If a Transalp route starts at the Col d’Allos at an altitude of 2,247 metres and ends eight days later at around 600 metres in Provence, then it’s definitely much more downhill than uphill. However, the guides at Ride Alpine Trails aren’t stopping there. After all, this end-of-season week in October is set to bring together the crème de la crème of all Provence trails.
The route involves a total ascent of 7,500 metres
So this tour also involves some shuttle travel. Specifically, we’ll be using a special off-road vehicle that can get a little closer to the high-alpine trailheads in the Ubaye Valley. This not only saves energy but also valuable time, which you can spend having much more fun on the route’s seemingly endless trail descents. There will be a total of 14,000 metres of descent, although over the eight days there will also be 7,500 metres of ascent to tackle. Why go to all this trouble? Because these climbs – which sometimes have to be tackled by pushing or carrying the bike – lead to some truly exclusive trail descents that no other tour operator has in their programme.
But here’s a little hint: The tour starts in the Ubaye Valley, amongst the southernmost 3,000-metre peaks of the Western Alps, then winds its way through the border regions between France and Italy, finally heading for the Verdun Gorge and ending in the famous Terres Noires near Digne-les-Bains. We’ll be staying overnight and stopping for refreshments in quaint mountain villages, where a hint of lavender still lingers in the air, even though the fields have long since finished flowering. The further south we go, the stronger the scent of wine becomes – the very wine that will be served in carafes at the dinner table each evening.
However, to really enjoy this spectacular trail ride, you’ll need solid riding technique, good fitness and the determination to tackle some challenging climbs. You should also give your bike a thorough check-over before setting off, as the suspension and brakes will be put through their paces on this route.
Info Trans Provence
- Dates: 17–24 October
- Price: 2,250 euros
- Services: 3 half-board meals, 4 bed and breakfast stays, shuttle service, luggage transport, return transfer to the starting point
- Suitable for: experienced enduro riders
- Info: ridealpinetrails.com
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
