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Home / Custom tours for groups and cycling clubs
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Browsing through the regional pages on our website, you might have noticed that our self-guided tours can be customized or “tweaked” to match your budget and fit your fitness requirements. Itineraries can be shortened or lengthened, hotels can be upgraded, transfers can be organized, and so too can wine-tastings, cooking classes, etc.
Our set-up, flexibility, knowledge, and expertise also enable us to build a tour for your group from scratch. Thanks to the satisfaction and feedback from our clients, which has helped “spread the good word”, this marginal part of our business has become more than 50% of our activity, and it keeps on growing!
As you might well imagine, the whole customized-tour creation process takes time. We have the knowledge and expertise, but delivering your perfect dream trip also requires research and legwork. Thankfully, no point in Europe is really far from Geneva where we are located (in France, right across the border). To start the whole process, you should give us as much as possible about the ideal trip… mileage, etc… this can be done through our online form.
Once done, over the course of a few weeks, we exchange ideas with group leaders to finally design a trip that—based on the repeat business we have had—you’ll love to such a point that you’ll want to come back again and again!
As you will see from the examples below, we’ve designed and operated trips for:
These tours have taken all shapes and sizes: from leisure to challenging, from day trips to 2-week-long trips, and from wine-themed to chocolate-centric. Our trips have taken place in a variety of countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. In 2008 alone, we catered to clients from across the globe, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa-Rica, Barbados, China, Hong-Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Cameroun, Chad, and South-Africa, to name a few – our apologies if we have neglected to mention any!
The tours below are only a few of examples of what has been done in the last few years – we’ve done MANY, MANY more! Note that most tour leaders have accepted to act as referrals (some comments can be read in our testimonial section). As you’ll probably gather from them, our experience in the custom tour business is unmatched!
If you would like to get the ball rolling and start the whole custom-design process, it’s as easy as ABC - just fill out our online custom tour form.
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
September 2018– Group from Brazil – Provence
Type of group/client: Fitness Club coached by Nuno
Type of tour: Challenging with a support vehicle
Group size: 18
Nuno and his group trained for months and wanted a cycling trip that would show off their improvements- a tour around Provence and its beast: Mont Ventoux. They started their trip with a smooth transfer by Cyclomundo to the beginning of their tour- the gorgeous Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. They wanted two distance options (moderate and challenging) to accommodate all of their riders, and we made sure they were well equipped with personalized routes and our comfortable rental bikes. Climbing for their days on the bike and resting their heads in comfortable 3-star accommodations for their nights in town— their trip went swimmingly! Visiting Provence highlights such as Saint-Rémy, Roussillon, and Bédoin, their 8-day adventure climaxed with the climb up Mont Ventoux. Such a challenging tour needed capable backup, which they found in our luggage transfers, two of Cyclomundo’s support vans, as well as 3 guides- the full Cyclomundo experience!
See: Getting to Provence
May 2017 – Group from Ireland – Provence/Riviera
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with support vehicle
Group size: 8
Note: 3rd experience with Cyclomundo!
Declan and his group of Irishmen are busy guys! After doing a few days of cycling in the Alps back in 2013 (we provided transfers and bikes) then a short custom trip with us in the Pyrenees the following year, they contacted us again to organize a 5-day jaunt in Provence for 2017. They wanted some good distances and climbing for their days on the bike and comfortable accommodations for their nights in town—a pretty nice plan, we think!
Using our existing 8-day Avignon to Nice trip as a base, we cut and combined routes to maximize the group’s time in the stunning, sunlit region. As Declan had told us that they could fly into Marseille and out from Nice, we had them starting from the town of Sault and finishing in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, arranging transfers to smooth the arrival and departure processes for them. A blend of moderate and challenging rides took them through fragrant lavender fields, the gorgeous natural parks of Luberon and Verdon, the exciting Col de Murs and the Gorges du Loup, and lovely Provençal towns like Gordes, Forcalquier, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Topping off the memorable trip, they were accommodated in well-rated 3- and 4-star properties throughout their trip and enjoyed assistance from our support vehicle, which was manned by none other than our very own Bruno! (That’s what we call the complete Cyclomundo experience.)
July 2017 – Group from Canada & the UK – French & Italian Alps
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with a support vehicle
Group size: 11
Note: 5th tour with Cyclomundo!
Paul and his group of 11 riders are seasoned Cyclomundo veterans! For their 5th custom cycling trip, they wanted to have a support vehicle to accompany them as they took on some new challenging climbs.
Using our local expertise, we crafted a trip using routes we know well in the French and Italian Alps. The final itinerary had them weaving between the two countries, starting in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and finishing in Nice. Accompanied by our guide Pascal, the group conquered some major passes like Galibier, Izoard, Agnello, and Bonette while enjoying magnificent views of sweeping alpine landscapes and quaint villages nestled in lush valleys.
To complete the package, we arranged accommodations, luggage transport, and arrival and departure transfers, as well as providing support during the trip. From their feedback, they had an awesome trip– which is what we love to hear!
See: Getting to the French Alps
June 2016 – Group from Canada – Pyrenees
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Self-guided challenging
Group size: 10
Note: Group leader’s 2nd trip with Cyclomundo
After taking part in one of our Geneva to Alpe d’Huez trips in 2013, Canadian rider Andrew had such a great experience that he brought his friends along with him 3 years later for a custom trip to really push themselves and test out some climbs in the Pyrenees!
For this bunch of avid cyclists, we pulled out all the stops, building on existing routes to include all the major climbs in their itinerary, including Col de la Core, Col de Menté, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, and Col de Marie-Blanque. For most days’ rides, we even created longer and more challenging options so that they could get even more climbs and passes in! And because even the most motivated legs need some recovery time, we mixed in a few rest days throughout the 9-day trip—though they were, of course, welcome to ride the loop routes we mapped out.
Although the group opted to do the tour on a self-guided basis, we organized arrival and departure transfers for them, taking the logistical hassle off their shoulders. As we also took care of booking accommodations, luggage transfers, most meals, navigational materials, and bikes (for those who didn’t bring their own), they were free to simply focus on the cycling challenges and breathtaking landscapes ahead of them! And what a feat—from Saint-Girons to Lurbe-Saint-Christau, they covered an impressive 525 kilometers (326 miles) and 12,951 meters (42,490 feet) of climbing in the “mythic” mountain border between France and Spain.
From their feedback, they had a fantastic adventure in the Pyrenees, with some particular appreciation of the delicious French cuisine. We’re currently working with them to arrange another custom trip for 2018—this time in the Dolomites!
April 2015 – Group from Australia – Dordogne
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Moderate cycling with a support vehicle
Group size: 19
Group leader Peter reached out to us a year in advance, giving us plenty of time to customize the perfect cycling trip for his enthusiastic group of Australians! These clients knew what they wanted for their tour in the south of France: warm weather, quaint lodgings, delicious meals, good road bikes, moderate-challenging cycling, and a variety of routes—no problem!
With all that in mind, we worked with Christine, our local partner in the Dordogne, to modify existing routes from standard and custom itineraries to put together a 14-day exploration of the region. As the clients wanted to spend more time in each town, we provided optional loop rides for them to discover the area—or they could take a rest day and relax. Considering the group’s size, we also arranged a support vehicle with guide Damien to accompany them and provide increased flexibility throughout their adventure. In the end, the clients enjoyed around 70-100 km of cycling per day; stayed in charming hotels and guesthouses in historic towns like Les Eyzies, Sarlat, and Rocamadour; and dined like French royalty on rich Périgordian cuisine.
Damien reported back that the group was very happy with their tour—further evidenced by the fact that several riders have since returned to book other trips with us!
May 2015 – Group from Ireland – Pyrenees
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Mix of moderate/challenging routes with a support vehicle
Group size: 6
This group of adventurous cyclists from Ireland wanted to tackle the mythic climbs of the Hautes Pyrenees! Using an 8-day itinerary we had run in the past for private groups in this area, we tweaked it to fit this particular group’s schedule and needs, taking into account their time limitation (5 days) and the variety of cycling levels within the group. The final itinerary had them wheel off from Oloron-Sainte-Marie and finish in lovely Saint-Girons… with plenty of hard work and spectacular views in between!
Each day, mythic Tour de France climbs awaited the most avid riders (including Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and Col de Menté); while those wanting to take it a little easier could choose to enjoy our less strenuous (though no less exciting) option. And as they opted to do the trip with a support vehicle, the group could count on our trusted guide Vincent to provide assistance from beginning to end.
Afterward, group leader Frank wrote us a lovely note to let us know how much they enjoyed their tour:
This is a brief note to say thanks for a great trip on behalf of all six of us. The routes you chose had the right element of challenge, scenery, and interest to suit all tastes and the alternatives provided also enabled a further level of variety (and sympathy in places!).
The accommodation was also very agreeable and in particular, the meals we had were particularly good in all the locations – indeed many were simply outstanding.
We all agreed that we would like to draw your attention to the service provided by Vincent. He is a most agreeable young man, was interested in all aspects of our trip and did his utmost at all times to enhance our visit to the Pyrenees. He is definitely someone who richly deserves praise and he is a huge asset to Cyclomundo.
October 2014 – Group from Canada – Veneto and Dolomites
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging self-guided
Group size: 8
Note: 3rd trip with Cyclomundo… and more since!
Since their first custom trip with us in 2010 in Provence, this awesome group of Canadians has joined us for more specialized tours in the Dolomites, Bordeaux, and the Alps. Each time, they’re looking to challenge themselves and get in some quality miles, as well as immerse themselves in the region by cycling along its quieter roads and staying at small or family-owned properties. While they often come to us with some specific rides or climbs in mind, it’s not just a cycling route they’re seeking, but a complete authentic experience.
For their third tour with us, Craig and his cycling buddies were interested in experiencing northern Italy—riding the Veneto and Dolomites with a good mix of big climbing days and easier days on gentler terrain. Putting together preexisting routes in the region and using our knowledge of the area, we came up with an itinerary that provided plenty of opportunities to appreciate the stunning landscape, take in the Italian culture, and feel the burn on tough passes including the Sella Ronda route, Passo Tre Croci, and Passo Giau! Over these 9 days, such lovely towns as Valdobbiadene, Cortina, and Belluno were their home, as they cycled between mythic mountains and lush agricultural valleys.
Logistics also played a part in mapping out their route and maximizing their time in the saddle; by having them start off from and finish back in Treviso, airport transfers from and to Venice were kept short, allowing these avid adventurers to live their trip to the absolute fullest.
See: Getting to the Dolomites and Veneto
July 2013 – Group from Australia – Etape du Tour, French Alps, and Ventoux!
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with a support vehicle
Group size: 14
Mike contacted us with an ambitious project in mind—a custom tour beginning with a thrilling ride in the Etape du Tour cyclosportive, followed by some serious cycling in the French Alps, which would then see them in a good position to view a stage of the Tour de France, bringing them around full circle! Needless to say, we were excited to help them organize such a fun (and envy-inducing) trip.
The group had already taken a shining to our standard “Geneva to Alpe d’Huez” trip, and so from communicating with them and working from that tour as a base, we modified the existing routes, provided some ride options for flexibility, and added a couple of deserved rest days to extend the trip to 12 days. From the whirlwind Etape in Annecy, they went on to take on some mythic climbs in the Alps including Col de la Croix-Fry, Col des Aravis, Col de la Madeleine, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, and Col de la Croix de Fer. We then transferred them to Provence, where they got to watch Chris Froome take Stage 15 of the Tour de France (Givors to Mont Ventoux)—and later complete the ascent up Ventoux themselves!
As they had wanted a fully supported tour, they had the assistance of our guide and vehicle throughout the entire adventure, allowing them to really take in the incomparable cycling and atmosphere found in France—especially when the Tour is in town. From what we heard, it was the experience of a lifetime!
September 2012 - Group from the UK– the Dolomites
Type of group: Charity group/cycling club
Type of tour: Challenging with a support vehicle
Group size:15
This athletic group wanted to see the Alps from an Italian perspective, and boy did they ever! Landing in Milan, an easy to access the airport, we picked them up and took them to Bormio, the base for their trip. While we often use a number of accommodation locations so clients can see more “on the move”, we were able to design this 5-day trip around just one accommodation and one location, Bormio. This allowed the group to really settle in their charming hotel, but not without exciting and unique rides each day!
This group can proudly say they reached the highest paved road in Switzerland, famously known as the Umbrail Pass. They conquered the second highest pass in the Alps, Stelvio, with its 75 hairpin turns. They took on one of the Giro’s “hardest climb” to Mortirolo. And, kept going to conquer the dreadful Gavia.
Along the way, the group was taken care of with a support vehicle, breakfast, and dinner at their comfortable accommodation, transfers, and everything they needed to cycle their hearts out. At the end of their trip, we dropped them off in Milan and sent them off with memories of a lifetime
May/June 2012 - Group from Belgium– French, Swiss, and Italian Alps
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging, self-guided
Group size: 9
This determined group from Belgium came to conquer the French Alps and let nothing stand in their way. They wanted an enjoyable trip with some climbing and we had just the itinerary, our incredible Tour de Mont Blanc.
With heavy snowfalls late May, we warned them that some of the passes along this route would be closed--we used our local knowledge to quickly come up with alternative scenarios. But, the group decided to stick to the original itinerary! Not only did they find very little to be closed but the conditions were spectacular. Just imagine cycling quiet roads between walls of bright white snow. Starting and finishing their trip in Combloux, they climbed Col de la Forclaz, Col du Grand St-Bernard, Col des Saisies, Col des Aravis, and Col de Colombière, among others.
While pass closures and weather conditions can seem like issues for cycling in the French Alps, we never leave a group without options and support. And with our office located in the area, we know conditions, we know the routes, and we are just a phone call away. When they weren’t on their bikes, this group was comforted by our favorite accommodations and was given all our local tips and recommendations. They had quite the trip!
June 2011 - Group from Netherlands and UK– French and Italian Alps
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with a guide
Group size: 8
Special note: 4th custom tour with Cyclomundo
This spirited group of riders, hailing from both the Netherlands and Great Britain, returned to us for a fourth time. For this tour they wanted a challenging ride, with the opportunity to test themselves on some of the mountain climbs made famous by the Tour de France. Based on their requests and the fact they only had a five-day window to complete their ride, we packaged an adrenaline-filled tour through the Franco-Italian Alps. Beginning in Embrun and ending in Alpe d'Huez, they experienced a route worthy of the pros. They pedaled many of the mountains climbs used in the 2011 Tour de France, including Col de Montgenevre, Col d'Agnel, Col d'Izoard, Col du Galibier, and the famous Alpe d'Huez with its 21 bends. Their last ride, in fact, from Modane to Alpe d'Huez, followed the exact route used for Stage 19 of the 2011 Tour de France. The nature of their mountainous route allowed us to house them at night in epic mountain towns, including Briancon, Europe's highest village and home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, and, of course, Alpe d'Huez, which is as famous for bike racing as it is for skiing.
Having toured this exact route ourselves many times before, we used our insider knowledge to carefully map their entire itinerary, which included hotels, restaurants, and suggested places of cultural and/or historic interest. Every aspect of their tour was customized to meet their specific needs and timetable. And by the smiles on their faces, we're quite certain their fourth customized tour with us met all expectations.
June 2011 - Group from Australia and USA - French Alps and Switzerland
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Moderate cycling tour with a support vehicle. Some sections are done on a self-guided basis.
Group size: 8
This group of eight requested a customized tour that would meet three objectives:
-Allow them to experience the awe of the French and Swiss Alps with minimal climbing.
-Allow them to watch some of the Tour of Switzerland, a professional bike race which serves as a precursor for many eventual riders in the Tour de France.
-Design the tour so as to allow them to ride self-guided on some days, and be followed by a support vehicle on other days of their choosing.
No problem. Using our tour-expertise, we organized an epic 14-day tour for them based specifically on their requests. Beginning and ending in Geneva, their tour followed a leisurely route without sacrificing any alpine scenery. Over the course of their 14-day ride, they visited Interlaken, one of Switzerland's, if not Europe's, most beautiful mountain destinations. Other high-five stops included the resort town of Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Aix-les-Bains and the medieval village of Yvoire. Their carefully planned route allowed them to ride at a leisurely pace, giving them ample time to watch selected stages of the Tour of Switzerland, as well as visit many of the historical and cultural attractions suggested by us.
In addition to planning their route, we also handled all of their accommodations, which included dining. Our expertise and detailed planning allowed them to ride with the confidence of locals, even on the days they waved off our support vehicle. And based on their smiles, we can confidently say they enjoyed their tour.
May 2011 - Group from Norway – French Alps
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Super challenging with a guide!
Group size:7
Special note: Traveled with Cyclomundo in 2010 with a bigger group (12)
In 2010 this gung-ho group from Norway enjoyed a customized version of our famous Geneva to Alpe d'Huez, which was recently hailed by Outside Magazine as the "2011 Trip of the Year." They returned in 2011 more ambitious than before. This time they requested a customized tour long on miles and big on climbs, and that would allow them to catch a stage finish of the Giro d'Italia, second to only theTour de France as the world's most prominent bike race. They asked and we delivered. Upon arriving in Geneva, our home base, we outfitted them with bikes before shuttling them to Pinerolo, Italy. There they witnessed the penultimate stage of the Giro – Verbania to Sestriere – with its dramatic finishing climb. Inspired, they began riding themselves. Their route, which we carefully designed based on their suggestions, allowed them to experience some of the Tour de France's most storied climbs: Col du Mont-Cenis, Col d'Iseran, and Cormet de Roselend.
In between, they recovered at night in historic alpine villages steeped with character and culture, and warm with hospitality. Every aspect of their tour – route, lodging, dining, cultural and historic attractions – was based on our first-hand knowledge of the area. Each was carefully selected with the ultimate intent of enhancing their overall experience. And by the smiles on their faces, we think we succeeded.
September 2010 - Group from Australia - Normandy
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Leisurely. Self-guided
Group size:: 6
Special note: Will be traveling with us again in 2012 for the 4th time!
Following two memorable customized tours with us, this happy group of Australian riders returned with an eye on northern France. Based on their suggestions, we used our expertise to package them a self-guided tour along the Normandy coast. We planned every detail of their tour – route, lodging, dining, suggested attractions – while honoring their request for a leisurely pace by limiting their daily rides to approximately 45 kilometers. Their route, which began in the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur and ended along the historic D-Day landing beaches, allowed them, based on their timeframe, to fully experience Normandy's culture, cuisine, history, and rustic beauty.
And by all accounts, the tour met and exceeded their expectations. Geoff, the group's organizer, wrote: "I want to pass on thanks for arranging our tour. The accommodations were excellent. All were situated in great locations and were of high quality. We especially enjoyed the Château and Nancy's B & B, and the service at the Churchill Hotel in Bayeux was outstanding. Your chosen restaurants added to our adventure by allowing us to experience a vast variety of local cuisines. And I especially can't say enough about our meal at the Château. It truly was exceptional! The route you chose for us was perfectly planned. It covered countless places of beauty and interest. The mix of tiny villages, scenic country roads, and reflective historic sites maintained our interest for the entire tour."
See: Getting to Normandy
May 2009 - Group from Australia – Provence and Languedoc
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with a guide
Group size: 7
Looking for the trip of a lifetime, this group of 7 happy cyclists combined their passion for cycling with ours. We designed a 12 night 13-day adventure through Provence and Languedoc that took them to see Pont-du-Gard, Roussillon, Les Baux, Gordes, Saint-Guilhem-du-Desert, and the Cirque de Navacelles. The trip was sculpted from a dialogue with the group leader into the eventual route which can only be described as an interactive work of art. Ever the cyclist, Bruno accompanied the group as their guide and had almost as much fun as the group did!
They got the vacation of a lifetime and we got to share the best of what Provence and Languedoc had to offer. Their feedback says it all: “I would like to thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip for us …The planning, routes and overall organization were wonderful. It was a fabulous ‘holiday’, even if it was ‘a little bit tougher’ than lying on a beach drinking cocktails.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
October 2008 - Group from Ireland - Andalusia
Type of group: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging with a support vehicle
Group size: 10
Andalusia is an extraordinary land for cycling - as have discovered This group did a week-long cycling trip in Andalucia this group of 10 Irish cyclists who traveled with us on a supported basis. Following a challenging route—as requested—they saw it all: Alhambra, Granada, Antequera, Ronda, and the extraordinary village of Vejer. The program was again tailored to fit the lads’ needs, desires, and agenda. Time off the saddle allowed them to explore some of Andalusia's extraordinary treasures. Accommodations were provided in small, quaint properties “of character” such as Hotel Poeta in Ronda, Casa del Conde de Pinofiel in Antequera and La Botica de Vejer in breathtaking Vejer de la Frontera.
See: Getting to Andalusia
October 2008 - Group from China, Hong-Kong, and the USA - Bordeaux
Type of group/client: Business Association
Type of tour: Leisure cycling/wine tour with support vehicles.
Group size: 20
The leader of this group contacted us in December 2007. Via telephone and e-mail exchanges we initially narrowed down the region choice to 3 possible areas: Bordeaux, Provence, and Dordogne. Taking into consideration that wine was the central theme, with a splash of cycling thrown in for good measure, Bordeaux was selected as the preferred destination.
Over time, the program was finalized to satisfy this multi-national group of 20, made up of non-riders and riders of various fitness Our itinerary took this group through Saint-Emilion and its famous chateaux levels. Our 4-day program included accommodation amidst the vines at the prestigious 4-star spa hotel, "Les Sources des Caudalies", and was designed to give everyone exposure to the wine-growing areas of Sauternes, Medoc, and Saint-Emilion. The cycling routes took place on small roads through these wine areas with the guidance of Didier, our local bilingual cycling guide and wine expert.
To top it all off, the trip was a gastronomic delight with visits and tastings at some remarkable wineries, as well as delicious dining. Meals took place in a wide range of restaurants, from country-style to star-rated. Participant feedback has been very positive and we look forward to working with them on another project.
See: Getting to Bordeaux
September 2008 - Group from Canada - Normandy
Type of group/clients: Affinity group
Type of tour: Difficult to challenging - self-guided
Group size 8
Note: 4th trip with Cyclomundo
For their fourth custom tour with us (after Provence, Riviera, and Dordogne), Patrick, our local contact concocted an “expert route” that took them all around Normandy. In a matter of 8 days, they saw it all: Honfleur, the Flowery coast, Bayeux, the D-Day landing beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, to name a few.
As usual in all our custom tours, hotels were chosen based on specific group requirements, and the itinerary was designed to accommodate the group fitness levels, etc. met them before the trip and explained the trip in length. Cider tastings and restaurants were recommended. Racing bikes were provided. The result – a perfect trip! They even experienced blue skies while cycling in Normandy, which goes to show that even nature blessed them!
August 2008 - Group from UK - Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Challenging - Self-guided
Group size: 5
Note: 2nd trip with Cyclomundo
For their second trip with us, this relaxed group of riders wanted to link Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez on a self-guided basis. The route we chose for them was tailored to their requirements: challenging, but not over-the-top, and primarily scenic! Kodak moments were many along the Gorges de la Nesque, the Gorges de la Meouge, and Lake Serre-Ponçon, before reaching their final destination!
Linking Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez is a popular request. We've catered to many groups adapting the route to their fitness level and time constraints, and have now created a standardized self-guided tour as well.
July 2008 - Group from the USA - Tuscany
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of tour: Mix of riders and non-riders - Guided and supported
Group size: 6
Note: 2nd trip with Cyclomundo
A cycling tour through scenic Tuscany, these smiling riders were accompanied by their non-riding spouses, they opted for a supported tour in Tuscany. The customized itinerary was based on riders’ ability and fitness levels. While the guys rode, their wives were driven to small towns for shopping and admiring fields of sunflowers!
Accommodations were provided in small, often hidden, gems that one would have difficulty locating if they weren’t in the know! For this group, we used a guesthouse with extraordinary views over the Chianti wine region. Bliss!
See: Getting to Tuscany
July 2008 - Group from Barbados & UK - Alpe d’Huez to Ventoux
Type of ride: Charity challenge with a support vehicle
Type of group/client: Affinity group/Charity challenge
Group size: 5
Note: 4th trip with Cyclomundo
Have a look at these 5 cyclists and then have respect! They’ve accomplished a challenge that for many just the mere thought is painful! Imagine - they started with the challenging cyclosportive "La Marmotte" which they finished more than honorably, then they kept going for two weeks before tackling “Les Galériens du Ventoux” challenge on their last day. What that means is that they climbed Ventoux 4 times - from the 3 sides, most people know of and from the 4th way over an unpaved forest road! Oops! We forgot to add that in between they climbed no less than 100 cols!
This customized cycling trip was done on a supported basis. Our dedicated guide, Manuel, provided them with unmatched support from sunrise to sunset!
June 2008 - Multi-national group - Geneva
Type of group/client: Charity ride for "Get Up for Ghana"
Type of ride: Guided and supported - leisurely
Group size: 30
The Geneva representative for "Get Up for Ghana" contacted us to organize a one-day charity ride. The goal of this Paris-based organization is to help Ghana orphans. Escorted by our dedicated Geneva guides, Lucile, Manuel, and Bruno, this multi-national group of 30 was taken on a leisure tour of the Geneva area, on quiet roads, to discover some amazing views over Lake Geneva.
For some participants, who had very rarely biked before, this day was a revelation and they re-discovered our 2-wheel toys capable of taking people far, far away…even when the tour takes place only a few steps from home!
See: Getting to Geneva
September 2007 - Group from New Zealand - Burgundy & Provence
Type of group/client: Travel agency
Type of ride: Self-guided - leisurely to challenging
Group size: 30
This New-Zealand-based travel agency asked us to organize a 2-week tour in Burgundy and Provence on a self-guided basis. In addition to their requirement for providing exposure to “authenticity,” they also wanted two daily cycling options, in order to cater to riders of various levels. The toughest option included Mont-Ventoux "the classic way" from Bedoin.
The tour itinerary took them to all the jewels of both regions - Beaune, Chateauneuf-de-Pape, Dijon, Cluny, Avignon, Gordes, Arles, etc… They saw them all!
Pleased with our services, our client is coming back in 2009, this time to visit the Veneto region and along the Loire Valley.
See: Getting to Burgundy
September 2007 - Group from Canada - Dordogne & Pyrenees
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of ride: Challenging, guided & supported
Group size: 8
Note: 2nd trip with Cyclomundo
For his second trip with Cyclomundo, the trip leader wanted his group to experience rural France while tackling some of France’s toughest climbs! The final cycling itinerary allowed them to experience the Dordogne's extraordinary countryside, and its medieval and prehistoric treasures, before going to the Pyrenees and submitting themselves to a daily regimen of 2 or 3 passes! To meet this group leader’s criteria, we found “out-of-the-ordinary” accommodations, such as the exquisite Moulin de la Beune and La Maison Jeanne, in the quiet "Vallee d'Oueil," a few kilometers from Luchon.
They liked it and they’re coming back for a third trip in 2009!
June 2007 - Multi-national group - Geneva
Type of client/group: Community website (glocals.com)
Type of ride: leisurely, guided and supported
Group size: 15
Approached by Glocals, Geneva’s international community site, Cyclomundo organized and operated a 2-day weekend trip for a group of 15. This tour was guided and supported by our detail-oriented guides – Bruno, Tina, and Damien – and was packed with activities and sites, including wine-tastings, delicious regional meals, and a short cruise between Switzerland and the lovely village of Yvoire, on the French shore of Lake Geneva.
The feedback was unanimously positive. As a result, other customized tours are in the works, including a 2-day chocolate-themed tour, as well as various wine-tasting week-ends.
June 2007 - Group from the USA - Bordeaux
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of ride: Leisurely - Guided & supported
Group size: 6
Note: 3rd trip with Cyclomundo (they have since traveled with us again in 2009 and 2011... that's 5 times!)
This group’s third custom trip requirements were simple: maximize cycling, wine-tasting, and exposure to “authenticity.” Chateau Loudenne was this group's home for 2 nights. The cycling itinerary was designed on quiet roads through vineyards from village to village linking Medoc, Saint-Emilion, and Sauternes. Accommodation was arranged in real wine-making guesthouses, such as the Chateau Loudenne, where everyone had the joy of experiencing what it’s like to own a Chateau!
As usual, our support vehicle was there to carry all the daily purchase of wine.
Photo courtesy of client (Bonnie Swenby).
May 2007 - Group from Israel - Provence
Type of group/client: Affinity group
Type of ride: Challenging - Supported
Group size: 12
A group of 12 Israeli cyclists wanted to see and do it all... Ventoux, the Verdon Canyon, Saint-Paul de Vence, the Riviera, the Alpilles, the Luberon, etc... and they did! Our 8-day trip took them from Marseille to Marseille via Cavaillon, Sault, Moustiers, Castellane, Vence, Le Paradou.
Cyclomundo organized the whole logistics for the group: routes, support vehicles, luggage transfers, etc..
Photo courtesy of client Shlomo Urbach)
June 2006 - Supported tour - Group of 10 - Alpe d'Huez and Ventoux
This multi-national group of American, British and Australian expats did it all! Over a few days, they covered all the major Tour de France climbs: Croix-de Fer, Telegraphe, Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, and Ventoux!
Other custom trips in 2006 included a wonderful Avignon-to-Nice trip, an Annecy to Alpe d'Huez, and a point-to-point Saint-Girons to Pau trip over all the major Pyrenean climbs.
May 2006 - Self-Guided Tour - Group of 9 - Lot
E-mail received from Tom Brucker, the leader of the group:
"You put together a trip for 9 of us in the Lot Valley in May. We informed you of where we wanted to go, how many days we wanted to ride, and the distances we wished to ride each day. Although the bicycling experiences and abilities of our group varied widely, the trip exceeded every expectation for all - the traffic was light, the scenery varied, the hotels superior, the meals simply wonderful and the cost most reasonable... Thank you for a great trip. We have already recommended you to others.
One other thing: your local coordinator, Christine, told me that she specialized in the Dordogne area and not really the Lot. She underestimates her abilities. I do not think you could ever find another person with so much local knowledge, who takes such good care of her riders and puts together a first class trip. She knows the Lot; stick with her.
I suspect you are busy coordinating your Tour trips, so there is no need to respond to this message, but I did want to let you know how happy we all were with our ride."
September 2005 - Fully supported tour - Group of 9 - Grenoble to Riviera
This group of nine followed a route that meshed rugged alpine terrain with coastal glamour. It was jointly organized between Peter, the group's organizer, and our regional expert.
Their trek, which Peter named the "Tour des Grimpeurs," followed a scenic course that wheeled them from Grenoble to Nice. Along the way, they experienced epic climbs such as Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, Glandon, Télégraphe, Izoard, and Madone. In addition, they visited the Gorges du Verdon (France's Grand Canyon) as well as world-famous villages such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Villefranche-sur-Mer to name a few.
August 2005 - Fully-supported tour - Group of 8 - Burgundy Bike and Barge
Imagine a tour that incorporates world-class wine tastings, gastronomic restaurants, scenic rides across the French countryside and accommodations on a four-cabin barge.
Bonnie's group of eight not only imagined it but they lived it. After receiving their requests we customized a 10-day tour that took them from Beaune to Dijon along the Burgundy Canal. They then concluded their trip with a two-day post-tour in Le Grand Bornand.
For this trip, we used a 4-cabin B&B barge ideally suited for small groups.
June 2005 - Fully-supported tour - Group of 8 - Pyrenees, Alps, Ventoux
Eight Canadian cyclists from Calgary contacted us in November 2004 seeking a two-week tour that would allow them to pedal some of the Tour de France's legendary climbs. Seven months later they followed an epic mountain route that even by Tour de France standards was impressive. During the course of their tour, they climbed Col d'Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Ventoux, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, Col de la Madeleine, and the ascents to Courchevel and La Plagne.
Dave, one of the riders wrote: "All in all, our holiday scored a 10 out of 10. We're very grateful for your help in planning such as milestone event in our cycling careers and we will continue to recommend your company and your services, without reservation, to any of our friends who have designs on a similar tour in the future. Many thanks to you both for making a dream become a reality. I hope that we'll be back for Le Fou Two sometime soon. Until then, best wishes for continued success in creating, and sustaining, the best velotour company in France."
May 2005 - Self-guided tour - Group of 10 - Perigord/Dordogne/Lot
This happy bunch approached us in December 2004 seeking a self-guided tour that averaged 30 miles a day along a scenic route that would give them numerous opportunities to explore prehistoric caves and medieval villages, and we said No Problem.
We worked directly with them in mapping an eight-day tour that went from Souillac to Cahors. The result? Gushing feedback and smiling faces.