3 days from 535 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
- Ride trails in paradise at the Vercors foothills in a mountainous as well as Mediterranean atmosphere
- Qualified mountain biking instructor, for heaps of fun without risk taking
- Improve your enduro riding skills
- Comfy hotel in a stylish picture-postcard setting !
- Easy access: TGV direct from Paris to Oulx (Cesana), then transfer with our minibus
You've been bitten by the mountain biking bug ? And when you get on your bike you just get overexcited ?
Ready to embark with us in the Azimut shuttle on this spicy Enduro mountain biking trip ? Our driver will set us free at the start of trails especially selected for you, and fetch us at the other end, to take us back up, over and over, until you've really had enough of it ! Under the Mediterranean sun, on a wide variety of trails, through picturesque villages, beneath cliffs, through lavander fields, vineyards, on black marls, over mountains... you're in for a real binge of technical and playful single trails. No worries, we take it easy as usual, and also have our deal of "after bike" sessions, recovery and rehydration are essential post-ride rituals (and yes, not to forget, we're in the Clairette country, we're not just here to suck ice cubes). Just follow the guide and let go ! And then ? You'll have a good night's sleep in a clean and comfy hotel, in a twin room.
Come on, we're going to have a great time in places full of charm and character, bring your crocs (and bike if you have your own), and just come as you are !
Day 1 - Col de Cabre, on the borderline between the Hautes-Alpes and the DrĂ´me
On day 1 we meet you either at Briançon train station, Oulx-Cesana TGV or in Die then set off with our minibus. After having checked gear, reviewing some basic riding techniques, do a quick brief on security matters... Ready to embark ?
First drop off at the Col de Cabre (1180 m) to get warmed up on a small trail with a panoramic view, that takes us round the Bane summit (1643 m), from where head down into the Hautes-Alpes to the charming village of La Bègue (800 m). The shuttle takes us back up to the pass for a lovely descent back into the Drôme, down to the magnificent Claps (where you can cool down) in Luc-en-Diois (620 m). Last great drop off at the Col de Miscon (1023 m), on a flowy run, we ride from one mountain pass to the next: Col de Ravel, col du Pinet, col Eymard to end up again in Luc-en-Diois. Not bad for a first day, now we're geared and all set for the rest of the trip !
Then we head off to our accomodation for a rehydrating debrief under the sun...before settling in at our cosy basecamp for the next two nights.
Ascent/descent: + 500 m / - 1500 m approx
Distance: 30 km
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation: hotel
Day 2 - Single trails galore ! And the legendary Glandasse balcony trail !
A day... who eyefull ! The Col du Rousset (1254 m) is our first drop off, appreciate the uphill lift ! Above magnificent cliffs, we reach the Col de Chironne (1416 m) and off we go for 1000 m all the way down to Chamaloc (540 m), through Provence style scenery, mountain ridges, hairpin bends in woodlands... on an ultra accessible trail that will enable you to practice your riding skills and accuracy. The shuttle picks us up for a second drop off at the same pass. This time, we tackle the crème de la crème: a single trail mixing mountain ridges and pastureland that lead to the Escondus pass (1546 m). We carefully ride down a dizzying trail nearly overhanging the valley with a unique view. After a number of kilometers, the Pas de Bret follows the Col de Menil, from where we head back the beautiful town of Die (400 m). We make the most of a good break for lunch either on the way down or down at the river. How about one more for the road ? Let's get up to the Col de Bergu for a perfectly pleasant downhill ride to finish off in style...
We finish this incredible day with some homemade ice cream, our feet bathing in crystal clear water on a bed of pebbles. We can also make the most of our bikes to explore the lively streets of this magnificent ancient Roman city.
Ascent/descent: + 500 m / - 2200 m
Distance: 35 km
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 3 - Enduro crossing, a rare find just as we like 'em
Our favorite day on this trip ! After a good nights sleep, and a calm wake up, the shuttle takes us over and up the hills above Saillans, at the West of Die. From Château-Vieux, we ride up a track to the Col de Fonteuse (818 m) and over to the Col de Gerbe (685 m) on a perched trail, and down to Saillans via nice flowing single trails. We then change setting and get dropped off at Pennes-le-Sec, from where we reach a nice balcony-style single trail before plunging back down to Saint-Benoit-en-Diois (400 m). NOW we're ready for the ultimate part of this day: the enduro crossing from Rimont (1100 m) to Die via the Beaufayn mountain pass and Croix Justin on out of this world single trails through the woodlands and black soil terrain.
Back to Die, just let your joy get out ! It's time for a nice refreshing drink before game's over. Transfer back to the initial meeting point.
Ascent/descent: + 650 m / - 2000 m
Distance: 30 km approx
Meals included: breakfast
Please note this itinerary is an example of a e-mountain biking trip and course in the Briançon surroundings. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions, cable cars and mountain hut accessibilty as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.
In case practices and customs defined by the local authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects these, even last minute, decisions and recommendations. Such cases are rare and mostly related to exceptional conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.
Please wear your cycling clothes on day 1.
We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop off points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.
Access
Make sure the train you plan to catch welcomes mountain bikes.
Car park
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended).
You should be at ease with long and demanding descents. You're able to deal with hairpin bends and tackle back-breaking inclines, master your brakes, hop over small tricky sections (tree roots, rocks, steps). Descents are often long and sustained (but progressive as the week goes on), sometimes steep, often technically demanding, sometimes exposed sections but rarely dangerous. You'll end being an expert rider or maybe even an ace in mountain biking skills !
For keen and passionate mountain bikers or sporty people, who enjoy making efforts and regularly do an outdoor activity. You are sporty, are used to go out riding for a full day at least once a week and a maybe a few shorter outings in a week, at least a few weeks before you head off for a trip with us. Our rides will take you on quite long climbs where you may sometimes even have to push or carry your bike. Expect ascents between + 800 m & + 1400 m approx per day.
Good to know: if you don't have the skills and stamina required, the guide may ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !
5 to 7 participants
Azimut qualified mountain bike instructor & guide.
All our mountain bike guides are certified instructors. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Bring a small day pack large enough (for more detailed advice see gear section) to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and a repair kit. All other personal gear not needed for the day will be transferred to our accommodation.
None on this trip.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances with our partner, on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur (beware, such insurance only covers European citizens).
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibuses are used throughout the trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and less binding: we can chat, take a nap and listen to our own music. If luggage transfers are necessary, you have the possibility to use the transfer if you're tired and for any other reason.
During the trip
Half board in cosy gîte-hotel, twin rooms. Depending on the size of group, you might be sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex. Bed linen, towels are provided.
Accomodation before & after bike trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accomodation in case you need to book accomodation before or after the trip. All accomodation on the list is close to the meeting points and you may often benefit from preferential rates.
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Free Wifi is available in most places.
Mobile & 4G coverage can be unreliable.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
If you don't have the adequate gear for this trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Prices of rental gear during the entire trip (competitive prices as we only charge you for the number of days of use on the trip):
Enduro Bike pack including repair kit and helmet - 6 days |
360 € |
Important: all our bikes are thoroughly checked before each trip. You are liable for any damage to the bike.
Prices and bike brands may vary according to availabilities and trip levels.
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes that it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Prefer lightweight warm and comfortable clothing. This is not just a detail, it makes a hell of a difference !
Headwear
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
Don't forget to