Some cycle enthusiasts might not think that 2006 Tour de France without Sir Lance Armstrong is worth attending. But these (nearly) all-inclusive trips by Great Explorations (1-800-242-1825 or 604-730-1247) offer the rest of us a chance to ride part of the tour course and watch segments of the race.
Tour De France (TDF) Biking 2006 is actually three trips that take in different parts of the course.
The TDF 1 Pyrenees (land only from $2,950 US) trip on July 8 to 15 starts in Bordeaux, where you'll have the time to sit and sip as you spend a day riding through the vineyards of St. Emilion. Then you will pick up the tour as teams race south towards the Pyrenees, piddling around (not peddling) a couple of days in Dax, known for its thermal baths and hotsprings.
The TDF 2 Alps (land only from $2,950 US), July 15 to 22, would appear to have its own challenges with stupendous scenery and divine racing but you'll always be behind because all courses are uphill. And the TDF 3 Paris (land only from $795 US) segment, from July 22 to 24, is -- well -- Paris.
Visit online at www.great-explorations.com/Pages/tourde.html for the trip itineraries and some pictures from previous years.
In past tours, the age range has been from 28 to 62. Each trip will have 16 participants, the hotels are all three-star and there are support vans with a guide/driver. Bike rental is extra at $290 US for a Racing outfit or cheaper for a Hybrid at $190 US.
You have the option of being a complete slug or trying to keep up with the professionals. For those who are gung ho, Great Explorations tries to get you on the actual courses for as much time as possible when it is not being used by the professionals.
NEVER GET LOST
GPS Tour Guide (1-866-477-4171, www.gpstourscanada.com) has developed a new tourism product that will revolutionize the way you can experience self-drive and independent vacations, to paraphrase their press release. It will be available in May for selected western itineraries.
Essentially, when the GPS box that has been affixed to your car windshield goes through a particular GPS point, it will turn on a commentary for you about the surrounding area. This takes the sweat out of turning on a tape or CD player yourself.
The GyPSy Guide is also a portable electronic guidebook offering comprehensive tourist information when out of your car.
The cost is a bit steep at $225 for a week or $49 per day, especially when you compare it to other guidebooks and tapes. The instrument might be a boon, depending on the weight, on the West Coast Trail, though.
Barbara Braidwood and Rick Cropp (RickandBarbara@telus.net) are Vancouver-based writers.
