Day 1, Tuesday 14 July

Welcome to France. Shall we ride to Monaco?

Ahhhh, now I remember - all things good about France. The pace of life, croissants, wine, cheese, great roads, amazing scenery... we could go on and on. What a fantastic country.

Welcome to France. Let's have a brilliant two weeks together.

Feel free to arrive at any time. Our hotel is located at Nice airport. We like to make things easy. You’re on holiday.

We’ll have our bike mechanics ready to help put your velo together. Late this afternoon we’ll head out for a very quick spin. Just to make sure everything is working properly both bike and person.

Team Mac head off to the beach and maybe a swim? We also know where the best coffee is. The café is owned by Simon Gerrans. Is it too early for a wine?   

Today is Bastille Day, which usually means an epic TdF stage has been planned. It’s encouraged that the French attack early. Winning a stage on Bastille Day is the pinnacle. We’ll make sure we’re all together in a bar watching the final throws of today’s stage.   

Tonight, we’ll crack open a few bottles of champagne. A lot of you will know each other so it's a case of saying hello to old friends and welcoming those who are travelling with us for the first time. We’ll introduce the team and have a chat about the next couple of days.

It really is great to have you here. Cheers to you.

/ Accommodation: Campanile Nice Airport hotel
/ Meals Included: Welcome Dinner and Champagne

Ps, if you want to arrive early (this would be our recommendation) then we’ll book the extra accommodation.

In fact, in previous years we’ve had 100% of you arrive the day prior (13^th). If that happens again then we would look at an earlier, longer ride out to Monaco and back. 

Day 2, Wednesday 15 July

Hotel to Hotel. Isola 2000

Day 3, Thursday 16 July

Col de la Bonette

First the good news. Today starts with 15km of downhill. Zero pedalling. Not even one revolution. That’s a Silas promise.  

Hmmm, what’s after the downhill?

Glad you asked...

None other than Col de la Bonette. It’s one of my favourites. It’s Hors category. (Hmmm... is that 2 HC in 2 days. Yip!) It’s actually the highest paved (driveable) road in Europe and sits 2860m above sea level.

And now for some more good news. Once we get to the top of Bonette, we literally roll down the other side to our hotel. Total ride mileage is only 77km. Climbing is 1900m. We’ll encourage as many of you as possible to ride hotel to hotel. It really is spectacular. You’ve got all day to ride 77k and 40km of that is downhill.

Team Mac – you catch the chairlift a further 400m higher than our already quite high hotel. (By the way, the 2000 as in Isola 2000 stands for its height above sea level.)  Chris has a walk planned which will showcase the best of Mercantour National Park. Look out for the Marmots. The great thing about French ski stations in summer is that they generally leave a café open for the hikers (that’s you by the way).

The next 2 nights are spent in the beautiful Villa Morelia. Built in the heart of a 1-hectare enclosed park, with a unique 360° mountain view. This will be the 3^rd time we’ve stayed here. It has a nice pool, outdoor bar and Robert, the owner, really looks after us. We can’t wait to get back there.

The hotel restaurant is well known and is rated very highly. There are no less than 10 chefs according to the hotel website. I’m expecting big things.  

/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)   

Ps, from 3pm we’ll be showing the last couple of hours from today’s TDF (in English) stage. You’ll find us – on the lawn next to the bar, in the shade of the beautiful old Oak tree. See you there. 

Day 4, Friday 17 July

Italy for coffee!!

5am yoga!! Just kidding.

Yesterday was reasonably challenging. The goal for today is to keep things short. We’ll start early but not at 5am. It’s only 25km to the Italian boarder. Let’s go there as the Italian coffee is always better.

So, 50km return for those who want to spend some time by the pool this afternoon. Our target Col (we always need a target Col) being Col de la Madeleine. Located on a high mountain pass between the Cottian Alps and the Maritime Alps.

Espresso cyclists are welcome to carry on further into Italy. There’s only one road. If you get to Rome, then you’ve gone too far. In all seriousness, for anyone feeling energetic. the target is the magnificent switchbacks which are about 7km past the French / Italian boarder. Well worth the extra riding.

Team Mac – we see you joining the cyclists today. The Italian towns of Bersezio and Argentera are gorgeous and well worth a wander. This is probably where the cyclists will end up for lunch. Pasta anyone?

This afternoon we’ll again set up the big screen in the garden and watch what we think will be a key mountain stage.  

Jausiers is a really nice little town and there are a few choices for dinner. Or you could simply eat at the hotel. Please keep an eye on the RH App for tomorrow’s plans.

/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)

Ps, just reminding you – on a daily basis, we’ll have 2 or 3 vehicles around you. There’s no pressure. When you’ve had enough, just put your hand on top of your helmet. We’ll be there to pick you up. 

Day 5, Saturday 18 July

Provence

A few options today. We head west towards Provence. Waiting for us is the one and only - Mont Ventoux. In fact – it would be wise to keep tomorrow’s ride in the back of mind when you choose today’s distance.

For a very small % of you it is possible to ride hotel to hotel. We’ll probably set you off with Patrick as this is his backyard. It’s 150km and 1700VM. So, not that bad but keep in mind that Provence gets hot. Anyway – let’s call this the double espresso option.

The espresso and latte (for the normal people) ride starts in Sisteron. We know this town well as it features regularly on the TDF circuit. We also know where the world’s best Pain aux raisin resides. While you eat and drink – we’ll offload the bikes and have them ready to go.

Sisteron to Sault is only 70km but it does pack a punch. Visually and vertically. The highlight being Gorges de la Meouge - designated as a Wonder of the Hautes-Alpes. Classified as a biological reserve and the ideal place for us to look after your bikes while you go for a swim. There’s a fantastic 5 or 10km walk which we see being on the Team Mac agenda. Cyclists are welcome to join them. If they’ll have you…

Our hotel is located within the Parc Naturel regional Mont Ventoux. There is one small blip to navigate just prior to reaching the hotel. That would be called Col de l'Homme Mort. It’s not a massive climb. 5km and 250vm but it is beautiful. I’ll aways remember the lavender fields. Especially with the Giant looking on in the background. Postcard type stuff.  

Our hotel for the next couple of nights offers breathtaking views of the Vaucluse. It’s a cycling themed hotel which doubles as a spa. Offering a variety of massages as well as a thermal pool. Sounds terrible.  

Day 6, Sunday 19 July

Today we ride the Giant

We are aware that a few of you have ridden Mont Ventoux before. But probably not from Sault which is preferred route today. There are in fact 3 different roads up Ventoux.

We’ll work with you on whatever you want to do. Feel free to ride all 3 if you feel like it. Please be warned though that if you choose to ride Mont Ventoux 3 times (yes, it’s a thing) then we will drug test you in front of the group.

Anyway, getting back to the preferred route. Our hotel to the top of Mont Ventoux is only 25.6km, 1300VM. That’s a puppy dog.  

A certain rider who once claimed to have won seven Yellow Jerseys, before admitting to the world that he was indeed as high as a kite, used to vouch that Mont Ventoux is the most difficult of all the Tour de France climbs. I’m not convinced. Personally, I think Loze is harder.

Standing 1,600m above the Cote du Rhone countryside, it's referred to as the Giant of Provence. It's also generally very hot and windy so we'll try and get on the road early this morning. The terrain in the Cote du Rhone region is brilliant. We'll cycle in some of the famous vineyard regions and see the premier varieties of Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Viognier being grown. The landscape around Ventoux is interesting yet varied. You will cycle up through mixed agricultural farmland, past fields of beautiful lavender and through the forests of Ventoux.

TDF1 are also ride Ventoux today but from Bedoin. You’ll see them from Chalet Reynard (top notch hot chocolate) which sits 6km from the summit.

Team Mac – Guillaume (your guide) has a big day planned. Sunday is market day in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Think of NZ’s biggest market and add steroids. You will then visit a couple of the beautiful towns that make this region famous. You haven't been to Provence until you've seen the likes of Gordes and Vanasque.

/ Accommodation: Le Nesk, Sault
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)

PS, in past years we’ve had some Team Mac hire e-bikes and ride with us today. That’s very much on offer today as well.

Day 7, Monday 20 July

Lake Annecy for the day....

We pride ourselves on flexibility. For both cyclists as well as Team Mac. By day 7, we’ll know more about you and what you like. Yes, we’ll always have a plan, but we won’t be scared to change it. (And are certainly open to suggestions)     

Today is our longest transfer and no, cycling the 350km isn’t an option. The plan is to hop in the vans and drive to Lake Annecy which is our favourite lake on earth. Silas, Paul and Chris are all lucky enough to call this region home.

Team Mac has a few choices.

The actual town of Annecy is stunning and well worth a couple of hours. Nicknamed  "Venice of the Alps" it is crisscrossed by canals and features a well-preserved medieval old town with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and historic structures like the Palais de l'Isle and the Chateau d'Annecy. The town is also known for its exceptionally clear water, clean environment, and abundant flowers.

Or you could hire a bike and joining the cyclists on the flat 40km bike path that circumnavigates the lake. Stopping for an occasional swim or coffee.

Or a mixture of both….

When we’re ready, we’ll jump back in the vehicles for the last hour and head up to the ski town of Meribel. The next 2 nights are in what I’d describe as France’s # 1 ski resort town.  High in the mountains and surrounded by the best skiing and in my humble opinion, the best bike path on the planet. And that is exactly why we are here. Tomorrow, we ride Loze.

/ Accommodation – Meribel
/ Meals included – Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 8, Tuesday 21 July

Col de la Loze

In 2019, we were literally the first group (in the whole entire wide world) to ride the brand-new paved path that links Courchevel and Méribel. It opened the day before we arrived. At 2,300m, the French created the 11th highest paved Col in France. And it was built purely with cycling in mind. Bless the French!!

You can ride side by side, knowing that there’s zero chance of any vehicles. It’s that nice that in 10 years’ time your cycling buddies will be asking you “have you ridden Col de la Loze?” Alpe d’Huez will be sooo yesterday!

You may remember Loze for being the deciding TDF stage in 2023. Pogi was absolutely destroyed by Vingegaard. I wonder who Loze will destroy today? Hmm. Suggest you follow the Silas Cullen training program (starts 10 weeks prior to the trip starting).

Staying on the mountain means that you have the whole day to ride only 40km. Personally, I rank this loop higher than the worlds other sexy 40km loop – the Sella Ronda in Italy. It does involve a wee bit of climbing though … just over 2000VM. But you have the whole day. (You’ll be super fit by this stage of the trip.)

The Whippets amongst us can choose to do it twice. Clockwise and anti-clockwise. 80km and almost 4500m of climbing. Please be warned, if you do this then we will name and shame you at dinner. You will also be tested for drugs.

This afternoon - we can take you to the aquatic water park. There are numerous pools to choose, massage, etc. But also, slightly more challenging activities like an indoor surf wave, climbing wall, etc.

/ Accommodation – Meribel
/ Meals included – Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, Team Mac catch a cable car right up to the top of Loze. The views are stunning. There are numerous walks to choose from, but we really need you there to encourage our riders up the last little ramp. (Which is quite steep but don’t tell them that)   

Day 9, Wednesday 22 July

Lacets, Telegraphe, Galibier and Lautaret (4 Col Day)

I know it sounds scary, but it isn’t that bad. We’ll again have plenty of options.

Here’s the plan...

Our day starts with a short drive from Meribel to the bottom of Lacets de Montvernier. Probably the most famous little wee climb in the whole wide world. It’s relatively short (3.5km) but incredibly scenic. (Google it.)

From there we ride to the other side of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (this is our lunch spot) and start climbing up to Col du Galibier via Col du Telegraphe. (False flat)   

Galibier is the 8^th highest paved road in the Alps. You’ve already done so this should be easy peasy. It’s then 100% (30km) downhill to our hotel. (Via Col du Lautaret)

I know what you are thinking... that’s a big day... but no, it’s not too bad. Total distance is only 90km. 2600m up and a whopping 1900m down. Which in my world pretty much says that the whole day is only a 700m climb. Pretty much flat. 

** On that note – for those who need more time on the climb we will simply start you earlier. We don’t want you to feel pressure to keep up with the whippets.

Team Mac – you have to see Lacets. We’ll drive you at the top so you can cheer on the cyclists. After lunch you take the express route over Galibier to Lautaret. There’s a garden there that’s recognised throughout France as being one of the best. It’s actually funded by the local university. We’ve booked a walking guide to show you around as the cyclists pedal downhill towards the next hotel. Like on all days – there will also be a good walk planned.

Our home for the next 4 nights is in the beautiful ski valley of Serre Chevalier. We stay at the same hotel every year. Tomorrow, we’ll be joined by TDF1. It will be a sea of Pink and Blue.

/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, tonight we will offer shuttles up the valley to the magnificent thermal baths. (Speedos for boys are required. I’m not joking).

Day 10, Thursday 23 July

Italy for another coffee… Or…

Let’s start with the important people first.  Team Mac - you spend your day in Briançon. The old town is called Cité Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ve booked a local guide to show you around. It’s a 2-hr walking tour so please make sure you have good shoes. This town is not flat and most of the streets are narrow and cobblestones. 

Cyclists - today is one of those balance days. It's an important part of our job to manage fatigue. We need to get you safely to day 14. In past years the need for a good coffee has meant a ride into Italy. The ski town of Bardonecchia isn’t far away and it’s yet again another beautiful ride.

Or…. This is our only chance to ride the spectacular Col d’Izoard. For us, the most scenic climb in the Alps. It is quite long at 19km. But, not as scary as some of the steeper hills with an average of just over 5%.

500m from the top of d’Izoard is a fascinating building called Napoleon’s Refuge. It transpires that the man himself left a large amount of money in his will to this particular French Provence - mainly to thank the local people for their support. It was decided that the best way of using this money was to build shelters on isolated high mountain passes. The shelter has now been turned into a café. I wonder what he would say now if he knew that a few skinny cyclists wandered in every day and ask “latte please”?

Or… If we have enough people, then we could look at going to today’s TDF stage. It’s only 100km away. But keep in mind you will see the TDF over the next 2 days.

This afternoon we suggest you catch the cable car which is pretty much located at the hotel front door. Have a coffee at the top. Go for a stroll.  

/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)