These multi-day tours are open to group members who semi-regularly come on normal group day rides. Where it is necessary to limit the number of participants on these tours due to accommodation or logistics limitations, priority will be given based on attendance on the normal group rides since the last multi-day ride. Additional trips and further details of the tours will be added as the planning progresses. At this early stage, an outline of some of the possible tours and challenge rides are listed below.
Cycling challenge from a base in the Costa Blanca - March 2027
David and Alistair both celebrate their 80th birthdays in January. Rather than do a challenge ride then, they will put it off until March when the weather in Spain should be better. It is peak cycling season in the area around Calpe, where some pro teams train in the in mountains behind the coast. Our current thoughts are either a day ride of 80-100 miles or a series of day rides and taking in at least one of the well know climbs featured in the Vuelta such as the Col des Rates or Porte de Bernia.
Tour in Provence - late May to early June
This is an unsupported circular tour over 6-8 cycling days, starting in Cavaillon and riding through Luberon and the Verdon Gorge and back via the EV8 in the hinterland of Provence. The possible routes are about 300 miles long with 6000 - 7500m of ascent and are exceptionally scenic throughout - possible full route option. The nearest airport is at Marseille with a good rail link to Cavaillon where there are suitable hire bikes available. The overnight stops in the Verdon are likely to be dictated by availability. Most of the route is not close to the rail network and shortcut options limited.
Centre based cycling holiday in Europe
This would be similar in format to the previous ones that David has organised over the last three years. The group take their own bikes by car to a hotel within a day's driving distance of Basingstoke and do day rides from there.
A Summer Tour in Europe
Essentially this would be a repeat of an earlier tour for those who joined the group afterwards - suggested possibilities are Mosel and Hunsruck or Innsbruck to Verona The second option could be made into a loop by taking the train back from Verona/Bolzano/Trento to Innsbruck [or stopping off at Sterzing to ride back to Innsbruck over the Brenner Pass or Brenner for the mainly downhill run to Innsbruck]
Short tour in the Lake District
A circular tour taking in the Lake District over 2/4 days