I accidentally stumbled upon a short cycling promo, 30 min. in length on Universal Sports Network called the Haute Route. It was reliving the 2014 version while promoting 2015.......some of the routes for 2015 are already sold out.
The formal website is www.hauteroute.org/
If I were a cyclo-tourist or serious rider or racer, I sort of am already, this event would be on my radar screen in the next couple of years...you can do it by yourself of as a group. At least while I'm relatively fit and healthy and feeling young.
Basically, this is a fully supported ride/race that is like doing a mini Tour De France.....you can go as hard or easy as you like......it is timed and there are awards for top finishers....it is 3.....7 day continuous ride/races, you can do 1 or 2 or all 3 weeks just like the Tour. The stages go over many of the same routes as the Tour like Mont Ventoux, L'alpe Duez, etc....
One week in the Alps.......the next the Pyrenes and then the Dolomites.......most of those interviewed all commented on how spectacular the scenery is/was and that just survival and finishing was a huge accomplishment.
Just like with any race training, it's all about goal setting and preparing yourself far enough in advance to get your body ready for the big event......as an amature this is about as close as it gets to feeling like your on a pro team or in a race. If I read and watched correctly this group takes care of everything you just need to ride and recover. You may be able to UTube the event to watch what I saw on TV. Or check out the website.
Riding and dreaming,
Mark W.