24 to 31 August 2008

La Vercors Drome is an excellent end of summer event organised by our local Romans cycling club. If you haven't done a Cyclosportive before, this is a good place to get some experience and it gives you the motivation to get fit during the summer.

It might not be the most prestigious of cyclosportives but after 13 years it has gained a reputation for being one of the best taking into account its organisation, the conviviality, the scenery and, for some the most crucial thing, the quantity of food both during and after the event.

To keep things to a managable size, the Cyclo-Club Romanais-Peagois like to keep the number of participants to around 1000. Starting from Romans, about 15 miles (20km) from the Gastrobiking accommodation the three circuits head into the spectacular Vercors National Park.

This is a typical club organised cyclosportive where the interests of the participants is put before anything else. The 'Club Atmosphere' is why many of a our riders come back each year. It's an event not to be missed.

A map, profiles and other information can be found on the Vercors Drome website>

The Itinerary

The base for the week is The Priory in the small village of St.Nazaire-en-Royans which is 17km from the start/finish of the Vercors-Drome Cyclosportif.

The week will consist of informal rides which you can join for all or part of the time depending on your preferences. They'll introduce you to the different sections of the route so that you'll know what to expect on the day. Phil will be on hand to give you advice.

Fitness

With a choice of three circuits the event is suitable for a range of fitnesses. Most people opt to do the middle circuit although it's well worth making the extra effort and doing the longer one as the views are superb and there is only one extra hard climb involved.

Price: £520

Includes: 7 nights dinner, bed and breakfast (based on two people sharing), luggage transport, route maps, local information, training advice and entry fees (a medical certificate is required).

Single room at Hotel Rome: £105

Joining the Tour

Also see the Gastrobiking travel section for more details.

You can fly by Ryanair to Grenoble or take the train to Grenoble or Valence. From outside Europe it’s best to fly to Geneva then take the train. You can arrange to arrive on other dates to fit with your arrangements.