The best week of your life - Ride the Grand Tour Cols

[mlocke]

Hi Guys

Huw, I got a few questions I hope you could help with.

The question of flights was mentioned and also transfers. Does the price include this or can it be arranged?

If yes, then should we all try to get the same flight?

I've never taken my bike on a plane before - do i need to buy a big/hard bag to put it in? If yes anyone got any tips where i could best get one?

Who that is wanting to go is coming on the club run tomorrow? Maybe I should introduce myself. You can recognise me by the green liquigas top, silver Bianchi bike, good lucks and tired legs!

[mlocke]

I just went on the ryanair website and it looks like the flights will be about £120 taxes, bike etc

[Andrew G]

Only 1 flight on the 23rd and 30th so we'd be on the same flights.
Never taken my bike on a plane but took it to Italy by train. You don't need a hard case, a padded bike bag will suffice (good feature in CW a couple of weeks back on packing your bike). I'm sure there's one that could be borrowed in the club if you ask nicely, or buy costs about £70ish I think.
I'll be on the CR, I think I'll recognise you as the man with the amazing increase in form and ability - 15s to 18s in one jump via a very fast Sunday run at about 20mph.

[mlocke]

Cheers Andrew ... i don't know if i'd say amazing ........well go on then

Yes I think your about the only person that I know who is going. Saw you in GB's last weekend whilst they took all my money

[Ian A4size]

I have a bike bag that i can lend if anyone needs it. I will be home from the alps by then

[Andrew G]

Right I'm committed, or need to be, I've booked my flights - out 23rd, back 30th.

[mlocke]

Should we all be booking these now?

Is it through Ryanair to Grenoble?

How much was it Andrew?

[Andrew G]

Ryanair Stanstead to Grenoble.
Huw said he'd book the hol this week and as there's only one flight on each day I thought I may as well book now.
It cost £132 in the end, that was ticking boxes for no travel ins (already got), 2 bags, one bike, numerous taxes and additional costs they never mention in the initial price, I think the advertised price was £39 out £5 back.

[mlocke]

Hi Guys

I have now booked my ticket.

Grenoble Lyon on the 23rd return the 30th.

I'm taking less bags so mine was a few pee cheeper than £120.

Better get out on my bike now.

Andrew, do you have a route map of what we did this morning?

[Andrew G]

Not got it on a map Mark, someone may have gps-ed it in the past.
The official route starts from Ryka's cafe at the bottom of Box Hill and finishes at the top of Box. [url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/CTCSouthWest0Kfoldable.jpg?t=1181503463]Here[/url] is a foldable (pocket sized) route card I have so you can use it next time you ant to have a go.

[mlocke]

Oh no Andrew I think you have misunderstood me....I just want to now where e went so that I can make sure that I avoid it in the future

[huw williams]

OK

Booked flights so far:

Huw
Amy
Mark
Andrew G

I'll be confirming the chalet today and will ask you for deposits at the end of the week

[Grant Barnes]

Hi everyone

Hopefully theres still room - booked the flight STN - GNB

Better find those climbing legs asap !

Grant B.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I've booked flights also.

[huw williams]

Excellent

So far we have

Huw
Amy
Paul T
Grant B
Dave L
Andrew G
Mark L

Which leaves one more space in the chalet - but if anyone else wants to come give me a shout first as there's another place in the same area very similar and they can book you in there.