Haute Dordogne Guided Road Cycling Holiday

The tour is 8 days long with 6 days of cycling.

The tour is for riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill. Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour. Most days include a couple of significant climbs. Some long days & some steep to very steep sections. Not for beginners. 45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day.

The route has been created with great care so as to balance the climbing and terrain with the daily mileages, to form a flowing journey through this beautiful region of France. Road surfaces in France are generally good although some of the more minor roads may include uneven sections, occasional potholes and gravel patches

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own there are bikes available to hire. These bikes are typically Scott Addict 20 or equivalent, great bikes with good quality components. If you do decide to hire the tour operator can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets when booking. If you ride with clip-in pedals please do bring your own pedals along with you.

If you are traveling with your bike:
The vast majority of airlines will charge you to transport your bike. This amount varies from carrier to carrier but the tour operator recommends always booking and paying for this in advance which will usually save you money compared to paying at the airport. Please contact your airline for specific details. Most airlines will also require your bike to be properly packaged for transport. Most commonly this will be in a bike bag or box specifically designed for the job.

Equipment
The tour operator provides everything except a bike (unless you have opted to hire), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike it should preferably be a road bike.

For this trip, they recommend that your bike is fitted with a compact chainset or a minimum of 28 tooth bottom sprocket to ease the climbing. It is imperative that your bike is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, they advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service.

You will need to bring your own accessories including, helmet, gloves and hydration pack/bottles for drinking water. It is also a good idea to bring shoes suitable for walking along with your cycling shoes as well as a light but waterproof rain jacket and a fleece / warmer layer for mornings and evenings.

While riding on this tour it is compulsory that you wear a helmet. If you don’t have a helmet or don’t intend to bring your own we may, subject to availability, be able to provide one on request. You will not be permitted to ride unless you wear a helmet.

Lovers of food will know that the Dordogne is one of the most celebrated gastronomic regions in France. Although the most famous speciality foie gras is celebrated the region benefits from its fertile soil and temperate climate so melons, peppers, tomatoes, olives and walnuts are all locally grown, with Chèvre and Cantal as popular local cheeses.

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of a support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed. You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that you would carry on a normal day ride.

Temperatures at the time of the tour can range from between 15-25°C/59-77°F in the Dordogne, though highs of 30°C/86°F are not uncommon. The Auvergne section of the trip (day 4 and 5) is generally cooler around 15-20°C/59-68°F. As well as using lots of sun cream in the Dordogne it is likely that at some point during the week (usually in the Auvergne) you will have to use your waterproof!