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Col de la Madeleine & PROMPT D211

12 Sep
Ascending the Col de la Madeleine

Ascending the Col de la Madeleine

The Col de la Madeleine links the Tarentaise & Maurienne valleys. Even though the panel at the summit reads 2,000m, the real height is 1,993m. The Madeleine has been used in the Tour de France 25 times and also forms part of the Route des Grandes Alpes – a route developed by the Touring club de France to promote cyclo and automobile tourism whilst linking all the valleys of the Alps from north to south.

The southern ascent of the Col de la Madeleine is 19.3km long at an average gradient of 8%. Starting from La Chambre, the climb is very regular – a constant battery of 8-9% through thick woodland. The ski resort of Saint-François-Longchamp provides a brief respite and the woodland clears. From here you can see road winding towards the peak of the Cheval Noir below which the summit of the col is perched.

Last week Phil lead a vehicle supported tour to the Col de la Madeleine. After dropping all but one at the top of the Croix de Fer, the guys descended towards La Chambre via the short climb up the Col du Mollard. From here they started the ascent of the Madeleine and met Phil at the summit. After the descent all but one got in the minibus to start the journey home over the Col du Glandon. The ‘one’- Crawford – decided Phil’s vehicle support was obviously not up to scratch and so decided to ride the whole route. This monstrous ride takes in the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Mollard, Col de la Madeleine and finally the Col du Glandon before returning to Bourg d’Oisans. A ride of 180km with a total ascent of 6000m! At the summit, Phil also met a Dutch group who were using PROMPT D211 rental bikes. They had also set out on aforementioned route!

PROMPT D211 at the summit of the Madeleine

PROMPT D211 at the summit of the Madeleine

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PROMPT bikes on Holiday

2 Sep

Below are a few shots of PROMPT bikes on last weeks Alpe d’Huez to Italy tour. We are now approaching the end of the season and so the ex-rental bikes are available to buy as a complete bike (€1200) or frameset (€600). Do not hesitate to contact velo@prompt.cc if interested.

French-Italian Border (Col de Montgenevre)

French-Italian Border (Col de Montgenevre)

Andy on the Col de No-Name (warm-up for the Colle dell'Agnello)

Andy on the Col de No-Name (warm-up for the Colle dell’Agnello)

Chris exhausted atop the Agnel

Chris exhausted atop the Agnel

Andy desperately trying get the whole building into shot!

Andy desperately trying get the whole building into shot!

Prompt & More than 21 bends on the Col d'Izoard

Prompt & More than 21 bends on the Col d’Izoard

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Alpine Descents

1 Sep

Descending in the Alps strikes fear into some. However, few things come close to really cutting loose on a descent. Despite the obvious dangers, descending is not as dangerous as it may seem. In general the roads are wide, well-surfaced and allow one to view a long way ahead of oneself (pretty much the exact opposite of English descents!) Providing you are attentive, you shouldn’t encounter any problems of your own making. Here I list my top ten favourite descents in the Alps;

1. Chamrousse 1650 – almost no need to brake for 21km. Fast, sweeping corners followed by long straights (top surface has been removed from the road for resurfacing – hints to next years Tour de France maybe?)

2. Chamrousse 1750 – partly resurfaced last year. Pretty much identical to Chamrousse 1650.

3. Col d’Izoard towards Briancon – perfectly surfaced road with plenty of switchbacks.

4. Col Agnel towards Queyras – similar to the Izoard but fewer switchbacks. Stunning road in the Hautes-Alpes.

5.Lans en Vercors – quiet main road into the Vercors from Grenoble. Fast descent with amazing views of Grenoble. Watch out for the hidden traffic furniture through the villages though.

6. Col de la Croix de Fer – Would be challenging for the first place if it wasn’t for the very steep climb halfway down. Amazing descent and very fast. Descent from Glandon to Grand Maison is my favourite section in the region.

7. Villard Reymond – quiet road off the Col d’Ornon- Fun, technical descent with almost no traffic (don’t take this for granted though as the corners are very sharp!)

8. Sestriere towards Pinerolo – 50km of downhill. ‘Pedaly’ towards the bottom, but will be the quickest 50km of your life!

9. Col d’Ornon towards Bourg d’Oisans- easyish climb rewards you with a great descent. Very fast if you want it to be.

10. Villard Reculas – the best way down from Alpe d’Huez. Turn right at bend 5.5 to descend towards Allemont.

Climbs of Alpe d’Huez to Italy Part 4 -Col d’Izoard

1 Sep

Following the descent of the Col Agnel, you are immediately faced with the Col d’Izoard. From the south, the climb is a misleading 16km at an average of 7%. It is not until you leave the village of Chateau Queyras do you realise how hard the Izoard is. Like so many other climbs, a hairpin signals the start of the real challenge; 9km at 8-9%.

The gentle lower slopes

The gentle lower slopes

The climb is intimidating like no-other. Nearing the summit you enter the barren, lunar landscape of the Casse Déserte. You are surrounded by the iconic sandy eroded rock formation that have played host to numerous iconic Tour de France episodes. From Andy Schleck’s audacious solo-attack to Bernard Thévenet cracking Eddy Merckx, the Izoard has influenced the outcomes of the Tour de France like few others. 2km from the summit, a brief descent leads you to the Coppi & Bobbet memorial – a tribute to the two greats who both crossed the pass alone in the yellow jersey.

The Casse Desserte

The Izoard is the best climb I have ever done. The moment you enter the Casse Déserte, you realise how special this road is. The ascent is hard but the views are stunning – like nothing else in the Alps.

Almost there...

Almost there…

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Climbs of Alpe d’Huez to Italy Part 3 – Colle dell’Agnello

31 Aug

The Col Agnel or Colle dell’Agnello links France with Italy. At 2744m, it is the 3rd highest pass in the Alps after the Stelvio and the Iseran. Leaving Pinerolo, we split the route of Stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France (Pinerolo – Col du Galibier) over 2 days . The Italian ascent of the Agnel is very hard with the final 10km averaging 9.5%. There are ramps of 14% and lengthy sections of 11-12%.The lower slopes are gentle but still provide enough resistance to sap energy from the legs. The climb seems to go on for ever – leaving Pinerolo, you will climb 2400m upon reaching the summit.

Halfway through the interminable final 10km

Halfway through the interminable final 10km

Looking down on the gentle lower slopes of the Agnel

Looking down on the gentle lower slopes of the Agnel

It is by far the hardest climb I have ever done but its difficulty made it all the more worthwhile. A year in the Alps has taken the edge off reaching the summit of most Cols, however the Agnel was different. The thrill of conquering a mountain pass was rekindled and I soon forgot the impossibly difficult last 10km. It is a stunning climb and must be one of the hardest climbs in the Alps.

Exhaustion atop the Col Agnel

Exhaustion atop the Col Agnel

More exhaustion...

More exhaustion…

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Climbs of Alpe d’Huez to Italy Part 1 – Montgenèvre

28 Aug
Phil & me on the Col de Montgenevre

Phil & me on the Col de Montgenevre

Last week on the Alpe d’Huez to Italy tour, I climbed some new cols. I will blog each one of these cols with some pictures from the tour. The ski resort of Montgenèvre forms the border between France and Italy. From Briançon the climb is 11km long and averages 4.5%. It is a lovely climb and is never too taxing. The descent towards the Colle di Sestriere is fast and flowing on a great road surface. However there are some long avalanche tunnels as shown below.

Tunnels on the descent of Montgenevre

Tunnels on the descent of Montgenevre

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Café du Cycliste

27 Aug

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Lucienne Jersey

Last week on the Alpe d’Huez to Italy tour, Café du Cycliste shorts/jerseys were worn by Phil & I everyday. From freezing rain on the Col du Galibier to >30°C on the Colle di Sestriere, the jerseys and shorts performed impeccably. We rode for more than 5 hours each day and so clothing choice was vital. The jerseys are made from the finest quality Italian fabrics and so keep your both warm on descents and cool on the ascents. The bibshorts are understated yet superbly comfortable. They feature a “cytech” pad – renowned as the best on the market. The riding was made so much easier and enjoyable by not having to worry about being too warm or too cold!

Above & below are a few shots and Phil & I in some of the items

Green Violet Jersey & Josephine BibshortsViolet Vin Jersey & Josephine Bibshorts

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Rupert Hartley Prints

25 Aug

Rupert Hartley Prints

Col de Sarenne IV – Rupert Hartley (England)

Leica M6; Tri-X 35mm

How about an Alpe d’Huez summit finish via the eastern ascent of the Col de Sarenne (21.2km at 6%). It is arguably a sterner test than the Alpe and could be made more exciting with a plummet down the 21 bends for a stage finish into Bourg d’Oisans!

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Rupert Hartley Prints

15 Aug

Rupert Hartley Prints

Col de Sarenne III – Rupert Hartley (England)

Leica M6; Tri-X 35mm

Fact 3 – 12,244 people opposed the TdF passing over the Col de Sarenne this year. The Sarenne is home to rare flora and fauna and there were fears that the Tour would devastate the area.

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Lucienne Jersey Review

14 Aug

The Lucienne Jersey has to be one of our favourite jerseys here at PROMPT.CC. Its got to the point now that Theo and myself are coordinating our cycling kit so that we are do not clash on the road.  The material is super smooth and wicks away the sweat fast. The jersey is very fitted so you hardly notice that you are wearing the jersey on the long Alpine climbs in the area. In addition there is generous rear pockets for all your bars, gels etc. Ideal for an epic day out in the mountains or for your local sportive.

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Rupert Hartley Prints

8 Aug

Rupert Hartley Prints

Col de Sarenne II – Rupert Hartley (England)

Leica M6; Tri-X 35mm

Fact 2 – The speed limit for the Col de Sarenne is 20km/h. According to Strava, Laurens ten Dam (Belkin) managed the descent at 47.9km/h during stage 18 of the 2013 Tour de France.

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Rupert Hartley Prints

2 Aug

Rupert Hartley Prints

Col de Sarenne I – Rupert Hartley (England)

Leica M6; Tri-X 35mm

Fact 1 – The Col de Sarenne forms part of the longest black ski run in the world at 16km long. La piste de Sarenne connects Le Pic Blanc at 3300m with Alpe d”Huez at 1860m.

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Rouleur Issue 40

30 Jul

rouleur

The new issue of Rouleur is now in stock.

The issue covers the shocking conditions at Milan-Sanremo with interviews from breakaway riders Lars Bak and Filippo Fortin. The report also notes the pain endured by the neutral service mechanics who spent the whole day helping the riders dress and eat whilst perched on the end of a motorbike.

On a more cheerful note, the issue also reports on the lucrative post-Tour Criterium racing. Stars of the Tour are paid huge appearance fees to race with often suspiciously predictable results. Crowds are numerous and fuelled by copious amounts of beer & frites.

A favourite article of mine was the life of a doping control officer – stories include intimidation, aggressive dogs and barging in on affairs.

There are, of course, plenty more articles, reports and photos to keep you going until the next issue is published in early November.

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Eddy Merckx Toy

29 Jul

Eddy Merckx Toy

Feeling lonely on long rides? Need a partner who will always be there? How about the Rouleur Eddy Merckx Toy…?

Guaranteed never to bonk or ride you into a pothole, he really is the perfect training companion.

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Tour de France & Birthday

23 Jul

Bourg d’Oisans was spoilt this year by the Tour de France. Not only did it host the double climb of Alpe d’Huez, it was the “village départ” for the next day. My 21st birthday coincided with the Alpe d’Huez stage. I walked to bend 18 and watched the riders come past twice.

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It really is amazing how easy they make it look! Amador & Castroviejo from team Movistar were holding a fairly animated conversation as they came past with no apparent difficulty!

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The départ on the 19th was great as we were able to see all the riders up close. Most were on the home trainers before the start in preparation for the fearsome route north towards Le Grand- Bornand. The route included 5 cols including the Glandon and the Madeleine. 

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Forgotten Climbs of the Oisans: Part 2 – Maronne

22 Jul

Situated to the east of the Alpe d’Huez, Maronne is a satellite station for the main resort. The ascent is narrow and winding with some steep sections.

The climb starts at the foot of Alpe d’Huez. You climb the first 5 bends until you reach La Garde-en-Oisans. The first few bends of the Alpe are notoriously punishing and must be approached with caution.

At La Garde you turn right and pass over the Sarenne river before continuing climbing to the village of Armentier. The gradients here are misleading; the climb does not appear hard as it is a straight road surrounded by trees and thus there is little perspective of how steep it really is! Looking back at the profile, there are some sections of 14%!!

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A left turn in Armentier en Haut leads you on to the Climb to Maronne – 5km at 7%. The climb is covered by pine forest and so offers plenty of shade unlike its more famous neighbour.

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The climb is not as hard as the averages suggest with some flatter sections offering some respite. The climb finishes at 1500m altitude with some great views over Huez village and the 21 bends. The climb can be made part of the Traverse d’Oisans or you can just descend back into Bourg via the same route.

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Strava – http://app.strava.com/segments/4254338 (note the KOM)

Next up – Col du Sabot

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More Orica Greenedge Bus Photos Outside the PROMPT.CC shop

19 Jul

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PROMPT Customer Diaries – Part 1

12 Jul

Bo Biering & Tonny Nielsen (Denmark)

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Tonny and Bo hired the Prompt bikes for 3 days. For the first day they followed the route planned by the Tour de France 2013 over the Alpe d’Huez and Col de Sarenne. They were amazed that the Tour was going to go down such a small, poorly surfaced road! The second day they had a rest and toured Allemont before having one last go up the Alpe on their final day. They both hope for Contador to win the Tour de France!

 

Tour de France Cycle Hire Cancellation – Bikes Available

3 Jul

Due to cancellations we now have 4 bikes available for Tour de France – minimum hire is 3 days. Click on link for more details

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Col du Galibier Cycling Jerseys

24 Jun

With our Alpe d’Huez Jerseys proving to be so popular this summer we have now introduced the Col du Galibier Jersey.

The Col du Galibier is a lung sapping 50KM climb from our shop here in Bourg d’Oisans. We celebrate this climb with our Galibier jersey. On the left sleeve we have the More Than 21 Bends logo. Made from classic cool max lycra this is the ideal jersey to attempt the 2650 metres of the Col du Galibier and to continue to wear once you are back home.

  • Black jersey with white writing
  • White jersey with black writing
  • 100% polyester.
  • Quick drying micro fibre.
  • Wicks moisture from your body.
  • Exceptional soft feel, lightweight, odour and bacteria resistant.

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Clients on PROMPT d211’s

11 Jun

We love getting photos from our clients with their PROMPT d211 Hire bikes. Father and Son from South Africa hired bikes from us last year to ride as many cols as possible. They liked the bikes so much they ended up buying a couple of custom finished frames from us. On top of this they are back again this year and are hiring 2 more bikes from us.

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prompt col d'ornon

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Vaulnaveys-le-Haut-20120622-00083

 

 

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Bike Hire Delivery Service

4 Jun

Over the last few weeks we have been trialing our bike hire delivery service. This takes three forms.

  1. We have hooked up with More Than 21 Bends so that your bikes will be delivered for the beginning of your cycle tour, either here in Bourg d’Oisans or further afield such as the Paris Roubaix Sportive
  2. If you are looking for a Self Supported Tour in Bourg d’Oisans then there are a list of properties here where your bikes can be delivered to your property.
  3. For large groups of 5 or more bikes we offer a delivery service to your property to a maximum of 100 km from Bourg d’Oisans. Certain conditions apply so please contact us before making the reservation.

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Busy week for cycle hire in Bourg d’Oisans

30 May

Its been a very busy week for cycle hire in Bourg d’Oisans with all our bikes either hired out to  a cycling tour based in Grenoble or a large contingent of Danish people holidaying here in Bourg d’Oisans. All the bikes were at some point today on Alpe d’Huez

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It has left our custom built bike tree looking a little bare

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Criterium du Dauphine 2013 Alpe d’Huez stage Cycle Hire

8 May

With the Criterium du Dauphine visiting Alpe d’Huez and also the Col de Sarenne on Saturday 9th June this could be an ideal time for you to get up close to Chris Froome and Alberto Contador as they do their last minute preparation for the Tour de France.

We have a few bikes left for the 9th June. Please click here for availability and to book online

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Introducing Theo our new mechanic/guide for 2013

22 Mar

Theo has been studying Chemistry at Grenoble university this year. A chance meeting on the Col du Glandon whilst out riding last September led to an interview and us offering him a job here in Bourg d’Oisans.  As a keen mechanic and cyclist he will be servicing our fleet of 18  hire bikes as well as guiding as part of the More Than 21 Bends experience.

Theo (not on a prompt)

I finally managed to get out on a ride with him in and around the Grenoble hills this week. As a chemist he has some interesting theories on genetic doping !

http://app.strava.com/activities/45309948

 

 

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The PROMPT shop in Bourg d’Oisans is having a make over

19 Mar

Over the last couple of weeks the PROMPT.CC shop in Bourg d’Oisans has been having a bit of a make over. Currently I am waiting for the new floor to dry which has slowed progress down a bit.

For 2013 we will have a new stock of hire bikes as well as a whole load of new magazines for your holiday read plus a new 2013 Alpe d’Huez Cycling Jersey that has already proved popular with over 75% of people reserving one when making a Alpe d’Huez Cycle Hire reservation.

More photos of the shop will be available over the  next few weeks. In the meantime all the PROMPT bikes are stored in the office space. Here’s hoping the floor dries quickly !

 

2013-03-17 10.12.14

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Test ride a D211 for free on the Route des Grandes Alpes Tours

1 Jan

During the month of January we are offering free bike hire on the More Than 21 Bends Ultimate Alps Tour and Route des Grandes Alpes Tour.

To qualify for your free Carbon Shimano Ultegra equipped bike you simply need to book either holiday before the end of January 2013.

Holiday Details

3rd – 17th August 2013

More Than 21 Bends are now taking bookings for individuals, couples and groups for their Route des Grandes Alps or Ultimate Alps Tour The point to point fully supported cycling tour tackles 20 cols including Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, Col de l’Iseran, Col du Galibier, Col d’Izoard and more as it weaves through the French Alps down to the Mediterranean coast of Menton

Itinerary

Start of Ultimate Alps Tour

  • 3rd August 2013 Arrive in Bourg d’Oisans

  • 4th August Ride Alpe d’Huez

  • 5th August Transfer to Geneva in our mini bus

Route des Grandes Alpes

You can join us just for this part of the holiday

Continuation of Ultimate Alps Tour

  • 15th August Transfer from Menton to Sault

  • 16th August Ride 50%Mont Ventoux

  • 17th August Transfer back to Bourg d’Oisans

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Hire Bike Upgrade for 2013

16 Dec

Bike Upgrades

We are pleased to announce that all our 2013 hire fleet have been upgraded with full carbon handlebars, new carbon/alloy FSA stems and carbon bottle cages. We have 15 bikes in stock for 2013 ranging from 49 to 58cm in size both with compact and triple chainsets. In addition Shimano Ultegra now support  a 30 tooth rear cassette. All bikes will be replaced with 30 cassettes when the existing 28 tooth cassette has worn out. Please check each individual bike for more details on our website.

Additional Services for 2013

In addition to the upgrades we are also pleased to announce

  1. A group discount on bike hire starting from 5% for 5 bikes and rising to 15% for all 15 bikes. Discounts will be applied when you pick the bikes up. Please contact us for more information before making your booking
  2. A drop off and pick up service for more than 6 bikes in and around the Oisans area. Minimum hire for this service is 5 days. Discounts above do not apply if the bikes are delivered to you. Please contact us for more details and to check our availability  before making your booking.
  3. All hire bikes will be available to buy at the end of the 2013 season. Prices will start from 1200 euros per bike plus delivery. The bikes will be fully serviced. Again please contact us for more details or have a chat with us when you pick up your bike.

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Hire bikes on the Col du Galibier

2 Nov

Tim and Kathy from the USA who hired some D211 bikes from PROMPT.CC for a More Than 21 Bends Tours sent us these great photos from the Col du Galibier and Alpe d’Huez

 

 

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Alpe d’Huez Triathlon Cycle Hire

19 Sep

The 2013 Alpe d’Huez triathlon will take place on the last week of July. We have a large selection of both triple and compact chainset bikes for the event.

For more information and to book online go to our online booking system

 

 

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