Road Bike Trip Checklist — French Alps

With support vehicle + stage viewing at Col de la Madeleine

Essentials

  • ⬜ Passport / ID

  • ⬜ Travel insurance / EHIC or GHIC card

  • ⬜ Euros (€) + credit/debit card

  • ⬜ Phone + charger + power bank

  • ⬜ Small daypack or musette

  • ⬜ Trip reservations + itinerary saved offline

  • ⬜ Pen & notebook for café stops, autographs, or journaling

Bike Gear (your support vehicle can carry backup!)

  • ✅ Bring what you need on the bike; extras can go in the car!

On Your Bike

  • ⬜ Helmet

  • ⬜ 2 x Water bottles (insulated preferred)

  • ⬜ Saddle bag:

    • Spare tube x2

    • CO2 or mini pump

    • Tire levers

    • Multi-tool

  • ⬜ GPS or phone mount

  • ⬜ ID/emergency card

In Support Vehicle (just in case!)

  • ⬜ Backup gloves / socks / jersey

  • ⬜ Warm jacket or rain jacket

  • ⬜ Flip-flops or post-ride shoes

  • ⬜ Personal Towel

Cycling Clothing (for 3 Days of Riding + Col de la Madeleine summit)

  • ⬜ 3 x Bib shorts

  • ⬜ 3 x Jerseys

  • ⬜ 3 x Socks

  • ⬜ Lightweight base layers

  • ⬜ Wind vest or gilet

  • ⬜ Rain jacket (packable)

  • ⬜ Arm/leg warmers (for alpine descents!)

  • ⬜ Cycling gloves (summer or lightweight full-finger)

  • ⬜ Sunglasses

  • ⬜ Cap or headband

  • ⬜ Chamois cream

  • ⬜ Cycling shoes

✅ Store extras in the support car each day — especially jackets for descents!

Casual / Après-Ride Clothing

  • ⬜ 2–3 casual outfits

  • ⬜ Warm layer for alpine evenings

  • ⬜ Swimwear (if your hotel or base has a pool/lake)

  • ⬜ Sleepwear

  • ⬜ Flip-flops

  • ⬜ Toiletries

  • ⬜ Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • ⬜ Lip balm w/ SPF

  • ⬜ After-sun or aloe

  • ⬜ Laundry soap sheet (optional)

Ride Nutrition, OPTIONAL, only if you would prefer to bring your own (car can restock you mid-ride!)

  • ⬜ Energy bars

  • ⬜ Gels

  • ⬜ Electrolyte mix / tabs

  • ⬜ Recovery powder

  • ⬜ Fruit or rice cakes

  • ⬜ Ziplock bags for portions

✅ Keep your ride nutrition pre-packed in labeled bags — hand-off friendly during rides.

Tour de France Femmes Viewing Tips: Col de la Madeleine

📍 Stage Info: This is one of the queen stages — a legendary alpine climb that will attract fans early.

Plan for:

  • Bring:

    • ⬜ Cowbell or flag

    • ⬜ Warm jacket (even in July, summit = chilly!)

    • ⬜ Sunscreen + hat

  • 📸 Choose your spot:

    • Mid-climb = best for action photos

    • Summit = epic views, slower peloton, festive crowd

    • Switchbacks = dramatic angle + good visibility

  • 🎁 The Caravan (publicity parade) arrives 1–1.5 hrs before race — bags ready to catch giveaways!

  • 🚻 Bring toilet paper or tissues — limited facilities on mountain roads.

✅ The support car can carry your extras the day before and meet you before-stage.

Optional But Awesome

  • ⬜ GoPro or camera

  • ⬜ Lightweight binoculars

  • ⬜ Journal for memories

  • ⬜ Bluetooth speaker (for tunes while waiting!)

  • ⬜ Reusable coffee cup

Alps in July: Key Reminders

  • ☀️ Mornings = cool, afternoons = hot — layer smartly

  • ⛅ Sudden storms can hit — always carry a rain jacket

  • 🚴 Drink more than you think you need

  • 🤗 Be friendly — French fans are amazing and welcoming

  • 📵 Cell signal may drop on the mountain — download maps offline