will be a number of very tired riders lining up for the start of Stage 20. They should warm up by the time the peloton crests the Col du Telegraphe and hits the Col du Galibier before taking on the always packed-out Alpe d'Huez - a magical place to be on Tour day. What a way to end Le Tour 2015. (Read more Pedal Dancer: Climbing Alpe d'Huez or Pedal Dancer: "21 levels of hell", or 21 steps to heaven. Also read Cycling Weekly Iconic Places: Alpe d’Huez and Cycling Weekly Iconic Place: Col du Galibier)

I have climbed this wonderful climb twice. I stopped to snap this photo looking down onto the town of Bourge d'Oisans from one of the 21 turns, each with a plaque. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

The Finish in Paris

• Stage 21 - there is a long transport back to Paris after the peloton climbs Alpe' d'Huez. No wonder Stage 20 is relatively short - Paris is a long way away and the peloton needs to roll onto the cobbles of Champs-Élysées the very day by 5:30pm. There will be many buses and trucks driving overnight to arrive in Sèvres or in Paris to set up for the final Stage 21.

If you want to see the 2015 Tour de France as a fan LIVE, I would recommend: 


Where to see the Tour de France on your own (self-planned and operated):

• Fly to The Netherlands for the start, be sure to arrive a couple days early to watch the teams training, mechanics in preparation, or the team presentation.
• 1-week+ vacation to Belgium, Brittany and Normandy to see parts of Stages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 plus visit Bruges, the battlefields of WWI and WWII, Normandy and Mont-Sainte-Michelle.
• 2-week vacation in Normandy, Brittany and the Pyrenees including Stages 8, 9 and 10, 11 (possibly 12). Plan a half tourist, half TDF vacation.
• 1-week of cycling in the Pyrenees taking in Stages 10 and 11 or 12 in Week Two, and then biking or hiking the remaining days on your own.
• The Alps: pick and choose your stages and exit-routes in Week Three. If you do a self-planned vacation, consider camping, or going early or staying after the key stages to do your own riding.

Where to see the Tour de France with a Tour Company (see a list of Tour Companies at Pedal Dancer: Take a Tour)

• To see all of Week One while riding parts of the stages on your bike (Stages 1-9), a tour company might be best simply because transportation/lodging logistics will be challenging with a lot of ground covered and big crowds. This is a week where paying for expertise is smart.
• Ride and watch the stages in the Alps. Accommodations are difficult for the solo-traveler of 1-4 persons, plus big highways separate these stage starts and finishes, which means chasing the Tour daily could prove exhausting. Any time you intend to see a summit finish, or ride your bike 60+km to a stage - expect long days.

Paris - save it for another year

• I would recommend seeing the finish in Paris only if you happen to be in town anyway (or win a contest package). Paris is a long way from the top of Alpe d'Huez! Alternatively those who live in neighboring countries could make a nice 3-day journey to Paris.

To cycle or not to cycle

You do not need to ride a bike to enjoy seeing the Tour de France, however France (and Belgium) have outstanding opportunities for bike riding. Even if you do not haul your own bike along with you, try to rent a bike at some point along your journey. You will be able to enjoy the first week of the Tour through use of a rental car. The second week, you will probably want to have a bike for some of the days, especially for your own private rides - there are bike rental shops in the Pyrenees. During week three in the Alps, I would definitely recommend riding a bike to and from the stages. On a number of the big mountain passes you will need to get a car in place the day before or walk for many many miles on race day. Quite honestly, that is why I recommend joining a bike tour company for the stages in the Alps. The better companies have learned NOT to chase the Tour every day and instead balance your conquests with the peloton's conquests.

If you want to see the 2015 Tour de France as a fan on TV, I would recommend DO NOT MISS these key stages:

Saturday, July 4, Stage 1 - Utrecht, individual time trial, 13.7km
Tuesday, July 7, Stage 4 - Seriang – Cambrai, 221km
Sunday, July 12, Stage 9 - Vannes – Plumelec, team time trial, 28km
Tuesday, July 14, Stage 10 - Tarbes – La Pierre Saint-Martin, 167km
Wednesday, July 15, Stage 11 - Pau – Cauterets-Vallée de Saint-Savin, 188km
Friday, July 24, Stage 19 - Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – La Toussuire - Les Sybelles, 138km
Saturday, July 20, Stage 20 - Modane Valfréjus – Alpe d’Huez, 110km
Sunday, July 21, Stage 21 - because it's tradition in a year of "breaking tradition"
*The winds on Stage 2 to Zélande could also prove interesting for the GC standings. 

An 1882 map of France, Belgium, Netherlands. Perfect territory to ride a bike.

New for 2015 - Points classification: bonus for victory!
A new points distribution system will be implemented on the 9 flat stages of the 2015 Tour de France to give more importance to stage victories. New points distribution on "flat" stages: 50, 30, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 points for the first 15 riders completing the stage. Former points distribution: 45, 35, 30, 26, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 for the first 15 riders completing the stage.

How to find out about Le Tour route as early as possible each year

For all those who waited until today to learn about the route of the 2015 TDF - next year remember you can know all this ahead of time by following the Tour de France route rumors at VeloWire and VeloPeloton. You can count on Thomas and Paddy to begin listing rumors for the 2016 route, oh, any day now.

If it's July, it must be France

Let's travel to France!

How can one watch the Tour de France in July and not dream of riding those same roads or traveling through those same small villages seen on TV. The answer is - you can't and shouldn't even try. Just the sight of the road furniture, landscape, stone villages, and sweeping vistas sends me to a place of awe and memory.

Once you have ridden the roads in France you will be a changed cyclist.

Your world will expand, you will be drawn to greater heights and greater distances. You will want to take your bike and travel to new challenges and new experiences. I have seen it happen. I am not talking only about myself, I have seen others catch the bug and accomplish incredible feats or create life changing moments. Whether it is riding the Haute Route, taking a trip with their son or daughter, making their first trip ever to Europe or their tenth trip, the beautiful combination of travel and challenge constantly inspires.

I believe the best part of travel comes from being courageous and flexible enough to be spontaneous. Spontaneity is best based on a solid foundation of knowledge. Courage is just confidence. The memories we most remember will be unexpected, the impact on our lives unknown; and that is the true gift of travel.

France has it all, just waiting for your arrival

I am frequently asked to help others with their travel plans. This is a tremendous joy for me, and an honor. I want them to LOVE it, to feel the passion and inspiration, to want more. I help by offering tips and shortcuts, so that they can concentrate on the experiences. Their questions are solid and when they depart I think of them fondly. In the months of June and July, a few of my mentored travelers launched their journeys. Oh how it makes me yearn to be in France.

From one such fellow email traveler: "Wow! Karen Thank you so much for this information. We are planning on being there for stage 8. Your experience will likely save me much effort and stress. Thank you again!  You should sell such quality information....."

I will try to write up my tips about seeing a stage of the Tour de France as a spectator this month as I sit and watch the race coverage live!

The more you know, the more you will enjoy

I thought I would offer a synopsis of various travel posts I have written over the years. A shortcut to the posts that would be most helpful in planning your trip to France. Even if you go with a guided service (which I fully condone if you have less time to plan and more money to spend), I believe the more you know, the more you will enjoy.

If you are anything like me, pre trip planning is a bit crazed as I attempt to wrap up all work and home projects in one miraculous perfect departure. It's crazy. I don't have it down yet, and I still make mistakes, but then again that is how I have learned so much and can offer advice you will not likely read in guide books or easily find online. My hope is that your trip will cultivate a life-long interest after your journey to France.

Ride somewhere different

Create a simple itinerary

Number one rule for traveling - keep it simple! It's tough to plan a perfect trip on your own, so use the knowledge of bloggers (moi), locals or guides. It is fine to reach out and ask questions to others online. You will have deeper experiences in the process and perhaps make a few new friends for life. But first it is important to know your own priorities and expectations.

I chose three big must-dos for each trip and try to not plan more than three things a day for the length of my trip. I greatly prefer to go to one place for two to four days, and explore or ride out from that one base location.

A sample travel itinerary: Day, Date, TDF stage (optional) and whether attending, travel plans and times, activities, city, hotel & contact information, notes and web links.

When planning my itinerary, I consider drive times, hotel check-out and check-in times. If I really want to do a particular climb, I add in one additional "weather" day. I usually look up several options in one location and decide while I am there, what I will do on the day depending on weather, mood, unplanned events, and energy level. If you are not enjoying where you are at or what you are doing - change it! It is a vacation.

I have a strong preference not to travel too far away from my arrival city on the day of my arrival. Staying nearby for one night lessens the panic if a bike is lost or damaged in transport. You will have time to make corrections before meeting your tour group, friends, or planned big activity. You can use the time to adjust to a new time-zone, be a tourist locally, or find any needed supplies. I also like to stay close to my departure airport the night before I return home.

I try hard to pack with thought, and as light as possible. To make travel preparation easier, I now have a travel drawer at home where I keep all those small must take traveling items. I prepare all my finances (credit cards), phone, cords and chargers, GPS and bike maintenance weeks in advance. I leave contact lists and itineraries at home with airline codes and a credit card, just in case plans need to be changed. I am smart about safety and learn about tollroads, parking, driving, shopping and restaurant etiquette.

A collection of my old posts for encouragement, all by Pedal Dancer:

Getting Ready for Travel

Packing Tips for Cyclists
Travel Lists for Cyclists

My brother Michael and I. So many roads to ride and mountains to climb.

Traveling in France

Understanding road signs in France
Understanding Autoroutes and Toll Booths in Franc
Getting around in France with ease Tips for Traveling in France - Part I
More tips on traveling to France with a bike Tips for Traveling in France - Part II
Also see my guide page: Recommendations and Resources

Being a Tourist in France

Most Popular Tourist Sites in France
How to order a coffee in France
Recommended Reading: Wines of the 2013 Tour de France<
Travel to Provence, France  (best villages in Provence)
The Baguette
Lunch Time in France
Also see my guide page: FRANCE TRAVEL

Cycling In France

My Top Twenty Climbs in France
So You Want to Ride in Europe? 
The Valleys of the Pyrenees in Pictures a visual trip from west to east
The Valleys of the Pyrenees Where are the best bike rides in France?
Recommended Reading: All About Col Signs
The Climbs of the 2014 Tour de France
Best Sportives and Gran Fondos

For the individual mountain climbs in France, please see the climbs and rides listed on this page: FRANCE CYCLING

Recommended Bike Tour Guide Companies in France: Take a Tour - bike tour companies in France

Chances are even if you join a guided tour, you will have travel days on your own before or after you meet up with your group.

Where are you?: Learn this map well, it is very important to understand regions when making reservations in France.

The regions of France

Dream big! And then go get it done.

Epic mountains!

Best coffee spots!

Delicious food!

Great cycling roads!

Quaint towns!

Grand vistas!

Did I mention the wine?

All photos in the post by Karen or Mike & Suz for Pedal Dancer

So You Want to Ride in Europe?

Article for Team Evergreen Newsletter

I wrote an article for Team Evergreen Cycling newsletter about planning a bike trip to Europe. Monica Kurtz, who manages the team's newsletter, had contacted me about writing for the newsletter. When I read the results of a recent Team Evergreen survey showing that second on a list of interests was riding in Europe, I volunteered to write about that topic. The project is like trying to condense my entire blog into one article, so I decided to write a four-part series.

Part I: So You Want to Ride in Europe?
http://teamevergreen.org/so-you-want-to-ride-in-europe-2/

Here is the article:

Cycling in Europe is a dream that can become reality.

Have you dreamed of traveling to Europe to ride a bike? Cycling over mountain peaks and up steep climbs featured in cycling magazines or on television during the Grand Tours. Hearing greetings and calls of encouragement in five different languages from fellow cyclists who have gathered from far and wide to converge on the most spectacular roads imaginable. Feeling the awe of majestic scenery and the rush of sweeping descents

This is what riding a bike in Europe is all about.

I write a cycling travel blog called Pedal Dancer and in this piece I offer tips and encouragement for you to complete what will become a very possible thrilling, worthwhile bike trip to Europe.

I first traveled to Europe thirty-two years ago. I also lived abroad in SE Asia for five years. For twenty-five years I have been enamored with adventure travel, ever since my first such trip down the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. For the past thirteen-years my passion has focused on cycling trips to France, Italy and Belgium, but mostly France. I have been to the Tour de France six times.

I have learned a lot over the years, and like any well-seasoned traveler, much has been learned through mistakes. More has been learned through hours and hours of studying maps and scouring the Internet, most has been learned by simply getting out and doing it. If cycling in Europe has been a dream of yours as well, I am here to offer the encouraging words of you can do it.

Let’s begin by considering the six questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your cycling dream vacation:

1. What has always captured your interest about riding in a foreign country?
2. What are the Top 3 things you really want to do on your bike trip?
3. Who will you be traveling with?
4. Will you plan your trip yourself or will you join an organized tour?
5. What do you know that you truly dislike about travel?
6. What is your budget?

These are key planning questions that will quickly help you determine the type of trip that best suits you. Below I will delve deeper into each of these topics to offer guidance. Today’s piece is Part I of a IV part series about making that trip to Europe a reality:

Part I – So You Want to Ride in Europe

Part II – Recommended Rides in Europe

Part III – Planning your trip (itinerary, transportation, bikes and tips)

Part IV – Selecting a Cycling Tour Company

What has always captured your interest about riding in a foreign country?

Be honest with yourself – do you want to ride 110-miles a day and bag every peak on the continent? Or do you want to include time for food and culture or other sports?

Tip: What can you picture yourself doing on this trip? Conquering an epic ride, sitting at a cafe table having a beer after a good ride, trying to learn some French before your trip so you can order dinner for the table, or perhaps you have envisioned yourself standing in the mass of fans along the road at the Tour de France. Just as we set annual cycling goals – knowing your personal travel goals before your trip is very important.

What are the Top 3 things you really want to do on your bike trip?

Each traveler should state their personal Top 3 things they would love to do on their vacation. No one is allowed to say, “I’m good with whatever,” that is being a non-participant. No one should – or would truly – put down a couple thousand dollars and want whatever. Everyone has expectations and these should be voiced. Once you have a list – know that it is easy to make sure that everyone’s Top 3 are met. Much of travel is about expectations, and also flexibility. It is good to understand that the whole is often better than its parts, so don’t stress out about every detail.

Tip: I plot out each Top 3 on the master itinerary and then begin to fill in the gaps. It is a nice way to tend to every participant’s needs, and your own.

Tip: If you plan to attend a big bike race while in Europe (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Paris-Roubaix, etc.), then two to three days of being a fan at these big events is enough. I wouldn’t recommend trying to see stage after stage. Make time for your own bike rides, your own spontaneity, your own Top 3.

Tip:Keep it simple. For years I wanted to be one of those fans I saw huddled along the barriers in the rain at the Tour of Flanders. My dream wasn’t to cycle, my dream was to be with those people. So that is what I did – I was on the sideline on the Oude Kwaremont. Everything else during that trip to Belgium (riding, beer tasting, Paris-Roubaix) was icing on the cake because I accomplished my one simple goal.

Tip: Be creative with your Top 3; consider a scenic drive, a hike or city walk, a museum, music, local market, wine tour, recommended restaurant, cultural festival – you know all those silly things Rick Steves lists in his travel guides. These activities make a vacation feel well rounded as a tourist and promise good memories.

Tip: A great activity to include in your itinerary (or center your trip around) is participation in one of the many cyclosportives (cyclo sportif or gran fondo) citizen rides. These very challenging timed event rides are more like races for the thousands, and very popular in Europe.

Who will you be traveling with?

Pick your travel companions carefully. People have drastically different expectations of what Europe means to them. The people on the trip determine your priorities, car rental size, hotel flexibility and quality, level of physical activity and most importantly – mood.

Tip: A non-cyclist who enjoys exploring small towns or taking hikes while you are out riding a bike can be a tremendous asset for shuttling riders and collecting snacks from local markets.

Tip: Independent, flexible, adventurous travelers who tend to see the glass as half full will come in very handy when plans suddenly go awry or change.

Tip: Have a communal wallet or credit card for all expenses. Fund the account before you go and settle afterwards.

Tip: Be sure to share emergency contact lists among group members.

Tip: You will definitely need to train to ride well in Europe, but any level of cycling can be found in Europe. Don’t be intimidated. If you don’t want to take on the 15-17% sections, destination lunch rides can be just as pleasurable. The numerous cycling tour companies cater to all levels of ability and have support vehicles.

Will you plan your trip yourself or will you join an organized group?

When it comes to planning you have three options: 1) Do-it-yourself, 2) Share the duties within the group, 3) Join an organized tour group.

Let me warn you that Option #1 offers the most control but demands hours of planning. When I say hours I mean 60-140 hours, depending on how complex your itinerary is and how much you will need to learn about an area.

Option #2 involves an approach of splitting up duties between the travelers in your group. My brother has a group of friends who have traveled together through various countries. They split up the trip by days. This can also be done by region or by type of activity (sport, hotel, restaurant, car rental, etc.). The planning load is divided, but this approach takes excellent communication between members to make sure the puzzle pieces fit together.

Option #3 requires that you give up almost all control because you must meet the tour group’s arrival and departure times and towns.

The tour guides tell you what you are doing and when. This option is great for those who have no time or interest in planning. Tour operators are pro at what they do and have learned from their own past mistakes, continually improving upon the product. You benefit from their wisdom, plus the people who run these tour companies are near saints. If you want to witness good people skills – they got it in boatloads. The down side of Option #3 is that it will cost you big bucks. By big bucks we are talking $450-$1300 a day.

Tip: I read itineraries by the Bike Tour Companies for ideas in timing (how much is too much) and recommended rides, even hotel suggestions or the cities where they prefer to stay or visit. Tour Companies are a valuable shortcut in planning.

Tip: I compile all my dates, reservation info and links onto an excel spreadsheet, building the itinerary day by day. Parts of this file can then be compiled and left at home for loved ones with contact information and travel plans.

Tip: Option #1 and Option #3 above can be combined. You could enjoy a few days on your own, join a tour group, and then travel more on your own. I did this on a cycling tour to Tuscany, Italy, and was able to enjoy Florence and Sienna before and after my guided bike tour.

Tip: Out and back trips are a great way to keep hotel reservations simple. You can travel with your bike inside the car (keep it covered well with a blanket; roof racks are scarce in Europe) and start your bike rides from different locations returning to the same hotel or bed & breakfast.

Tip: The decision to bring your own bike or rent a bicycle will greatly influence your travel flexibility and even the airport you select, so this should be one of your initial decisions in the planning phase.

What do you know that you truly dislike about travel?

Vacation is a time to be enjoyed regardless of travel goals, so don’t force yourself into something you know sets your twizzle twirling. Am I right? If you like business class – fly business, even if your friends only have miles enough for coach class. If you hate traveling by train, then fly all the way to your destination. If you hate the congestion of big cities – stay in the green countryside even if you won’t find any Michelangelo sculptures nearby. If you need time alone to regenerate – let everyone know you need to walk alone to get a morning croissant.

Tip: Packing light is super important when traveling abroad, but be sure not to skimp on cycling jackets or leg/arm warmers and gloves. Nothing will spoil a dream ride faster than being unprepared for cold weather. It’s better to bring one of everything rather than four of the same. I have some packing lists and packing tips available at PedalDancer.com under the France Cycling page.

Tip: Read about customs, road signs, and travel details prior to your trip. Learn at least basic greetings in the language of the country you will be visiting.

Tip: Sort out your communications at least two-weeks prior to traveling: international phone, GPS device, adapters and cords, and a PIN credit card if possible. I have some informative travel posts available at PedalDancer.com under the France Travel page.

What is your budget?

Traveling to Europe is expensive. Sorry. The days of the dollar have passed. You can expect about $250-$400/day solo, less if traveling with one companion, even less if traveling with a group – but as your group grows so too does the wine or beer consumption, so add some more back in. The longer you stay the lower your cost per day because airfare costs are spread out, but hotel, food, car, and gas costs continue to add up. A 9-to-14-day cycling trip is just right.

With the euro, it will feel like you are adding about 20% to the cost of everything. Although car rental is reasonable and bus travel is not outrageous, gasoline and trains are expensive, as well as air travel. The closer you are to big cities or Switzerland – the higher your costs. You can find a variety of hotels at the same prices as in the U.S. but the quality varies much more. Camping is also an option and inexpensive gear is available for purchase from large sporting chains. Remember most international luggage is limited to 50lbs per bag.

Tip: Miles! You can use your flight miles and credit cards points for air travel, hotels, car rental and more.

Tip: Always consider the cost to include your bike case as luggage when booking airfare because luggage costs are not included (and range from $75-$300 one way). Bags and bike cases can really raise the overall price of your transportation (although you may be able to write off the travel cost later depending on your credit card perks).

Tip: Save on restaurants. I often eat a simple breakfast or eat at the hotel/B&B/chambre d’hote, if included. I snack for lunch (on the bike), or enjoy a nice 3-course lunch (cheaper than dinner) at a restaurant on non-ride days. For dinner I will picnic with a nice bottle of wine, buying supplies from a local market. I usually only have one or two nice dinners out and several simple salad and pizza nights.

Tip: I try to pick moderately priced hotels run by local mom & pop sorts – they offer a good feel and often give excellent hospitality and local tips, plus they may have bike storage space. The exception to this rule is booking a hotel room upon arrival, or prior to departure, near airports. In this instance always go with a big chain for a better location. If I book a hotel room at any point during the trip – I always look for clean, simple and modern. Trust me on this one, you can’t smell those elaborate upholstered hotel rooms while booking online, plus those hotels are not the places where bike riders belong. I do like to splurge on a nice hotel for a night or two in special locations.

Tip: Gites or apartments are good options if you plan to stay in one location for a week or so. You will save on food costs and feel like a local.

Tip: Look for cycling lodges or hotels that offer half-board. Half board means that breakfast and dinner will be included with your hotel room rate for an additional amount per person. They are often good deals with good food.

Many more specific details touched upon in this piece will be offered in the next three parts of this series:

Part II – Recommended Rides in Europe
Part III – Planning your trip (itinerary, transportation, bikes and tips)
Part IV – Selecting a Cycling Tour Company

Stay tuned for more travel tips on how to plan your cycling adventure to Europe and where the most popular rides are located.

All photos by Karen Rakestraw Pedal Dancer®, or Mike Rakestraw.
Thanks to Monica Kurtz for editing this article and selecting which photographs to include.