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Participants
Who is the tour aimed at ?
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge
themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the
whole distance over all 100 cols in France. But the tour
is also meant for the people who like to travel by
bicycle through all different French regions. It is not
a problem if you take a seat some days in the supporting
vehicles. If you like the challenge or if you prefer
more the journey through the mountains, you are both
welcome in "100 Cols".
Am I capable of doing this ?
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy
cycling, you are capable of completing "100 Cols".
We average 120 km per day and you can ride at your own
pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each
day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist
you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any
day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch
a ride on one of our support vehicles.
Before you start
What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel
insurance, including emergency rescue. Further
information will be given in the brochure. Individuals
without proper insurance will not be allowed to
participate.
On the Tour
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ?
During "100 Cols" we camp in well equipped campsites
that provide many creature comforts. The first night and
last night in Strasbourg you stay in a
hotel.
At several campsites you have the possibility to rent a
bungalow or site caravan at own expense.
What will I eat ?
On biking days, our cook will prepare four meals. We
know how important food is on a trip like this. You will
be treated to generous portions of food that will be a
combination of regional recipes and meals made from
local ingredients as well as some of the cook's
specialties. We will also provide energy bars, clean
water and an energy boosting beverage.
Everyone is of course free to explore and sample the
culinary hot spots along the way. We believe eating the
Italian and French cuisine is part and parcel of the
journey.
For those with dietary restrictions and/or ferocious
appetites, you need not be concerned. We take all this
in consideration when preparing your meals. You may go
to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items
including tent, sleeping bags, camping gear and spare
parts. In addition, support vehicles will also carry
such items as food, water, kitchen equipment and
emergency medical items. While riding, you only have to
carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a
snack.
Climate
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions in the beginning of
the summer season is normally fine in France with temperatures
between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is not uncommon
that we will get some rain showers along the way. Keep
in mind that the temperatures can drop down considerably
at altitudes above 2.000 meter. On a whole,
we expect too have good weather for cycling. Not too
hot, and rarely too cool or wet; and in the end it's all
part of the adventure.
Road conditions
What is the terrain like ?
"100 Cols" is all together 4.100 kilometer
which is divided into 34 cycling days. An average of around 120
kilometers. You can except everywhere good climbing. Not
one single stage is completely flat.
Bike
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of
your equipment. The tour can be completed on any kind of
bicycle as long as it is entirely human powered. The
route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most
efficient way to cover the distance, but hybrids,
mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more
comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you
prefer. Enough gears, strong legs and common sense, and
you can do the job.
Non-cyclist
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come
?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who
like to join "100 Cols", but don't like to cycle.
You can take part in the organization around the
cyclists and join the other staff with their daily
activities like setting up campsites, providing the
meals, visit local markets, etcetera.
What to bring
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
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