Current Trends in Orthopaedics
Alsace, France
September 27 - October 3, 2026
Practical Information
Preparation for the trip
Alsace’s terrain is welcoming to both seasoned explorers and recreational travelers. Still, it helps to get your body moving before the trip. If it’s been a while since your last workout, aim to ease in with activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or any other cardio-based movement. Ideally, try to include aerobic exercise in your routine four times a week. You don’t need to train like an athlete—just get active. The more conditioned you are, the more rewarding your experience will be.
Weather
Late September into early October is a beautiful time to explore this region of France, with mild daytime temperatures averaging around 17°C / 63°F and cooler evenings dipping to about 12°C / 54°F. The air is crisp, the vineyards are turning golden, and the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities.
Hiking Attire
Dress for movement and comfort. Breathable, lightweight layers are best, and shorts are often more comfortable than pants while walking. Whether you go for fitted or relaxed styles is entirely up to your personal comfort. Don’t forget a waterproof layer—rain showers can appear unexpectedly.
Footwear matters more than fashion here. Supportive, broken-in walking shoes or lightweight boots are essential. Whether you’re lacing up well-worn runners or investing in something new from brands like Brooks, Asahi, or Mephisto, be sure your shoes are suited to long days on your feet. If you’re planning to walk at a faster pace or cover longer distances, ankle support becomes even more important.
Biking Essentials
From casual riders in tees and shorts to enthusiasts in high-performance gear, you’ll see a range of cycling styles on the road. Choose clothing that allows for freedom of movement and keeps you cool. North American stores tend to have better selection and prices on biking gear, so if you’re looking to upgrade or accessorize, consider shopping at home before you leave.
Helmets: A Must-Have
Safety first—always. Even on quiet country roads, a helmet is non-negotiable. Accidents happen quickly and without warning. A properly fitted, certified helmet (look for ANSI/SNELL stickers) is essential. We strongly encourage everyone to bring their own, but we’ll have a few spares available in case you need one.
Cycling Apparel
Pack padded bike shorts—either casual or form-fitting styles—for comfort on long rides. Bring lightweight tights or warm layers for cool mornings. For your upper body, think layers: short and long-sleeve shirts, a fleece or light jacket, and optional cycling jerseys.
Footwear
Choose stiff-soled, breathable shoes. Athletic sneakers work fine, but if you use clip-in pedals, bring your compatible shoes and pedals—we’ll install them.
Rain Protection
Weather can change quickly. A waterproof, breathable jacket is essential. Rain pants are optional. Skip the poncho—it’s not bike-friendly.
Gloves
Cycling gloves help reduce hand fatigue and provide grip and comfort on longer rides.
The Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Your trip includes a high-quality hybrid bike, perfect for both town paths and countryside trails. Each bike is set up for comfort and convenience, and comes equipped with arear rack for extra storage, handlebar bag, water bottle, lock, mini pump and basic repair kit.
E-Bike and Road Bike Options:
E-Bike and Road Bike upgrade options are available. Choose your preferred upgrade during the sign-up process.
