DUBLIN - PARIS Challenge Cycle (16-21 June 2013)

This is the perfect trip for those who are relatively new to cycling, as it combines a mix of the familiar and the unfamiliar as well as being challenging but still within the grasp of the beginner. The first two days the group set out from Dublin and cycle down the East Coast to Rosslare, passing the beach at Curracloe which was used to depict the Normandy beach in the film "Saving Private Ryan". After taking the overnight ferry to Cherbourg, the group cycle along the real thing at Utah beach, still with many artefacts and fortifications from the D-Day landings. The route then travels across pleasant farmland on quiet country roads to the medieval town of Bayeux.

The next day is the longest ride of the trip at 100 miles venturing into the Eure region, where the architecture changes to half timbered houses and the farms which produce wonderful Camembert cheeses.

The final day offers some of the best cycling on wonderful rural roads, passing the spectacular Palace of Versailles, before catching the first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. It is at the iconic symbol of Paris - the Eiffel Tower - that we finish the cycle and celebrate the achievement.  

GENEVA - NICE Alpine Challenge Cycle (21-27 June 2013)

This is one of the ultimate Cycling Challenges, crossing the French Alps and offering scenery and scale that has been made famous throughout the world via the Tour de France. The route contains a number of the well known Tour climbs over the five days of cycling.

Perhaps the best known and most glamorous of them is Alpe D'Huez. With its 21 hair pin ends, each one carrying the name if a previous winner, it has been a firm fixture on the tour in recent years and a must for any cycling fan.

The Col d'Izoard holds a special place in the heart of the French where its spectacular Casse Dessert has been witness to some of the great rides e.g. the likes of Coppi and Bobet.

Another climb of particular note and the last of the route, is the Cime de la Bonnette which at 2802 meters is the highest road in France. This road traverses the Mercatour National Park and contains spectacular high altitude scenery and interesting wildlife as Eagles and Marmots look upon the hardy cyclist.

Other climbs on this route include the Col du Glandon, Col du Lautaret and the Col de Vars.

It is not all uphill as the first day of cycling offers a great warm-up day, following the gentler route along the shores of Lac du Bourget, the largest and deepest lake in France. The last day also offers the rewards for the efforts as a large downhill section brings the group towards Nice and a great finish along the wonderful Promenade des Anglais.

Although this route is a serious challenge, the route will include different options to satisfy different levels and abilities.

For more information on either of these Cycle Challenges please contact Diane Weatherup at diane.weatherup@ie.orbis.org or call +353 1 2933060 or visit www.cyclingsafaris.com.