Hey Reader

Alrighty, things are starting to happen regarding next year's trip, and I'll keep you updated as we go.

The TDF route hasn't been announced yet, but we do have the start date and location, which means you can book airfares anytime you see a deal that works for you.

Le Grand Départ of the 2024 Tour de France takes place in Italy - in Florence, on Saturday, June 29th.

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We'll be starting and finishing in Barcelona. ​

You need to be at Barcelona El Prat Airport, Terminal 1, at 9 am on Monday, July 1st.

You may need to arrive the day before to be ready for our departure and drive to our first stop in France. More details about this are below.

I'll have you back in Barcelona (a nearby hotel) late on Wednesday 25th July. You can make your way to the airport via taxi on Thursday, 26th July, for your return flight home or onto other adventures.

Please do not book a return flight for the evening of the 25th as you may not be back in time to make your flight... speaking from experience. 😬

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My guess is we will be going from Provence to the Alps, Annecy and finishing in the Pyrenees, judging by the start and finish TDF locations, but I can't book hotels until we know for sure, in October.

Either way, our start and finish dates are set in stone. You can book your flights based on these dates.
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If you haven't been on one of my France trips before, here's an idea of where we'll be for how many days...

Carpentras in Provence — 4 nights

La Chambre in the French Alps — 4 nights

Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps — 4 nights

Lake Annecy — 5 Nights

Argeles Gazost in the Pyrenees — 7 nights

Barcelona Airport — 1 night

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Why drive from Barcelona instead of flying into France?

We used to take an internal flight to save the long drive from the Alps to Barcelona, but there were always major headaches associated with those Air France flights — limited luggage, extra charges for bikes, bikes not being loaded onto the plane, etc.

Now, the plan is to cut that flight and make the drive instead, which has worked perfectly on the last three trips.

NOTE: You have the freedom to fly in and out of any city to meet up with the group, but you will need to make your own way to or from that town, unless it's inconvenient for the rest of the group.

For example, this year, a few riders chose to leave from Lyon and took a train out of Annecy to the airport.

Feel free to contact me to discuss other options if you're looking to do something different to the group.

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The Tour de France

The current plan is to see the TDF on one of the mountain stages. I'll know which stage as soon as the TDF route is announced.

Either way, we're in for a fantastic stage and day!

​I often get asked by new riders if one stage is enough. In my experience, it's a massive day, and one stage is plenty. In saying that, if you want to coordinate things to see another stage, that's fine, and I'll do what I can to make that happen, especially if the majority of the group is keen.

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Our Group

There are 20 riders paid up and good to go for the full trip, and we have a couple of others joining us for part of the trip. It's looking like a fantastic mixed group of men, women, experienced, less experienced riders and a non-rider, too.

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What you need to do next... Book Your Flights

I suggest contacting Jodi O'Sullivan from Travel Managers to organise your flights.
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You don't need to use Jodi, but she is amazing at her job and helpful if anything goes amiss.

She's been instrumental in helping me make these trips as good as they are since 2010.
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There is absolutely nothing in it for me if you book with Jodi. And you can 100% go with your travel agent if you prefer.
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Jodi's details:

M: 0478 405 119

E: jodio@travelmanagers.com.au

NOTE: Jodi is away on holiday until the 18th September.

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At this stage, flights are more expensive than they have been in the past, so it may pay to be flexible with your dates if you have that luxury.

For example, arriving a few days earlier may save you hundreds and you can meet me in Girona to start riding there if you like.

The main thing is you need to be at our confirmed meeting spot on the morning of Monday 1st July.

We should start to see any 'earlybird' specials popping up in the following weeks. Keep a close eye on prices and grab something if you see a good deal, or have Jodi keep an eye out for you. ​
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A note on Girona

I'll be in Girona for the month of June with a few other riders. If you choose to arrive early, feel free to book something in Girona and come riding with us.

You'll find plenty of accommodation options on Airbnb.

Let me know if you take this option and I'll help with your transport options from Barcelona.
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​Travel Insurance

It is vital for a trip like this, and you want to get yourself covered ASAP.

Last year, I used Cover More Travel Insurance, which looked good.

I selected the middle package, "International Comprehensive", and added an additional $6000 cancellation cover in case Covid or something else ruin things.

Do your due diligence, but get onto this asap.

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Whoa, sorry about the long email!
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Once these major details are sorted, I'll update you on where we're at, packing lists, training and preparation ideas, etc.

If you'd like to chat about anything related to the trip, please call me on 0413 852 222. Or hit reply to this email.​
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Alright... bring on France in 2024!

Speak soon
Andy

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PS

One last thing...
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Please reply to this email with your best contact number and full name EXACTLY as it appears on your passport.

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