Frequently asked questions
What is the level of difficulty of the trail?
The Sun Trails are difficult trails which, although not necessarily just for mountain bike experts, are at least for people who regularly do sport. The Southern part of the trail is the most demanding above all in terms of steering so you should plan to keep stages short. The trail was conceived so that everyone can select their own stages according to their level. Tailor made accommodation is available approx every 20km .
A "reasonable" stage would be 40 to 55km with 1600m to 1800m change in altitude. You should also always bear in mind that : 60km in the North Pas de Calais region is not the same as 60km in the Alps! The weather conditions can radically change the level of difficulty : not just bad weather but also temperature. Sometimes The Sun Trails live up to their name! Bags begin to feel heavy in no time at all as the trail is not suitable for a trailer. The type of bike must be chosen accordingly. Avoid using a tandem , a dirt bike, a hybrid bike or a cheap mountain bike. Preparation, supplies and hydration will condition your physical state. Before you set off on your mountain biking holiday try out the websites VTT FFC and the VTT FCCT bases.
When can I go on The Sun Trails?
When you can ride a mountain bike on The Sun Trails depends on the source of snow. The Northern part should be avoided in winter in the Buech and the Gap - Savouron section. In the South it all depends on the snowfall which can vary from year to year. It is possible to ride the trail in Winter but the best time of year remains Spring and Autumn. In July and August conditions can be particularly difficult due to the high temperatures.
Are there guide books available?
You can currently buy the Chamina guide book for the "Grenoble - Sisteron" and "Valence-Gap-Sisteron" sections. Since it was published there have been certain changes but the description of the stages as well as the accommodation list are regularly updated on their website. For newly created extras the details of the itineraries are only available on line for the moment in the "carnet de route" ( log book) section of this page. We are currently working on publishing a new collection of 4 guide books.
How can we transport luggage?
There are several options available : 1. Call a contractor . Sometimes travel agencies and taxi companies offer this service independently. Your accommodation may also offer it depending on availability. 2. organise the service yourself . The best idea in terms of flexibility is to organise someone from your entourage to look after the luggage although this is not always easy! If you are in a group you can always take turns driving the vehicle. Although it can be frustrating this solution can sometimes be a good one for the more tired among the group.3.
Is it feasible to carry luggage ?
" Why load up when we should be trying to do the opposite and lighten our load ?"
From an environmental point of view and considering our carbon footprint this is the best option. From a practical point of view if you have an all inclusive accommodation deal ( half board with a picnic lunch provided by the guest house) you can manage with a change of clothes and a 45-50 litre bag will suffice (that weighs less than 10 kg when full). Modern textiles are light, easy to wash and dry quickly. Hostels offer washing (even hand wash) and drying facilities in a dry and ventilated room so you can be sure that your things will be dry when you have to leave. Concerning mountain biking specifically you should share out the materials amongst the group (pump, spare chain, spare parts, toothpaste!), the more you are the less you will carry. It is possible to hike in a group with 30 litre bags that weigh from 5-6kg. Comment - a 2 wheeled trailer is not suitable, a single wheeled trailer is better but still not ideal for the kind of terrain. Mountain bike trailers that have already been tried and tested on trips can be found on this link.
What equipment do I need if I carry my luggage?
As we have previously seen you can distinguish between group and personal material.
We suggest the following check list :
- To carry with you - helmet, gloves, leathers, cycling top, socks, professional shoes.
- In your 30-35 litre back pack (it should not ride too high on your neck) - plastic bags to protect your things from rain - 1.5 litres of water (to be refilled as soon as possible!)- an anorak and long cycling shorts (or long trousers)- a spare change of cycling clothes (very useful if yesterday's kit has not dried)- energy snacks - a knife - money and identity documents.
- For the evening : a light pair of trousers, a t shirt, a light fleece, flip flops, a light sleeping bag ( similar to a sheet that used to be supplied on trains!), multipurpose soap, a towel (you can now get very small and compact ones), a tooth brush. Repairs - an inner tube, specific material for your bike : dérailleur brakes, break pads... Leave space for your picnic unless you plan to eat at a restaurant!
- Equipment to share out (everyone should be aware that they could potentially use all the equipment from all the bags) 2 multi purpose tools with chain (Torcx keys if required), 2 pumps, 2 tubes of glue, 50 puncture repair patches, tyre lever (give a complete kit to the last in line ... vulcanisation formation sometimes needed...), oily cloth, break and derailleur cables, cable stops, a spare chain, some quick fitting links, some spare screws, a derailleur, a specially adapted draining kit (mineral and or organic oil ), a light spare tyre with flexible rod, a seat?, some spokes, some tubeless valves, a mini pair of pliers that can cut, an adjustable spanner (sometimes a specific one like Mavic), rilsan chains, sticky tape, string... Toilet paper, toothpaste, sun cream, first aid kit. Mobile phones, cameras ( to be sent to the GTA website!), maps, a gps system with coordinates or a map case with compass.
Can you really do it completely on your own ?
Single handed tackling The Sun Trails ... it can be done but it is not an easy task for everyone. We do not advise it but detailed advice can be found in the adventure log books. It is all down to organisation, physical condition and also perhaps the ability to tolerate the lack of creaure comforts. However this experience will give you a real chance to be at one with nature.
Is the Maritime Alps variant really the most challenging ?
The difficult variant of the Maritime Alps can surprise you if you are not well informed : you should take into consideration that to cross the Cheiron mountain you have to walk for 3.5km with your bike through a plateau scattered with wild lavender before you reach a rocky descent with some tight bends. If you are warned and can accept walking at a gentle pace for about an hour then this can be a very pleasant section. The descents are a little more technically demanding and the scenery is particularly interesting. It is tough but it is worth the effort. Comment : The way from Cheiron by the East ( borne 11,100) to reach Bouyon seems easy on paper . On the ground the path is not suitable for mountain bikes - be aware!
How to organise your return to base ?
The SNCF ? The itinerary was created with the use of trains in mind. Several SNCF and Pignes train stations can be found dotted along the route. However many of the Pignes trains do not accept bikes as hand baggage as well as the TGVs without specific carriages (and in those with specific carriages you will need to book a place at a cost of €10). You can take bikes for free on the TER trains but check that any connecting trains accept them too.
Comment : mountain bikes can be taken for free on the TGV if they are packaged. So you can leave from home and return on the train. If you are using your own vehicle you have two possible solutions : either to meet up with the vehicle at a place where you have left it beforehand or back at your starting point. You can send your bike for free with the SNCF's "service bagage" (luggage service) : your bike is classed as luggage and looked after by the "service bagage" who you can call on 35 36 (0.34 € per min), say "bagages" (ba- garge) or press 41. Your bike will be delivered to your holiday destination without having to worry about transport. You have 2 options : door to door (from your home or the station ) for 49€ (4) From the Sernam agency at Sernam for 39€.
