Road Cycling Tour - Best of the Ventoux and Vercors

We will cater to your every need - twowheeltours has a full compliment of staff covering : tour manager, masseur, mechanic and ride leaders who will all be there to create the perfect road cycling tour for you

Each ride will have twowheeltours guides and support vehicles, which includes tools, pumps, your daily ride bags, sun cream, ride nutrition and water

Our expert mechanic will be there to lend a hand

Post rides, get on the table with our masseur to freshen you up for the next days ride

A detailed itinerary and GPX files will be given to riders before the tour

Tour dates : Thursday 20 > Saturday 29 May 2027

We provide all land transfers on tour days

Day 1 : Thursday 20 May : transfers from Marseilles Airport (MRS) (~1:15 hour) to Bédoin

FIRST Hotel : Three nights : Bédoin

Then

SECOND Hotel : Three nights : Omblèze

Then

THIRD Hotel : Three nights : Pont-en-Royans

Day 10 : Saturday 29 May : transfers to Lyon Airport (LYS) (~1:20 hour) from Pont en Royans

This is a holiday, we want to make sure you get the possible experience

From 35km to 105km, we are offering this tour with the option to ride less km's or more or have entire days off

Totals for the tour ~750km with ~17,500m of climbing

The good news is that for all but one hotel, we are staying for multiple nights, so if you would like, you can have complete days off

Day 1 : 45km / 650m Bédoin > Bédoin

Day 2 : 75km / 2,100m Bédoin > Bédoin

Day 3 : 100km / 2,00m Bédoin > Bédoin

Day 4 : 140km / 1,700m Bédoin > Omblèze

Day 5 : 100km / 2,000m Omblèze > Omblèze

Day 6 : 120km / 2,500m Omblèze > Omblèze

Day 7 : 70km / 1,500m Omblèze > Pont-en-Royans

Day 8 : 90km / 1,500m Pont-en-Royans > Pont-en-Royans

Day 9 : 120km / 2,500m Pont-en-Royans > Pont-en-Royans

This tour will include three great hotels

FIRST Hotel : Three nights : Bédoin

Then

SECOND Hotel : Three nights : Omblèze

Then

THIRD Hotel : Three nights : Pont-en-Royans

Single Supplement €5,295 per person

Twin Share / Queen €4,845 per person

Non Rider €3,150 per person*

Payment dates:

• €2,000 to confirm your place

• Final payment due 20 February

• All payment details are outlined on your statement 

  *Minimum numbers are required for the Non Rider program, contact us for more information : LINK.

We offer full board on these tours.

We will enjoy fine dining to eating at little hidden gems along the way during the ten days.

This tour is a like a Haute Route without the early starts and also offers riders the chance to have a day off or ride a shorter route on some of the days.

We have our own masseur on tour who will offer daily massages post rides.

We want to focus on you, the client - we do not want you to be a number.

We have a capacity of 12 rooms on this tour so get in early to secure your place.

This is why we will have a very limited number of riders on this tour.

We pride ourselves on making sure that all details are catered for, so that you can have a true cycling holiday.

These tours are not just for the rider. They are for anyone who would like to see, smell and explore the beauty of the Ventoux and Vercors areas.

twowheeltours can also offer non rider packages which can include a guide who is your translator and driver.

We communicate with you before the tour to plan your holiday to meet your interest and passions.

From cooking classes to hikes, we will cover your daily needs and then re-group with the riders each evening.

We offer a client focused adventure which is activity or leisure based for both the cyclist and non cyclist.

*Minimum numbers are required for the Non Rider program, contact us for more information : LINK.

• Flights

• Insurance - Travel or Personal

• Hire Bikes

• In Room Expenses

What staffing does twowheeltours provide?

We cannot wait to get to back to the Ventoux and Vercors Areas. As always, we take pride in making sure all our riders need to do is focus on riding. We have our own masseur, bag logistic manager, mechanic and tour manager who both ride the courses with our riders. 

What will your day will look like?

• Wake up between 0700 and 0730 

• Breakfast between 0700 and 0830. All breakfasts are included

• twowheeltours staff on duty, get your rider nutrition, put on your suncream and pump up your tires

• Drop your musette(s) with our staff. You will see those bags again on course/at the ride finish, they will be with the twowheeltours ON COURSE vehicles. In those bags you can put nutrition, extra clothing and/or leave clothing at the rest stops. For your finish bag you can pack comfortable shoes, t-shirt or wind vest and any other clothes

• Rides depart at 0900

• You will see our ON COURSE vehicles during each ride for assistance. It varies as to where they will be each day, this is due to weather and the distance of the ride. At the end of each ride you will find a twowheeltours staff member to welcome you. You can get a cold drink, have something to eat and pass along your musette

• Rides finish between 1130 and 1530 

• Lunch, included

• Massages are available at the hotel

• Dinner with twowheeltours, usually from 1900 and own briefing on the next day's agenda

What about the road surfaces?

Roads are very good. We always recommend that riders bring a bike with larger volume tires.

Is there a minimum speed average?

It is HIGHLY recommended that you can ride an average of +22kph to complete each day.

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet up, shower, eat then eat some more, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage then eat and drink some more. There is generally a reasonable amount of time to relax before dinner. We mention eat twice, you may not feel like eating but this is one of the most important things you can do at the end of each stage. Even if you finish at 3:30pm, which is 'past' a normal lunch time, you will NOT make it to dinner if you do NOT EAT.

What is the weather like:

Avg Temps in Bédoin: Late May : 21 > 24C // 69 > 75F

Avg Temps Mount Ventoux : Late May : 11 > 24C // 51 > 75F

Avg Temps in Pont en Royans : Late May : 9 > 19C // 48 > 67F

What other support does twowheeltours offer?

twowheeltours offer a Fully Catered tour, we provide you with all land based transfers from the closest airport / train station / your hotel in the host city, classic and comfortable level accommodation, all meals, drinks including first round at dinners, bag logistics, staff on course and also at the end of each ride, staff member riding the course taking photos, laundry, non-rider partner program with their own guide* and daily activities, cooler and baskets stocked with extra food and beverages post ride and personalised attention. 

*Subject to minimum numbers

You will also see twowheeltours staff on each ride. Each morning riders will drop their musettes / feed station bags at our hotel's reception which will be taken to the designated stops. Riders receive a musette (back pack) from twowheeltours to be on course. In this riders can put clothes / food / bottles etc.  Each stage varies but you will usually see two twowheeltours staff members on each ride. 

How hard is the tour?

This will be a great cycling holiday, open to all abilities. Yes, you will need to be able to ride ~700km over the nine rides PLUS there will be a total ascent of ~17,500m during those rides. As with all of these types of events, you MUST do some training before coming.

The fitter you are, the more fun you will have. 

Can I have a rest day?

Yes, no worries. Any day which you wish to take off the bike is possible. We want you to have a holiday and there is no pressure from us.

I think I need a training program?

Each rider is different. A training program certainly helps, especially when talking to a coach who has a wealth of experience and who has completed many cyclo-sportives.

We like to encourage riders that the fitter they are, the more fun they will have. 

You're an Australian tour company, do you have riders on your tours who are not from Australia?

We have clients on our tours from all over the world Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Spain. Each year many of our riders return to do tours with twowheeltours, which is a great honour. 

Wifi - Internet Access

Our hotels all have internet.

What about transporting my bike to the tour?

Packing your bike with care and in a specific case. This is the safest way to get your bike to the start of the event in one piece. LINK

I have never boxed my bike before, how do I pack my bike? 

Drop into your favourite Local Bike Store (LBS) and ask them to assist you. You could ask them to do it first then build it up, then you have a go - all for a price. Or you can become a professional via youtube - LINK.

Which bike box should I use?

How long is a piece of string, there are SO many out on the market it is amazing, each year there seems to be something new and improved. We have used the EVOC Bike Travel Bag for years - and I have now updated to the PRO.

When boxing the bike, we would highly recommend removing the derailleur from the derailleur-tip but that takes a few extra seconds - youtube clip - this is a clip is by 'Computer' a Sydney mechanic, excuse his hair and finger nails, he really is a good guy! Other options are : Polaris do some very good models or Scicon Bags or there is the Evoc Pro which gets great reviews OR go to your LBS and get a cardboard box.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. Our mechanic will be there to assist. 

Help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a toolcase which includes all the major tools. There is also a bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags, plastic gloves and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with our bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. We do not know the policy on each carrier but we know that United, American Airlines and Lufthansa charge for bike boxes whereas Virgin Atlantic does not so long as it is under 23kg / 50 lbs & 62” / 158cm total linear cm. Qatar / Qantas allow you to bring your bike as long as it is within your 30kg limit. Please make sure you weigh your bike before you get to the airport and it is also highly recommended that you check prices and the fine print for excess luggage (ie bike bags / sporting equipment) with whoever you are flying with. Please do this before you get to the airport.

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps - also our mechanic is there is assist with any other needs.

What should I bring?

It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, brake pads (especially for those using disc brakes!) levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended packing list.

During the rides you will need to be somewhat self sufficient and be able to change a tube if necessary. It is also recommend that riders bring specific spokes and derailleur tip/hanger - you will be reminded of this during the booking phase.

What wheels should I bring?

When in EU the majority of clients use carbon disc brake wheels with clincher tires. Please leave tubular tires at home. 

For those bringing disc brakes, please make sure that you bring at least 2 sets, 4 pads in total, of brand new brake pads. 

Bike servicing and washing

All riders should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes or new tire sealant, brakes and cables. After each day our mechanic is there to help. If you so wish, you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Bike washing

Bikes do not need to be washed each day - they will be wiped down. 

Gearing

It is highly recommended to have a compact crank. Some riders prefer standard cranks, it is up to the rider. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? The earlier stages are the toughest, so if you like 'spinning' bring a compact. The majority of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-30 on the rear with some preferring a 34. 

Swimming in Europe 

The majority of swimming pools in Europe have a rule that swimming shorts are banned with 'speedos' being required. They state this because of health and hygene reasons. Please make sure you pack your speedos so that you can enjoy a swim after your hard earned ride.

Diet - Food on Trip

Travelling away from home is always an adventure. The food in Europe is not the same as 'home'. The food in Italy is amazing and it is one of the highlights of the tour. 

As this is a Fully Catered tour we supply you with all meals. We provide a suitable Riders lunch and fantastic evening meals.

If you have eating requirements/needs please let us know when you book in the comments section and we will endeavour to meet your needs. 

If you are a vegetarian please note that being in Europe it is very difficult to get enough protein and we highly recommend that you bring your own supplements. We have had some clients who have mentioned that getting enough protein was much harder than they had imagined.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with. Below we list what you will find at rest stops. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that most host villages are VERY remote and most likely will not have what you want.

Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the tour - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here. 

Food at rest stops

During each ride there are a number of designated Stops for the twowheeltours riders, we will have Water; Hydration powder; Energy bars and Energy gels plus other snacks.

Bringing my own nutrition, any issues with quarantine?

In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. Most put powder into a zip lock bag, leaving the big tub at home. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If travel/transit/arrival forms require, please declare what you have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage. 

What level of cyclist do I need to be to participate?

There is no doubt about it, the fitter you are the more fun you will have. The other secret to finishing the tour is being able to complete nine enjoyable days of cycling, back to back etc.

If you continue to cycle for the entire ride, with minimal stops, you will have a very good chance of getting back to the hotel at a decent time. We want you to have a great cycling holiday.

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 4 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kits twice during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On wash days there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.

Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. 

Clothing

For our dinners - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.

I've booked my slot via the twowheeltours website, what next?

Your main focus once you have booked with us is training and booking your flights. You will be required to complete some twowheeltours paper work which you will be emailed closer to the start of the event.

Paper work

We require you to sign a waiver from twowheeltours.  

Non-riding partners*

For non-riding partners - what activities are planned? This varies year to year. We take pride in offering those partners who do not ride the opportunity to have an enjoyable time, not just sit in the van and watch/wait for the riders. When your partner signs up we like to find out what he/she enjoys to do, whether that be hiking, visiting villages, cooking classes and/or markets and provide them with a variety of activities during the tour. Non-riding partners will catch up in the evenings with the riders. We all dine together and you will spend the night together.

*Subject to minimum numbers

Payment

Upon booking a deposit is required, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.

How do I make the remaining payments?

Via direct deposit, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.  

Payment can be made by Stripe - Amex, MasterCard or Visa* - there are transfer fees associated with Credit Card payments. Please contact us so that we can send you an invoice from Stripe.