The basics of Mountain Biking in Serre Chevalier Valley

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

• Train & TGV access: www.oui.sncf

Make sure the train you plan to catch welcomes mountain bikes.

• Car access: www.mappy.fr
• Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr

Car park

Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended).

• Skill level ***

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 !

• Stamina level ***

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:

• Trip logistics upon arrival
• Minibus transfers from/to one of the indicated meeting points to the departure of the trip
• Luggage transfers with our minibus and private driver
• Accommodation on half-board basis in a gîte-hotel
• Azimut mountain biking guide services for the entire trip (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation and transportation)
• Azimut welcome pack

The price does not include:

• Your transportation to/from the meeting point
• Gear rental if required
• Lunches so that the group chose together
• Personal insurance
• Any other personal expenses
• Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”

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.

• Breakfasts and dinners are served at the gîte-hotel
• Lunches are not included, to give flexibility to the group to chose a sandwish from a bakery or to go in a local restaurant to relax
• Single room supplement according to availability: 130 €
• Snacks: details are important especially after such demanding physical effort ! To boost your energy we've chosen to provide mulebars, organic, vegan, digest and extremely nourishing quality-wise without preservatives, food colouring or additives.

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

• Mountain bike: all mountain type or enduro bike, with platform pedals or your own clip-in pedals (that we can mount on a rental bike)
• E-bikes: please remember to charge your battery for day 1
• Backpack with a 20-25 liter capacity max
• Helmet & sunglasses are mandatory
• Mountain biking gloves (an extra pair of warm gloves can be useful)
• Knee and elbow protectors are highly recommended
• Low hiking shoes with flat soles, or your shoes for your clip-in pedals
• Repair kit including a set of brake pads (that match your brakes), a spare derailleur hanger, a quick link for your own chain, a pump, self adhesive patches, inner tubes with the right dimensions and anything else that may be specific to your bike.

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): 

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

• Sunglasses and glasses with clear lenses for forest sections and cloudy days (it's important to protect your eyes). Photochromic lenses adapt to light intensity and protection categories range from 1 to 3 or 2 to 4 to optimize visibility from shade to brightness. Very useful.
• A buff and/or thin beanie that you can put under your helmet if it's cold.

Bodywear

• Under layer: breathable long sleeved top as well as leggings to maintain heat. A tip: merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics. Have this in mind if you need to update your wardrobe.
• Outer layer: a light fleece jacket and/or a light hooded down jacket that you can put under a jacket that has a breathable waterproof membrane (soft shell type or Goretex), easy to slip on during a break. Make sure it's lightweight and compact so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack
• Bottom layer: mountain biking shorts and leggings in case it gets cold
• Hands: light fleece or soft shell gloves, a pair of silk glove liners to go underneath, warm gloves with a breathable and waterproof membrane.
• Swimming gear: it takes up such little space, it would be a shame not to bring it just in case. Avoid swimming shorts or bermudas, they are not usually allowed in pools or hot water springs baths.
• Good to have: an extra t-shirt in your bike backpack, appreciated after a big sweat on an uphill ride).

Footwear

• Bike socks: merino wool socks are breathable and have anti-bacterial properties and are less likely to smell as opposed to those made of synthetic fabrics. Remember this if you need to stock up.
• Slippers or crocs are recommended for evening wear.

Odds & ends

• a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
• a pocket knife
• duck tape
• factor 50 suncream
• a duffle bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the gîte, avoid suitcases. 

Toiletries and first aid kit

• Personal toilet bag
• To make up your a first aid kit, check out the Ifremmont website. 

Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:

• SCOTT
• Arva
• Fitschi swiss bindings
• Anena

We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.

Don't forget to

• Leave our contact details with your friends and family
• Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
• Bring your insurance contract number and documents (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage with us)
• Bring your “carte vitale” or your European health card (for EU citizens) - if you don't have one you can order one for free online  www.ameli.fr
• Check that you have the right equipment
• Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices such as camera, video recorder
• Bring some cash and your credit card
• Bring a delicacy from your home country or area to share with the group
• Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not happen to not make it to the summit !
• Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a good time (please not by text message), that you've well deserved... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll most probably kick yourself when you get back!

                 We look forward to seeing you very soon !

                            Have great rides with AZIMUT !