We have just noticed that Ryanair are offering some great 5 euro/GBP deals for flights from Dublin and Stanstead airports to Grenoble in September.  Our cycling season here in the Alps goes through to the end of October so September is great for a break with Tour d’Oisans - some of you clearly already know this as September is booking up but we have some places still available.  To help out with the credit crunch if a group of four or more of you catch the same flight over we will pick you up in Grenoble and transfer to Bourg d’Oisans for free!

Matt who hired a bike off of us in Bourg d’Oisans sent us this great photo of him wrapped up at bend 3 on his cold descent back to our base in Bourg d’Oisans at the base of Alpe d’Huez. Yes that is a ski jacket and ski gloves – we warmed him up with a cuppa next to our wood burning stove though.

It seems I am not the only mad person that wants to cycle up Alpe d’Huez in freezing conditions.  Matt from Newport Shropshire CC sent us an email saying that he was skiing up in Alpe d’Huez for the week and asked if he could hire a bike so he could do the mythical bends. We were happy to oblige and told him to give us a call on a suitable day.  The photo below shows Matt before he set off. Once he returned we warmed him up with a cup of tea in front of our log fire.

Yes it is possible and yes you have to be a little mad. The roads are cleared quickly after any snowfall because they need to keep the tourist going up the mountain so its possible all year round. Heres some tips.

1. Where plenty of warm clothes and take more for the descent – or get someone to bring you down in a nice warm car.

2. Go when its sunny and around midday make the most of the little warmth there is – you might be lucky and get above zero !

3. Take it steady – the cold and the effects of the altitude can have a huge effect on your performance

4. Most importantly check the weather forcast

5. Stay with us in Bourg d’Oisans for a bit of skiing and boarding up at Alpe d’Huez and take in a ride on one of our hire bikes. I might even accompany you.

6. Take lots of photos.

7. Only do it if you are fit and healthy and have a lot of winter miles in your legs.

8. Rest , thaw out and wonder why and how you actually did it 

A bunch of our guest rode the Col du Galibier this weekend. The weather was perfect if a little on the chilly side and the views were fantastic !

Its pretty much the end of the cyling season now but you can book up holidays with us either as part of our Cycling Holidays or on a more informal way through our self catered accommodation in Bourg d’Oisans. Also we have a wide selection of good quality bikes for rental.