Excellent turn out last night at the Knavesmire for the Alps trip planning meeting. There were apologies from a couple of people who couldn't make it so this post is very much for their information as well as to confirm to everyone who was present what we agreed.
We are looking at flying from Manchester to Geneva on Saturday 3rd June,returning the following Saturday and staying in Morzine, which is around an hour and a half from Geneva.
Flights on Easy Jet are currently a little under £140 each return including bikes. This is based on us taking the 07:00 flight on 3rd June and returning on the 10:25 flight from Geneva on the 10th. It is important that we are all on this flight and not the later one as it will affect the cost per person of transfer to and from Geneva airport. This is around £55 per person, return including bikes.
There is an update on the accommodation which could increase the price slightly compared to what was quoted at the meeting. The price was based on chalet 'Les Lanchettes' where I stayed earlier this year. This sleeps 14 and is available at £1400 for the week. The only thing I have against this is that it is around 4km from the centre of town, which makes it awkward for going out on an evening.
If we want to stay in the centre of town we are looking at the Grand and Petit Belvedere. The Grand Belvedere sleeps 10 and is available at £1400 for the week. The Petit Belvedere is a two bedroom apartment attached to the larger property and is £560 for the week, making a total of £1960 for the week or £140 each based on 14 of us. Just crunching a few more numbers, if there are more than 10 of us going and we are going to stay in the centre of town the maximum cost of accommodation will be £178 each. This is based on there being 11 of us. I'm sure you can all do the maths for any other permutations.
I would propose that we stay in the centre of town in the slightly dearer accommodation. Apart from anything else, any saving we make by staying out of town will soon be swallowed up by taxi fares if we're not careful.
They are prepared hold the booking for one week until I receive confirmation from everyone. I therefore need to know by next Monday, the 31st October if you are coming on the trip. After that I will need to book and pay the deposit for the accommodation. Once this is confirmed I will let you know and it is then up to everyone to get their flights booked asap.
It was proposed at the meeting that I take a non returnable deposit of £100 per person which will go towards the accommodation. This will guarantee your place on the trip and prove your commitment. Anybody giving backword will lose their deposit unless they are able to find someone to take their place.
As far as getting to and from Manchester airport is concerned Stuart mentioned the possibility of hiring a man with a van to transport the bikes. This would cost around £20 each. How we then get ourselves to the airport is up to us. The obvious choices are train or car.
I have some people's contact details. They know who they are. Could everybody else wanting to come please inbox me with your mobile number and email address. I can then send you my bank details for the deposit payment.
I think that's everything. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
One more thing. The accommodation provider
www.thealpinegeneration.com has mentioned to me that there is the 'Time Megeve' sportive not too far away in the Mont Blanc area on Sunday the 4th June. This is 144km route with 3800m of climbing. They are able to arrange transport to and from the event if anyone is interested in taking part.
Look forward to hearing from you all.
Happy cycling.