2017 French Cycling Trip Presentations @ Big Shark Big Bend

                                                                                                                                            

For over ten years Big Shark has been partnering with Duckstore Productions on sharing some of the best cycling vacations imaginable. Run by a transplanted American, John Goldsmith, Duckstore is based in the French Alps. John has ridden and planned custom cycling tours for a broad range of abilities and is always focussed on providing a great cycling experience that is coupled with a true European experience that shares the culture, food and local knowledge.

The Invitation:

Now that the 2017 summer has officially come to a close and  cyclocross season is on it is high time to start thinking about what amazing bike adventures you will ride next summer.  In case you are lacking any ideas, I will be at Big Shark (Big Bend) Saturday evening October 28^th.  Come have a glass of wine (French of course) and eat some stinky cheese while we catch up and talk about the menu of cycling adventures DuckStore & Big Shark are cooking up for 2018.

We will have wine and cheese from 6-7. Presentation at 7. Q & A following.

Looking forward to seeing you.                                                                                                                                 

John

MENU

Starters:         

“Paris-Nice” ride camp - March 6-12

A week of riding along the French Riviera and the amazing back country where Armstrong, Leipheimer, Froome, Porte, and many others live and train.  This camp willend with a participation in the Paris-Nice Challenge riding the last stage of the pro race Paris-Nice Challenge (gran fondo) a day before the pros.

 WPR French Riviera camp - April 7-17

A challenging 8 day camp based in 2 private villas with a personal chef on the French Riviera.  We’ll ride the local classics such as the Esterel, the Turini, Brouis, Madone, and the “Corniche” roads made famous by James Bond movies.

Piemont, Italy Training - April 26-30

After testing the area in 2017 we’ll return for 5 days of riding through vineyards, hazelnut groves, and winding traffic less roads as spring comes to this gorgeous Italian province. 

Entrées          

French Alps Adventure - June 24 – July 1

A memorable point-to-point adventure through the French Alps starting and ending at DuckStore’s base on the shores of Lake Annecy.  A solid week of climbing to tackle 16 storied Tour de France cols including the Colombière, Aravis, Croix de Fer, Madeleine, Alpe d’Huez, Lautaret, Galibier.  Discover yourself why these mountains have a century of historical cycling exploits.

Etape-du-Tour Annecy – July 5-10

The world’s biggest gran-fondo returns to Annecy in 2018.  Being based there we will offer once again our amazing support to utterly enjoy this unique race on entirely closed roads, i.e no cars just like the pros.  The race will be on the same route as the pros will ride in stage 10.

Haute Route Europe – late Aug – early Sep.

Since the event started in 2011, DuckStore has been supporting private groups and teams at the “world’s toughest and highest” 7 gran fondo called Haute Route.  In Europe there are 3; Dolomites, Alps, and Pyrenees.  We will support athletes at all 3.  Each one is a 10 day package

French Pyrenees Traverse - Sep 12-18

Experience all the different aspects in this 8 day traverse of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.  An epic point-point ride through Basque country, the high peaks, and rural hidden climbs dipping into Spain.

Desserts        

California Central Coast:  San Francisco to Solvang – Oct 28 – Nov 3

Plenty to enjoy this end of the season ride down the California Central Coast known for its great combination of mild weather and expansive countryside.