Hey Reader

Planning has been well underway for our 2027 cycling adventure! Here is the first update; I'll keep you posted as we go.

I had early access to the Tour de France route through a contact in France, so I've secured almost all the hotel bookings and planned our itinerary.

The only hotel I still haven't officially secured, even though I'm assured it's on hold for us, is a new hotel in the Pyrenees.

Anyone who has been on a past trip will know how amazing our little hotel was in Argeles-Gazost. Unfortunately, both owners have now passed away. We've been going there since 2012!

The hotel is now closed and for sale, so I've had to find a new hotel in our favourite little village/town in the Pyrenees.

I'm familiar with the new hotel, and it should be great. However, the owner is currently on holiday between seasons, and I hope to have this finalised by early November. I'll keep you posted.

Everything else is good to go!

Here is our planned itinerary for July 2027...

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If you plan to arrive before July 1st and want to start riding, your best option is to head straight to Girona and meet a small group and me to get a head start on the holiday.

If this is you, please let me know, and I can share some accommodation and transportation ideas to make getting to and staying in Girona easier.

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Truck and Cars... Our Transport

I'll be booking the truck and cars in the coming weeks. Ideally, we'll have them ready to roll on the morning of July 2nd, when we'll head to Provence and the mighty Mont Ventoux for the first leg of our trip.

If things run to plan, we should have our bikes assembled, sorted, checked in at our hotel, and ready for an easy ride that afternoon, then enjoy a beer and a swim before dinner all at our hotel in Carpentras.

I'm looking for three drivers who are happy to drive and be responsible for a car each during the trip.

Each driver needs to be doing the entire trip, arriving on July 1st, and ideally, will be comfortable driving in Europe, on the right-hand side of the road.

The group will cover the cost of each vehicle, but the driver must be willing to use their credit card to hire the car, and I'll reimburse you. The car hire company no longer allows one person to be assigned to more than one vehicle.

If you're all good with this, please let me know asap.

Mont Ventoux will be an amazing start to our trip!

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The Tour de France

The current plan is to see the TDF while we are in the Pyrenees, at Argeles-Gazost on Stage 18, Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan, Col du Portet.

We'll have a couple of options, but we'll most likely ride up our valley and take the same road the riders will take to the top of Col du Tourmalet. Or, if you prefer, stay in town and watch the race roll through Argeles-Gazost, where we'll be staying.

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

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Our Group

We have 24 paid, good-to-go riders (men and women) for next year's trip.
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If you haven't already booked your flights, I suggest contacting Jodi O'Sullivan at Travel Managers to get organised.
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You don't need to use Jodi, but she is fantastic at her job and super 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

If you can be flexible with your arrival dates, you should be able to find a bargain or two.

For example, arriving a few days earlier may save you hundreds, and if you'd like, you can meet me in Girona (about 90 minutes from Barcelona) to start riding there.

The main thing is you need to be at our confirmed meeting spot (Hotel B&B Viladecans near Barcelona airport) at 9 am on Friday, 2nd July. Or, already be in Girona, where I can organise transport back to Barcelona for you.

NOTE: If you'd like me to book you a bed (or single room) in Barcelona for the nights of July 1st and/or July 25th, please let me know. These are the nights before the trip starts and the night it finishes. You don't need to stay at the same hotel, but you do need to be there on the morning of July 2nd to start the trip. This is also where we will finish the adventure.

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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 Insure and Go, which seemed good, but plenty of other options exist.
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I selected the middle package, "International Comprehensive", and added $6,000 in cancellation coverage in case something popped up and ruined plans.

In 2024, two riders broke bones right before they were due to head to Europe. One had a nightmare with his insurance coverage and waited a long time to get a refund. The other had his and his wife's FULL refunds back in their account less than two weeks after his accident.

Do your due diligence, but get onto this ASAP.

Whoa, sorry about the long email!
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Once I have more details sorted, I'll update you on our current status, including packing lists, bike gearing, training, and preparation ideas.

If you'd like to discuss anything related to the trip, feel free to call me on 0413 852 222 or reply to this email.

Alright... bring on the French Alps, the Pyrenees and Provence in 2027!

Speak soon
Andy

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PS

One last thing...
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I've created a Facebook Messenger Group for all of us. If you're happy to be added to the Group, you can find me at www.facebook.com/andyhellmich —send me a friend request if we're not already friends, and I'll add you.