A bit late for the 2013 PROMPT D211 Photo competition….

8 Feb

Phil R from Australia sent us this photo with the following email

“You may not remember us but myself and 4 mates hired your very comfortable Prompt bikes in early June this year. We had the best time climbing the Alp d’Huez, Col de Sarenne, Notre Dame, and all the other great rides in the area. The experience had during those 9 days made  a long time dream of mine come true and hopefully we’ll be back to hire your bikes again soon.

Attached is one of many photos we took during the 9 days but it was the most satisfying  of all our rides, climbing up the “backside” of Alp d’ Huez via Col de Sarenne. We tell people back in Australia we did it the hard way, not like the pros in Le Tour!  This was the hardest cycling achievement I have had and at 65 years old, can’t leave it too long if I want to eclipse that!

Anyway, a great experience and hopefully we can all do it again in the not too distant future. Thanks for your help with the bikes.”

 

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New Year Sale 20% discount on all shop purchases

6 Jan

Better late than never ! All shop sales currently have a 20% discount on their displayed price. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.

This means our most popular Jersey the Alpe d’Huez jersey is currently reduced to just 48 Euros (from 60 euros)

What’s more

All our remaining 2013 magazines have also been reduced

All remaining Cafe du Cyclist gear – (there is not much left but you never know!)

Sale ends midnight 12th January 2014

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PROMPT D211 2013 Photo Competition – Winner

3 Jan

After much deliberation we have chosen this photo for our 2013 Prompt photo competition. The photo is of Arne from Norway who hired a whole bunch of bikes from us in June. Arne has chosen an Alpe d’Huez Jersey in black as his prize.

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Cycling Alpe d’Huez in the winter

16 Dec

The road up to Alpe d’Huez is open all year round and so it is perfectly safe and possible to cycle up the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez. In fact Phil braves it at least once a month through the winter season.

We understand that you are probably not here to cycle but to Ski in Alpe d’Huez. Through out the winter months from the beginning of December to the end of February we offer 1 day bike hire on the Sunday or Wednesday with vehicle transfers and photos. If there are 4 or more of you we are happy to provide the service on any day of the week. All bikes must be pre booked online at least 48 hours before your date of hire.

Read below to see how it works

Here is how it works

Are you staying in Alpe d’Huez ?

  • Pick up in our minibus at 10AM in Alpe d’Huez at the finish line.
  • Transfer down to Bourg d’Oisans and set you set up on your hire bike.
  • Support you on your climb up the mountain taking photos and generally shouting out some encouragement.
  • Once you have finished your ride we will take the bike off you and leave you to your skiing holiday.

Staying in Bourg d’Oisans or outside of Alpe d’Huez ?

  • Meet us at the shop in Bourg d’Oisans at 11AM for your bike fitting.
  • Support you on your climb up the mountain taking photos and generally
    shouting out some encouragement.
  • If it is cold you may not wish to descend back down Alpe d’Huez. If this is the case we are happy to take you and the bike back down to Bourg d’Oisans

Book your bike here to Cycle Alpe d’Huez in the winter

Bad weather and cancellation

If it is snowing then the ride will be cancelled. You will have the opportunity to ride on our next available day or if this is not convenient a full refund. A refund on the hire is only available if the weather is bad on your original booking day. By making the booking you agree that PROMPTS decision is final on whether the ride takes place or not. Riding Alpe d’Huez in the winter will require winter riding gear such as long finger gloves , hats and winter bib tights.

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – eight – Alpe d’Huzes

9 Dec

Back to Alpe d’Huez now with Gerard who was here last June to compete in the Alpe d’Huzes event at the beginning of June. Alpe d’Huzes is a dutch charity event where the competitors climb Alpe d’Huez 6 times in one day for Cancer charity. Last year I believe they raised over 30 million Euros.

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – seven – Col de L’Epine

9 Dec

Father and son from South Africa seen here at the top of the Col de L’Epine. This is a new col to us here at PROMPT and not one that we have ridden before. The climb rises above Chambery  to 987 metres above sea level over a distance of 8km with an average gradient of 7 percent. One for next year perhaps ?

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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PROMPT Cycling Shorts now in stock

5 Dec

Delivered just in time for Christmas we now have a small number of PROMPT shorts in stock. The shorts have been designed to compliment you Alpe d’Huez, Galibier or Ventoux Jersey with the same two blue stripes.

Click here to view >>

Order by the weekend (07/12/2013) and we will send them out express delivery so you should get them in time for Christmas.

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – six – Galibier

3 Dec

Here is Steve from Derbyshire who hired a bike for us in August on the Galibier.

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – five – Norwegians in the Oisans

2 Dec

Arne brought a big group a long in June 2013 to tackle some of the big cols in the area including Col de La Croix de Fer, Glandon, Galibier and of course Alpe d’Huez

He sent in a large selection of photos. They can be seen here >>

Our two favourites are the following.

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – four – New Zealander on Alpe d’Huez

2 Dec

Back on Alpe d’Huez now. These are a set of photos from Dave who traveled from New Zealand in September and was celebrating his 50th birthday

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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Photos for our PROMPT D211 photo competetion – three – Box Hill London

2 Dec

Its great to see our bikes in other parts of the world. This one was sent in from Box Hill London with a great drawing of the Manx Missile

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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More Photos for our PROMPT D211 competition – two

30 Nov

We love this photo of David from Australia hammering up the mythical 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez.

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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More Photos for our PROMPT D211 competition – one

30 Nov

This one comes from Torben from Denmark. This was taken during a very long day in the saddle during La Marmotte Sportive in July 2013. At this stage he had completed over 4800 metres of climbing and about 165km of riding.

If you hired or bought a bike from us in 2013 we are after your photos. The more unusual the better. We will be choosing one photo at the end of December and that lucky person will receive one of our exclusive Alpe d’Huez Jersey. Simply attach your photo to an email and send it in to us.

Check out all the photos currently entered here >>

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Cycle Hire for Paris Roubaix

25 Nov

We are pleased to announce that we are the  cycle hire suppliers for the 2014 Paris Roubaix Challenge event on the 12th April.

Full details of our cycle hire package and up to the minute availability can be found on our Paris Roubaix Cycle Hire Page.

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Online Christmas 2013 Shopping at PROMPT

18 Nov

We are offering guaranteed delivery of all items shown in stock in  our shop if ordered before Friday 6th December 2013 and free shipping on all orders over 150 EUROS

Alpe d'Huez Cycling Jerseys

 

 

 

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PROMPT D211 Reviews

12 Nov

We have added a customer review section to our website covering our service and bikes. More details can be found on our PROMPT D211 reviews page

 

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Garmin GPS rental Alpe d’Huez and Bourg d’Oisans

8 Nov

We are pleased to announce that starting from Summer 2014 we will have a selection of Garmin GPS systems to hire exclusively with your PROMPT cycle hire. Your garmin hire will come with all leads and mounts to allow you to charge and connect to your computer while on your stay. If you do not have a computer then you will be able to download your results using our computer in the shop. We know how important it is to get your Alpe d’Huez time on Strava !

Want to compare your times with other guests then join the MORETHAN21BENDS / PROMPT.CC Strava cycling club

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Customer Cycle Hire photos Sept 2013

6 Nov

We always like to receive photos from our customers who have either bought or hired a PROMPT from us.  Peter from Australia and his group hired some bikes from us in September and he sent us these photos. The first one is of him on the Col de la Madeleine – with still some way to go. Not sure why you are sitting down there Peter !! The second is at the top of Alpe d’Huez

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Cycle Hire for Etape du Tour 2014 Pau to Hautacam

29 Oct

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering Cycle Hire from Lourdes in the Pyrenees for the Etape du Tour 2014 through More Than 21 Bends Cycling Holidays.

Bikes will only be available opposite Lourdes Train station from 4PM – 7PM on the 18th July 2014. All bikes must be returned on the 21st July 2014 between 9 and 11AM in the morning or after the event on the 20th July 2014

Group Cycle hire bookings for Etape du Tour

Delivery of large group booking of cycle hire will be considered but please contact us before making a booking.  Bikes can only be delivered to Pau , Hautacam or Lourdes. A delivery charge may be implemented.

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Season 2013 done and dusted

15 Oct

We are closing down the shop for 2013 now and have been sorting out all the bikes to store away for the winter. Our first bike hire of 2014 will be at the Paris Roubaix Sportive in April. Please contact us for more information.

PROMPT D211

We will still be providing mail order on our jerseys and tshirts throughout the winter months. For guaranteed Christmas deliveries please order before the 1st December 2013.

In addition for 2014 we are adding a few more designs to our clothing collection. More to follow over the coming months.

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Brushing of snow on the Col de la Croix de Fer

18 Sep

It has been an unusually wet week here in Bourg d’Oisans (more like November than September)  this has meant that the high mountians such as the Col de la Croix de Fer have had their first brushing of snow for the year. Its only consigned to the mountain tops and the cols are still very much passable.

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Prototype PROMPT completes Rat Race in Scotland

15 Sep

Prototype PROMPT completes Rat Race in Scotland

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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Galibier T-shirt

7 Sep

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We have just taken delivery of the brand new Galibier t-shirt. It is 100% cotton and is available in sizes S to XL. It also has a reflective strip on the back to keep you visible during gloomy winter evenings.

Never ridden the Col du Galibier? Join us for the Tour of the Oisans in the first week of October at the hugely discounted rate of £199 per person. The weather is usually fantastic for riding at this time of year and the roads are much less busy. Half-price bike hire is also available for this week.

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Mont Ventoux Jerseys & T-shirts

6 Sep

Following the success of the Alpe d’Huez range, we have added a new Ventoux line to the PROMPT collection. The design is exactly the same as before and maybe purchased as either a jersey or t-shirt.

Ventoux Jersey

Ventoux Jersey

Ventoux T shirt

Ventoux T shirt

On Wednesday, Hattie & I drove to Provence to ride the Ventoux for the first time. Starting from Sault, we rode towards Bedoin via the stunning Gorges de la Nesque . Rather than heading straight to the Ventoux, we turned back towards Sault and rode the 10km ‘Col de Flassan’. From the top, we looped back to Bedoin and began to climb. The Bedoin Forest section is notoriously hard. The Inner Ring puts it best; ” For the unprepared the 10% slopes become a series of leg-presses: 50 reps a minute for the next hour. For those in better condition or just equipped with low gearing it becomes a winch-like effort.”

From Chalet Reynard, the gradient eases and the iconic calcified summit of the Ventoux is visible. The climb is like no other for most part the famous passes of the Tour de France cut through the mountains. However the Ventoux goes right over the top giving you a spectacular view of Provence. Although the Ventoux dominates the landscape and the cyclo-tourism of the region, there are plenty of other fabulous roads in the area if you are planning to stay for a few days.

Hattie and Me at the Summit

Hattie and Me at the Summit

Climbing towards the summit after Chalet Reynard

Climbing towards the summit after Chalet Reynard

If you haven’t climbed the Ventoux, what about the More Than 21 Bends Alpe d’Huez & Mont Ventoux Tour where you will tackle all the ascents of the Oisans followed by a trip to Provence to scale the Mont Ventoux.

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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 2 – Sestriere

30 Aug

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Following the ascent of Montgenèvre, we continued into Italy via the Colle di Sestriere. The ride is similar to the northen ascent of the Galibier with one col(le) split into two separate climbs. From Cesana Torinese, the climb is 12km long at an average of 6%. As the averages suggest, it is fast and rolling with a couple of steeper pitches upon approach to the ski station. The scenery is stunning with snow-capped mountains and a ravine on your right hand side.

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Sestriere was one of the host towns for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and on the descent towards Pinerolo, you pass the enormous ski jumps which are still in use. The descent is over 50km and very fast. On the descent you have the possibility of following stage 17 of the 2011 Tour de France by climbing the Colle di Pra Martino. Whilst the climb itself is pleasant, the plummet down the other side makes it really worthwhile. This is where Thomas Voeckler bunny-hopped into a driveway. The descent is very steep and the road surface poor. It twists and turns through tiny villages and the poor surface is hidden by the trees. However despite all of this, it is great fun and a worthwhile detour.

Vincenzo Nibali spooted testing his form before the Vuelta

Vincenzo Nibali spotted testing his form before the Vuelta

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