A Taste of France's Central Massif

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW

Enjoy Mountains, Plateaus and Gorges in the least visited region of France!

The ride starts and ends in Toulouse, beginning with a meeting and social hour at 6:30 pm  on Wed. September 13, 2017 and ending with breakfast on Thurs. September 28, 2017.  This ride is designed to explore the countryside of the region and will not be visiting any large cities.  We have created a loop which features beautiful & quiet roads lovely for cycling, amazing scenery and an introduction to a part of France which is rarely visited.  We scouted this route in May 2016 and were delighted when the 2017 Tour de France route was announced to see that the Tour will be passing through several of the same locations, but certainly at a much different pace!

RIDE RATING
The ride fits the 2B requirements, with the exception of 3 days which exceed the elevation gain-from Saint Geniez d'Olt to Laguiole has a gain of 3,885', from Bagnols les Bains to the Gorges du Tarn has a gain of 4,042' and returning to Saint Geniez d'Olt there is a gain of 3,839'.  We will be primarily on small country roads, but will occasionally have to link these roads with a mile or so along a busier road.  Because this is a mountainous area, almost every day has a couple of short climbs (650'-1,700') of anywhere from 10%-15% to a couple at 20%.  We will be riding a part of most days at elevations of 3,000’ to 4,500’.  Daily rides range from 27 to 37 miles, with the exception of one 50 mile day.  

WEATHER
Temperatures should be in the 50 to 75 degree range. Wind and rain are always possible, but we’ve tried to hit the sweet spot in September weather-wise.

LODGING & MEALS
We will stay in mostly 3 star hotels, with one a 2 star.  We tried to select hotels with good restaurants and allow the chef to propose the menu featuring regional specialties and fresh seasonal dishes.   You will be on your own for dinner the 2 nights we stay in towns.  

LOGISTICS
We've found a nice hotel in Blagnac close to airport and public transportation (if early arrivals want to go into center city Toulouse).  Bikes stay in bags and we will be whisked away the next morning by private motor coach and delivered to a lovely spot just outside Saint Geniez d'Olt.  This is where we will assemble bikes and leave bike boxes for the duration of the trip.  Saint Geniez d'Olt is a charming village and will make a great test ride after your bike is assembled.

Next day we ride to Laguiole, and the following day takes us into the mountains with a 2 night stay in Paiherols.  From here we head for Murat with dinner open to explore the possibilities of the village.  Reilhac is our next stop as we head into the Allier region.  A night in Pont d'Alleryas features a 4 star hotel and Michelin star restaurant.

Next is Langogne for 2 nights, then Bagnols les bains, followed by 2 nights in the gorge du Tarn before heading back to Saint Geniez d'Olt and then next day a bus ride back to Blagnac for the final night (Wed. 9/27)

We will have a social hour with beverages every night before dinner to discuss the day, and the next day's route.  The trip will start with the social hour on Sept. 13 and end with breakfast on Sept. 28.

Maps, cue sheets and GPX tracks will be provided.  Participants are encouraged to use GPS units for easier navigation.  You will need to bring you own GPS unit.  While GPX files will be provided, your GPS should have general road maps of the area pre-loaded and participants should know how to use their units before arrival.  On the lay over days there will be cue sheets and GPX tracks for optional rides.  

Canoeing down the Gorge du Tarn will be an option for the layover day spent there (costs of canoeing not included in ride costs.)

Bike rentals on this tour present difficult logistics, therefor all participants are encourage to bring their own bikes.

COST & ADMINISTRATION
The cost of the ride includes 15 nights in hotels, 15 buffet breakfasts, 13 dinners (including a Michelin star retaurant), 15 socials (happy hours) with one drink at each, maps, cue sheets and GPX tracks.  Beverages with dinner meals (wine, beer, soda etc.) are not included in the cost budgeted for meals.  You will be on your own for dinner the 2 nights we stay in towns.  You will also be on your own for lunch each day.  The cost of this tour is budgeted at 1 Euro = 1.20 dollar exchange rate.

A deposit of $1,000 is required upon being accepted on the ride.  A second payment of $1,300 will be due May 1, 2017.  The final payment of $950 may be adjusted for fluctuation in the exchange rate.  It is due on July 15, 2017.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
Singles are welcome and encouraged to find compatible roommates. The Ride Directors will introduce and assist singles to find roommates, but singles must make their own rooming decision.  Those singles who wish to have a room to themselves (Solos) will be asked to pay a single supplement of $2,500.

REFUND POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT REPSONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.  All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the tour deposit and non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.