You might call our newest 2010 program a “civilized” approach to following the world’s craziest bike race. Of course I like our Pyrénees program (sold out!), but the Alps & Lake Annecy trip is a more refined balance of the key things in life: riding, race viewing, eating, sleeping, and yes, vacationing.
We’ll be based the whole week on the other side of the lake from Annecy, in Talloires (pictured above). There’s no changing of hotels, no packing/unpacking, nothing left under the bed, no charger left plugged in the hidden socket. You get the picture. Show up, put your stuff in the drawers and relax. Whether you choose our 3-star or 4-star lakeside hotel, you won’t want to leave anyway.
Without having to move, it turns out we still get three days of the race, with stage 8 on July 11 a highlight. The ride starts from the hotel and meanders over to the Tour route. After suffering up the last two climbs, we find ourselves at the Avoriaz ski station for a serious mountain-top finish. Post-stage, while the traffic jam attendees are punching in DVD’s to quiet the kids, we’ll take a helicopter over and out. A nice close to the day, sun setting over the Alps and home in time for dinner. That’s civilized.
© 2010