Bikeandski-Vercors Testimonials

Our clients say it better than we could!

With such high expectations even in the planning stages of our trip, my girlfriend and I knew we were going to be in for a trip-of-a-lifetime within the first moments upon arriving in the Vercors.

The small villages in this romantic part of the French countryside are only outdone by the incredible splendor of the rugged Vercors peaks standing guard around this enchanting valley. Around every turn and across every open space, the spectacular scenery could not contain itself ... simply awe-inspiring!

But the real magic of our Vercors experience was being able to breathe it in - literally! As beautiful as our entrance to the Vercors was, we could never have imagined all the diversity we found in the riding that Ed guided us on.

Our trip to the Vercors was not a training ride - we were there for the pure enjoyment of riding - and our objective was exceeded. One of the challenges that we presented to Ed in the planning of our trip was to design rides for each of our riding abilities. Ed was able to get a bearing on our different riding abilities within the first few miles. And from that point on, for the duration of our stay, he was spot-on with the ideal rides.

As a guide, he was flawless; as a riding companion, he was perfect. When we weren?t breathing too hard to chat, our conversation seemed effortless and always interesting. The cultural and historical background of the Vercors came alive with Ed. His naturally hospitable demeanor and well-rounded knowledge were the optimum complement to each other. We couldn?t have made a better choice with Bike & Ski Vercors to make our trip-of-a-lifetime truly that!

Paul & Bridget, California

In June 2007, my wife and I travelled and biked through Grenoble and the surrounding high mountains of the French Alps, all the way to Nice and back. We toured with Bike and Ski Vercors and personally rode with Ed for the northern portion of the trip. Ed and Sandrine set up our transfers, lodging, gave invaluable advice and were always there with a smile when needed. We experienced some of the finest biking on the high plateau of the Vercors, riding with Ed through the Gorge du Bourne, up the Col de Machine, over the mountain to Herboulliet and Villard de Lans, and the Col de Rousset.

When my luggage (including bike shoes) was lost for the first few days, Ed took the time and went the extra mile shuttling us to the right shop and assisted me in buying new equipment to replace my hard to find and fit, missing gear. Obviously, this was not part of the original package we had signed up for. There was never any mention of inconvenience. Ed made arrangements for lodging at Alpe D'Huez and got me registered for the 125 mile - 17,000 ft. La Marmotte Cyclosportif. His invaluable expertise and experince with the event made the ride possible for me, where I may not have otherwised finished.

Although my wife and I ride at different speeds and ability, Ed was able to manage the "peleton", support us both and make sure we had an excellent time riding through the Vercors. Ed has exceptional organizational ability. He coached, organised and traveled with the Bristish national mountain biking team for years at international events (St. Ann's, Quebec, and Mamoth Mountain, Ca. to name a couple), of course with assistance from Sandrine! I would say his ability to sheperd and guide people of varying ability over beautiful and challenging terrain is perhaps his greatest skill. My wife and I certainly appreciated it!

I would recommend Bike and Ski Vercors to anyone or group wanting especially to ride in the beautiful Vercors region, or take on the challenge of the Vaujany and/or La marmotte cyclosportifs. I look forward to returning one winter to the Vercors so we may enjoy the miles and miles of what I understand are some of the best cross country ski trails anywhere. Ed and Sandrine run a very quality operation, and are most mindful of their guests needs and wants. We had a great time touring with them!

Peter and Sue Kelley, Aspen, Colorado

On my arrival in Grenoble Ed presented me with a suggested training plan for the next 7 days based on information I’d emailed to him about a week before.  He’d combined long hilly rides (so that I could see what the stunning Vercors region has to offer), shorter lung-busting efforts on flatter ground and some testing rides over rolling terrain. Ed was a fountain of knowledge, searching out testing hill climbs on back roads I’d never have found on my own, giving me advice on bike position and technique and imparting tips for training and racing on my return to England. He was also an excellent training companion with a great sense of humour. I can’t recommend BikeandSki-Vercors highly enough.

Rebecca, London, UK

Fantastic trip. Scouting the hills before the event really makes a difference on the day. You also get a better appreciation of the wonderful scenery and some great photo opportunities.The event (Megève - Mt Blanc) itself is amazing with some killer climbs. Lovely to have a van to climb into at the finish-line. I can't recommend this enough.

Myles, Galway, Ireland

The Vercors is a visually stunning region that not only provides a greater variety of riding terrain that the more often visited Alps further east but also generally much quieter roads. BikeandSki-Vercors' flexible route planning and first class organisation ensured that we came away with a good overview of the Vercors and were well prepared for the Challenge Dauphine which was an ideal climax to a fantastic week in the beautiful Vercors region. Ed and Sandrine's knowledge of the area also combined with the picturesque climbs and fantastic descents to give us much more than just a training week in the mountains. Thoroughly recommended!

Nick, Southampton, UK

Whether you want to do some serious long and hard climbs or want to mix in more rolling efforts, the Vercors has a great variety of roads to match all your training needs. I think it's also one of the most beautiful and stunning places I've ever covered on my road bike, having ridden and raced throughout most of France.

Colette, London, UK

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