Bike packing lightweight

from the Alps to the Provence

Ride with us this unforgettable 6-day epic

from our base near the legendary Alpe d'Huez to the iconic Mont Ventoux.

Discover the breathtaking Alps and witness the ever-evolving nature

as we make our way towards the warm and sunny Provence.

Each day we ride the most beautiful natural trails between these two legends.

Each evening we are welcomed by locals at a charming gîte or chambre d'hôtes.

type trip

xc - dc

point-to-point trip

UP: Level 3-4

DOWN: INTERMEDIATE

info levels

dates

on demand

periode mei/juni/september/oktober

week

€ 1175

ALL-IN
6 days xc-dc biking

certified MTB-guide

7 nights

charming gîtes + b&b's

half board

...

contact & bookings

:: Bike packing lightweight - Alpe Ventoux ::

Bike packing has gained significant popularity

and for good reasons!

Embark on an epic adventure

and savor the simple joys: ride - eat - sleep - repeat

immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors

disconnect to reconnect

:: XC-DC bike packing ::

What, how, how come ?!?

Bike packing comes in various forms. Over the years, we have tested different concepts: from trips between comfortable hotels to fully autonomous trekkings with bivouac camping. We tried out rides from gravel to all-mountain, from touring to racing, from the hills to the high Alps... there are many ways. Something for everyone.

The basics remain the same: you travel from A to B to C to...

During this journey, you carry your own gear and sometimes need to be resourceful (with the guidance of your guide, of course). In return, you experience a pure sense of freedom, life stripped down to the basics, connecting with your surroundings, experiencing the camaraderie, and exploring places you wouldn't typically visit.

:: Lightweight ::

Trek between gîtes = ideal combination of adventure and biking

From experience, we have learned that bike packing is only fun when you get the good balance right between outdoor adventure and fun biking. That's why we propose this trip as a "bike packing lightweight".

Every night we sleep in a cozy gîte, enjoy a warm shower, delicious meal (with local beer), and a comfortable bed. This limits our luggage to the absolute basics: spare/rain clothes + evening clothing + some food for on the road.

That only takes about 4 kg of extra luggage! This leaves plenty of energy to enjoy epic rides while keeping the biking playful :)

:: Daily itinerary ::

Ride - eat - sleep - repeat

Starting from 4 pm, everyone is welcome at our home base at the foot of Alpe d'Huez. In the evening, we will introduce ourselves, brief you on what's to come, and check the bikes & gear.

We kick things off in our backyard with the off-road climb to the first legend: Alpe d'Huez.We continue through the Alpine meadows, climbing towards several panoramic mountain lakes and enjoying a long flowing descent.

We pack up our bags (or rather small bags), and we're off! On the agenda: the ascent of 2 mountain passes, both linked by ancient paths of shepherds and miners.

On day 3, we traverse the Devoluy mountain range. A playful singletrack through ancient glacier debris takes us to the gateway of this vast mountain basin. In the forests, we ride winding mtb rollercoasters; above the tree line, we pass through flowing lunar landscapes.

The area is relatively unknown among bikers, but trust us: it's a true hidden gem!

From day 4 onwards, we notice a clear turning point: the temperature increases by a few degrees, the nature becomes drier, the trails rockier... we bid farewell to the Alps for good and welcome the Provence.

The playground of the raid "Chemin du soleil" is a true trail jungle, constantly up and down, winding along a mountainside, cutting through narrow gorges. We also come across a small swimming lake where the bravest can take a dip.

The Mont Ventoux already peeks on the horizon, we are getting very close now! On day 5, we traverse the Baronnies National Park. Along various singletracks, we descend towards the olive trees (and fig trees, yum!) of Montbrun-les-Bains.

Day 6 is the grand finale, the bald mountain, the Mont Ventoux!

Today includes the ascent of this iconic mountain. Those still feeling fresh can even opt for the 100% off-road climb. Once at the top, we take in the 360° view, from the Alps across the Rhone Valley to the Mediterranean Sea. To wrap up, we embark on an incredibly long trail ending at a well-deserved cozy terrace.

In the late afternoon, our bus picks us up, and we head back to the foot of Alpe d'Huez.

The described route is subject to possible changes. Weather conditions, technical issues, or something else may affect the exact travel route. All changes are made to get you the best riding/holiday experience.

:: The ride ::

This point-to-point adventure is aimed at xc-dc bikers.

We climb and descend on a maximum of singletracks. We ride mainly in group, we're in this together. A good technical foundation (level 2 - intermediate) is necessary to enjoy the trip. You are a technically skilled xc biker, but allmountain/enduro skills are not required.

You can't plan adventure, but you can come prepared! You have an adventurous spirit, enjoy spending full days in the outdoors, and can handle rough terrain.

On average, each day includes:

↑↓ ~1700m of climbing & descending (or more, upon request 😉)

info levels

LEVEL 3 & 4

You regularly go mountain biking

and are physically prepared.

You can climb for extended periods.

Tempo changes and climbing on singletrack are totally fine

You can climb 1700m daily. You can push your bike for short sections.

INTERMEDIATE

You are a xc/dc/trail mountainbiker

with experience in different riding locations and mid-level mountains. You are in control on moderate steep singeltracks on a large variety of surfaces with some rocks and roots.

You have a good base skills

but you possibly meet your limits in the mountains.

mountainbike

The ideal bike for this trip is an XC-DC-trail full suspension bike with 100 to 130 mm of travel, a dropper seat post, knobby tires, and disc brakes.

A (trail) hardtail is also an option, but it will be technically more challenging.

⚡️ e-mtb? It can!

Just remember to bring your charger ;)

:: Lodging ::

Legenduro offers you a complete trip that is professionally crafted and prepared to the smallest details. A good bike trip is so much more than riding!

During this trip, we switch accommodation nearly every day. We spend our nights in the coziest gites and are welcomed by locals in authentic villages.

Our hosts spoil us with breakfast and dinner. For lunch and trail snacks, we make a daily stop at a French bakery or a local shop