Peak&Coast Cycling
Complete FAQ
Alpine Signature (Alpe d’Huez) & Alpine Classic (Vaujany)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know — so you can focus on the ride.
Peak&Coast Cycling Camp is a small-group Alpine week (Signature in Alpe d’Huez, Classic in Vaujany), built around iconic climbs, structured support, and real recovery.
Expect 5 ride days, a fully supported experience (vehicle + guide), and a simple logistics flow — including airport/train transfers and all meals from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast.
Confident descending is required.
Quick answers:
· Am I fit enough to join?
· What’s included?
· How does booking work?
1) Fit & eligibility
Who is PCC for?
For regular cyclists who want a structured Alpine week: smart pacing (how hard to ride so you don’t blow up), iconic climbs, recovery, and true camp spirit. Mixed camps — typically 18 to 75 years old.
What’s the minimum level required?
If you can complete 5 mountain ride days while managing your effort, you’re a good fit:
• Ideally: 3 rides/week for 6–8 weeks beforehand
• Typical stages: 70–120 km & 1,500–3,000 m climbing per day (4–6 hours)
• Key requirement: confident descending on open roads
Is there a minimum FTP / W/kg?
No official FTP threshold. We validate mainly via your ride history (e.g., Strava) + a quick call/message to confirm it’s the right fit.
How do I know if I’m “confident descending”?
You’re likely a good fit if you can descend Alpine roads with open traffic without braking constantly, you’re comfortable cornering, and you can stay relaxed at speed. If you’re unsure, tell us — we’ll be honest about fit.
Do I need to be a “racer” to join?
No. You need to be prepared and motivated — not a pro.
2) The week, simplified
What’s the exact camp format?
7 days / 6 nights / 5 ride days, small-group (~12 riders), led by a certified guide + full support vehicle.
How long / how much climbing per day?
Typically 4–6 hours, 70–120 km, and 1,500–3,000 m of climbing per day.
Total for the week?
Around 400 km and ~10,000 m of climbing.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast → ride → lunch → recovery → workshop & briefing → dinner.
Are routes fixed in advance?
We provide a weekly structure, then adjust for weather, road conditions and safety.
What average speed do you ride?
We don’t ride to a fixed “average speed” — it doesn’t mean much in the mountains. Instead, we ride to effort targets (power or RPE), time on the bike, and climbing. That’s how you finish the week strong.
How do you handle different rider levels?
- On rolling terrain: organized group riding
- On climbs: everyone rides at their own pace + pacing guidance
- Regroups at key points (summits / landmarks)
3) Safety & support
Are the roads closed?
No — roads are open. Respect for traffic rules is mandatory at all times.
Do you brief safety and group-riding rules?
Yes. We keep rules simple and consistent: positioning, spacing, signals, intersections and descending.
What happens with bad weather?
We adapt timing and/or route choice to maximize safety and the overall quality of the week.
Is there a support vehicle?
Yes — full support vehicle for both Signature and Classic.
What does the support cover?
Fueling, clothing storage, photos, logistics, basic mechanical help and safety support (depending on the day’s setup).
What if I struggle on a day?
We adjust your targets and choose the safest option (fatigue, weather, mechanical). You may ride in the van occasionally if needed (see van policy below).
What’s your van policy? (very important)
The support vehicle is not a downhill taxi and not a fitness bailout.
It’s here for logistics, safety and support (fuel, clothing, basic mechanical help). If you’re exhausted, cramping, unwell, or facing a mechanical/safety issue, we can offer a one-off ride in the van when feasible. But it’s not possible to load/unload bikes multiple times per day just to skip descents.
4) What’s included / not included
What’s included?
Both camps include the core PCC experience:
• Certified guide + full support vehicle
• All meals (Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast)
• Transfers from Lyon Airport (LYS) and Grenoble train station
• PCC kit, pro photos, recovery boots
• Daily bike wash + daily kit laundry
What’s not included?
• Flights / trains to reach Lyon (LYS) or Grenoble
• Travel insurance (including cancellation coverage)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional items, etc.)
• Anything not explicitly listed as “included” for your selected camp option
Do you recommend insurance?
Yes — we strongly recommend travel insurance, including cancellation coverage.
5) Bikes & gear
Is bike rental included?
Alpine Signature: yes (carbon bike + power meter).
Alpine Classic: either bring your own bike, or add the premium rental.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes — recommended if you want to keep your usual setup.
Do you wash bikes?
Yes — daily bike wash.
What gearing do you recommend?
Mountains: cassette up to 34 recommended.
Are pedals provided?
Usually no — bring your own pedals and shoes (case-by-case if needed).
Is a power meter mandatory?
No, but recommended (especially for Signature). Signature bikes include a power meter.
Do I need to send my bike measurements?
Yes if renting: included in the Booking Confirmation.
Is the helmet provided?
No — you must bring your own helmet.
Do you recommend a white helmet?
Yes — we strongly recommend a white helmet for heat management and visibility.
6) Recovery & comfort
What recovery tools are available?
Recovery boots are included in both camps.
Are massages included?
Alpine Signature: yes (30 min/day).
Alpine Classic: optional.
Do I need to shave my legs?
Not mandatory, but recommended (massage comfort + in case of a crash).
7) Accommodation & camp life
Rooms — how does it work in Alpine Signature?
Private room (single occupancy) or shared with your companion only (no roommate matching).
Rooms — how does it work in Alpine Classic?
Twin room, private upgrade available.
Do we all stay together?
Yes — one base, one crew. Camp spirit is a core part of the experience.
Can I bring a non-riding companion?
Yes for Alpine Signature — there is a dedicated non-rider program.
8) Food & dietary needs
Are meals included?
Yes — all meals included from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast.
Dietary restrictions?
No problem — just tell us as early as possible in the Booking Confirmation.
9) Transfers & travel
Where are pick-up / drop-off points?
Lyon Airport (LYS) & Grenoble train station.
Transfer schedule?
Coordinated with the group: pick-up Sunday afternoon, drop-off Saturday morning (details shared before camp).
Are flights/trains included?
No — travel to Lyon/Grenoble is at your own expense.
10) Booking, payment & policies
How do I book?
You contact us, then confirm by signing the Booking Confirmation and paying the deposit.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible — small groups mean limited availability (especially Tour weeks).
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, when a week is sold out.
How does payment work?
20% deposit at booking
Balance due 2 months before camp start
What are your cancellation / rescheduling terms?
- Policy: all bookings are final and non-refundable.
- More than 2 months before arrival: the deposit (20%) is kept; the balance is not due.
- Less than 2 months before arrival: 100% of the total amount is due.
- Your own costs (travel, insurance, etc.) remain your responsibility. However, without any obligation, we may consider a solution case-by-case if we can reassign your spot (waitlist). In that case, we may offer credit, a transfer, or a partial refund after deducting incurred costs.
- If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible.
Do you provide invoices?
Yes, upon request.
Do we tip the staff?
Tips are entirely optional — always appreciated if you had an exceptional week.
11) Extras
Do we really ride with a Tour de France stage winner?
Yes — each week includes a highlight with Nans Peters. Signature: full day + immersion. Classic: one guided ride.
Will there be a PCC shop / merchandise available?
Yes — there will be a small on-site shop where you can buy PCC merchandise, including extra cycling kit and sportswear / lifestyle items (subject to stock availability).
Are photos included?
Yes — pro photos are included in both camps.
What languages are spoken?
French and English.
Will you add extra camp dates?
Possibly — additional August/September dates may be released.
12) Weather
What’s the weather like?
At base altitude: roughly 7–9°C in the morning and 15–20°C in the afternoon. Warmer in valleys, colder on descents (bring a gilet/jacket).
Do we have to climb back to Alpe d’Huez / Vaujany every day?
No. Some stages include van transfers (start and/or finish) to focus on the best climbs and help you recover across the week.
13) Packing List
What’s included?
Carbon bike + saddle (Signature; optional on Classic)
Power meter (Signature)
Bottles
Energy bars + sports drinks
PCC kit (bib shorts, jersey, socks)
Backpack, recovery boots
Chamois cream, sunscreen
Towels (shower + massage), laundry net
What should I bring?
GPS, HR strap, white helmet (strongly recommended), glasses, gloves, arm/leg warmers, gilet, thermal jacket, base layer, neck warmer, pedals + shoes, chargers (Di2/power), casual clothes, walking shoes, ID/passport, card, phone + charger, toiletries, your own saddle if preferred.
Still unsure? (fastest way to get an answer)
Send us: (1) your Strava link or recent rides,
(2) the week you’re considering
(3) whether you need a rental bike.
We’ll confirm fit and availability quickly.
