the pyrenees, france - lifecycle adventures€¦ · 06/10/2019 · notable climbs include the col...

THE PYRENEES, FRANCE6-Day Cycling Tour

2 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

TOUR SUMMARY

TOUR LENGTH

PRICE BY ACCOMMODATION

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS Private transfer from your hotel with bike set up

and full route briefing at the start of your ride

Accommodation and breakfasts

On-call roadside assistance

Optional transfers along the routes

GPS units, maps, directions and a comprehensive guidebook

Expert guides delivering superior service

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure Intermediate* Challenge Epic * The hilly terrain means that

some Intermediate riders may be happier with an eBike.

BIKES AVAILABLEHybrid Road Premium Road Road eBike

DAY-BY-DAY FLOWDay 1 Tarbes to Argelès-Gazost

Day 2 Argelès-Gazost Loop Day

Day 3 Argelès-Gazost to Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Day 4 Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Saint-Lary

Day 5 Saint-Lary Loop Day

Day 6 Saint-Lary to Bagnères-de-Luchon

Explore the rugged side of France where pristine valleys are framed by snow-dusted mountains and peppered with ancient villages. The culture and the food are rural, hearty and deeply satisfying. And, at the end of the day, rejuvenate tired legs in vibrant spa towns.

The terrain in the Pyrenees is good for strong-intermediate and enthusiast riders as the routes include long climbs and twisting descents made famous by the Tour de France. Notable climbs include the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin, and the Col de Peyresourde.

THE PYRENEESMountain Villages and Classic Cols

Budget: from $1,700 pp

Classic: from $2,200 pp

Luxury: Not Available

6 Days / 5 Nights

START & ENDTarbes

BEST TIMES TO VISITJune to SeptemberThe mountain climate means that high passes can have snow as late as May or as early as October.

OPTIONAL EXTRASAlternative start/end location in

Toulouse or Toulouse Airport.

Customize your route.


WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES

ABOUT US

OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURSAt the start of your tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, does your bike fitting, and gives you a full route briefing. They then take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics while you guide yourself along the routes; riding at your own pace and choosing the route difficulty that best suits you. Our support vans are nearby should you need extra support.

Your detailed guidebook tells you about the towns you will visit, sights along your route, and suggests places to eat – and we are happy to help with reservations. This support and insight helps make our self-guided tours some of the most personalized and well-supported in the industry.

Feature LifeCycle Adventures

Typical Group Tours

Dates & Duration Fully flexible Fixed

Accommodation A range Set

Group Size Just your group 12 to 24+

Routes Up to four levels Some choice

Ride Briefings Day 1 in personDaily by phone Daily in person

Ride Support Van on call Van(s) trailing and guide on bike

Lunches & Dinners Not included(Help with reservations)

Some included(No choice)

OUR COMPANYSince 2004, our unique blend of custom itineraries and personal service has been creating perfect cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment you contact us until the end of your trip, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on ensuring you have the perfect cycling vacation.

Our expert guides live in the areas in which they operate. They have the passion and dedication to deliver superior service and exceptional insight. As a company, we donate 10% of our profits to bicycling advocacy and other community causes.


DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1

DAY 2

Tarbes to Argelès-GazostYour trip starts with a van transfer to the rural hamlet of Ibos – 6 miles west of Tarbes and 100 miles southwest of Toulouse. You ride south from the village across rolling farmland and through remote hamlets; typically, just a cluster of houses with a church and a manor.

As you skirt around the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, you enter the foothills of the Pyrenees and start climbing.

The Intermediate route climbs gently up to Argelès-Gazost along a rails-to-trails bike path paralleling the fast-flowing River Ousse. The hills close in on either side of the river and you glimpse the snow-capped peaks that lie ahead.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate route until shortly before Argelès-Gazost where it detours up Hautacam. This is a challenging climb that starts at an altitude of 1,500 feet and climbs up to 5,000 feet in a little over eight miles. The road ends at the ski lifts from where you descend down to Argelès-Gazost.

You ride across rolling farmland and through

remote villages towards the snow-capped peaks

of the Pyrenees

RIDE OPTIONSIntermediate 30 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing

Challenge 50 miles with 5,300 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNArgelès-GazostAt 1,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains, this pretty spa town is well cared for with many flower beds, panoramic terraces, and fountains. The Tuesday market is the oldest of the valley and includes local fare such as sheep’s cheese, honey, blueberries, and charcuterie.

Argelès-Gazost LoopsToday’s riding takes you into the Pyrenees National Park – a sanctuary for flora and fauna that stretches for 60 miles along the French border with Spain. This is one of the last pockets of true wilderness left in France. Small lanes twist up the side of snow-capped mountains and cows roam freely across the unfenced valleys.

The Epic ride takes you on a mountainous adventure over three high cols – Bordères, Soulor, and Aubisque – and down to Asson in the Ouzom Valley. The riding is literally breath-taking as are the views.

The Challenge route is equally stunning but with less climbing and half the mileage. The ride ends with the Col de Spandelles: a small winding lane that climbs 2,750 feet in ten miles before descending through thick woodland to Argelès-Gazost.

The Intermediate route also takes you deep into the Pyrenees National Park: to the Lac d’Estaing situated at the top of the valley at an altitude of 3,800 feet. On the lake at the top of the climb, there is a café that makes a great lunch stop.

One of the last pockets of true wilderness left in France – stretching for 60 miles along the

border with Spain


Challenge 40 miles with 7,400 feet of climbingEpic 75 miles with 8,600 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNArgelès-GazostAt 1,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains, this pretty spa town is well cared for with many flower beds, panoramic terraces, and fountains. The Tuesday market is the oldest of the valley and includes local fare such as sheep’s cheese, honey, blueberries, and charcuterie.



DAY 3

DAY 4

Argelès-Gazost to Bagnères-de-BigorreThe Challenge ride takes you over the famous Col du Tourmalet. You start heading south alongside the fast flowing Gave de Gavarnie. In the picturesque mountain village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur you turn east and the climbing begins in earnest. Towards the top, the classic switchbacks of the Tourmalet take to the summit. At 6,940 feet, this is the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees. The spectacular views make it all worthwhile and the café makes for a cozy rest stop. From the top of the col, it is almost 20 miles of pure descent into the vibrant market town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre.

The Epic route follows the Challenge route but adds in a challenging detour before the Col du Tourmalet up to Luz Ardiden. You rejoin the Challenge route in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

The Intermediate route avoids the Col du Tourmalet by taking a northerly loop. You ride on delightful country lanes through the rolling countryside of the Pyrenean foothills. There are numerous villages as well as small farms and orchards along the route. In places, you will be riding a single-lane road alongside a sparkling stream with snow-capped peaks off in the distance.

Towards the top of the Tourmalet, you twist around the classic

switchbacks and realize you have been climbing

for 20 miles


Challenge 40 miles with 5,500 feet of climbingEpic 60 miles with 9,500 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNBagnères-de-BigorreBagnères-de-Bigorre has an ancient history, having been conquered by Julius Caesar in 56 BCE. And, ever since Roman times, visitors have come here to “take the waters.” The town is also a bustling market town with specialties that include lamb, trout, and cabbage soup.

Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Saint-Lary-SoulanToday you push deeper into the mountains: to the ski village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Your ride starts heading south up the Campan Valley. This is a charming mountain village with an interesting tradition. Each summer, the inhabitants of the village create life-sized dolls made to look like the people of the village. You see these mannequins outside most of the houses.

A little further up the valley, in Sainte-Marie de Campan you climb east towards the Col d’Aspin.

The Intermediate route takes you directly over the famous Col d’Aspin.

The Challenge route takes you a little further south and a little higher: up the Hourquette d’Ancizan – another favorite climb of the Tour de France.

Both climbs have fantastic views and thrilling descents. After the cols, it is an easy cruise into the ski village of Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Choose from the Col d’Aspin or the

Hourquette d’Ancizan – both favorite climbs of

the Tour de France



OVERNIGHT TOWNSaint-Lary-Soulan Saint-Lary-Soulan is in the high mountains located on one of the main routes through to Spain. In winter, it is at the center of the largest ski area of the Pyrenees. In summer, it is abuzz with hikers, climbers and (of course) cyclists. Local cuisine includes the Garbure (ham & vegetable stew) and black Bigorre pork.



DAY 5

DAY 6

Saint-Lary-Soulan LoopsFor many, riding through the Néouvielle Natural Reserve to the Lac de Cap-de-Long is the highlight of the tour. The raw beauty of this climb takes your breath away as does the final altitude at over 7,100 feet. The climb is a heady mix of forests, craggy peaks, and cascading waterfalls.

Towards the top of the climb, the views open up and you see that you are riding along the spine of the Pyrenees. Your destination is the Lac-de-Cap de Long – the largest lake in the Pyrenees. There is a small café at the lake which provides the perfect spot to admire the view and appreciate the climb you just completed. You return to Saint-Lary-Soulan the same way you arrived – only much faster.

For Intermediate riders this is an in-and-out ride to the lake.

Riders doing the Challenge ride first take in a loop east of Saint Lary that includes the Col d’Azet before joining the Intermediate route up the Lac de Cap-de-Long. The initial, eastern loop adds 25 miles and is on small roads that pass through pretty mountain hamlets. The terrain is a little more benign than the final climb up to the lake but it is still stunningly beautiful.

The climb is a heady mix of forests, craggy peaks, and cascading waterfalls

ending at a lake at 7,100 feet



OVERNIGHT TOWNSaint-Lary-Soulan Saint-Lary-Soulan is in the high mountains located on one of the main routes through to Spain. In winter, it is at the center of the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. In summer, it is abuzz with hikers, climbers and (of course) cyclists. Local cuisine includes the Garbure (ham & vegetable stew) and black Bigorre pork.

Saint-Lary-Soulan to Bagnères-de-LuchonThe Intermediate route today is just twenty miles but features two classic cols from the Tour de France: the Col d’Azet and the Col de Peyresourde. The beautiful lake at Loudenvielle makes for a great lunch stop – between the cols. If you need another snack, there is a small hut selling tasty crêpes at the top of the Col de Peyresourde. At 5,200 feet, this must be one of the world’s highest pancake houses! From here you enjoy a 10-mile descent to the finish.

The Challenge ride takes you north out of the mountains along the Neste d’Aure river valley. Having given up all your altitude, you begin a 20-mile climb up to Bagnères-de-Luchon over the Port de Balès – another Tour de France climb. The climb starts easily enough but pitches up to over 15% in the sections towards the top. From the top, it is a fast, technical descent down to Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Your guide will meet you in Bagnères-de-Luchon for your end-of-tour transfer. Your guide can also meet you further back along the route if you decide to shorten the ride.

More classic cols from the Tour de France and a small hut selling tasty

crêpes at 5,200 feet



OVERNIGHT TOWNNoneAs this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking.


ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

Argelès-GazostLe ViscosThis family-run hotel has been providing a warm welcome and attentive service for over 100 years. Located two miles from Argelès-Gazost, in the small village of Saint Savin, the property enjoys stunning views of the valley. The rooms are nicely finished in a traditional style. The restaurant serves some of the best food in the area.

Bagnères-de-BigorreCarré Py’ HôtelThis is a simple, modern and functional hotel in a nice location – on the edge of town by the river. Many rooms have great views of the mountains or down the valley. Rooms are modern and comfortable.

Saint-Lary-SoulanMercure Saint-LaryThis modern mountain hotel is close to all the bars and restaurants in the center of town but set back enough – by the river – to be relatively tranquil and have great views of the mountains. Rooms are simple and modern – most having balconies. There is a restaurant, bar and sun terrace. The hotel also has a pool, thermal spa and fitness center.


ACCOMMODATION

BUDGET

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in our Budget category are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

Argelès-GazostLe MiramontThis Art-Deco hotel is close to the center of town. The décor is stylishly minimalist but service is warm and friendly. The rooms are also modern and well-equipped. The hotel has a good restaurant and cocktail bar. The property is very close to the Jardin des Bains thermal spa with its multiple pools and treatments.

Bagnères-de-BigorreLes Dix ArchesStay as the guests of Caroline and Andy in their lovely home in peaceful grounds but also close to the center of town. The rooms in this B&B are simple but all have en suite bathrooms. Other facilities include a hot tub, games room, and pétanque. NOTE: a delicious evening meal – at the communal table – is available by prior arrangement.

Saint-Lary-SoulanLes ArchesA great, simple, modern hotel that is well-located in the center of town. Rooms are clean and pleasant and there is a nice pool on the property. The staff is very helpful but the hotel is functional rather than charming.


BIKES

BIKE CHOICES

BIKE RENTAL RATESBike Per Day Per WeekHybrid $50 $350

Road $70 $490

Premium $80 $560

eBike $80 $560

OPTIONAL EXTRASReceiving & Assembly $100per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper at the end of the tour.

Bike Boxes $100a per box charge for the extra logistics needed to handle bike boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel.

Tandem Bike $100a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest.

HYBRID BIKEHybrids bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have an upright riding position and are heavier than our road bikes. A typical model is the Specialized Sirrus Sport with Shimano Acera components. NOTE: due to the amount of climbing in this area, we do not generally recommend choosing a hybrid bike.

ROAD BIKEOur road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with a less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. A typical model is the Orbea Orca M30 with carbon frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components.

PREMIUM ROAD BIKEOur premium road bikes are light and fast racing bikes. A typical bike in this category is the Pinarello Dogma F10: full carbon with Shimano Dura-Ace componentry. Experienced riders will appreciate the lightness, stiffness and mechanics of these high-end bikes.

Road eBIKEOur Road eBikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position and handling is very similar to our Premium Road Bikes. We typically rent Pinarello Nytro bikes equipped with a 400W motor. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a great choice for the less-strong rider.

YOUR BIKEIf you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to your destination as well as set it up once it is there. Please ask about options for bike shipping and assembly.


INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

SERVICES & OPTIONS

NOTES:

THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: GPS units, maps, directions and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.

Private transfer from downtown Tarbes.

Bike set up and detailed map briefing at the start of your tour.

Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier).

Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Guide available via phone 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

On-call roadside assistance 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.

Luggage transported between lodgings.

Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.

THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners. Our guidebooks are full of great recommendations and we are

pleased to make reservations for you.

An on-bike guide.

Activities such as massage and spa treatments. We are pleased to make reservations on your behalf.

Transfers to sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:Transfers from Toulouse and Toulouse AirportTypically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Tarbes, Tarbes Railway Station or Tarbes-Lourdes Airport. There is a $150 charge per couple, per transfer for pick-ups or drop-offs in Toulouse or Toulouse Airport.

Route CustomizationIf you would prefer alternative routing – staying in different overnight towns or with more or fewer loop days – we would be pleased to customize this itinerary.


THE AREA

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE THE TRIPGuests typically stay in either Tarbes or Toulouse before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback for the following hotels and B&Bs:

Tarbes HotelsLe Rexhotel www.lerexhotel.com/en

Hôtel de la Marne www.hotel-tarbes.com/eng

La Maison Pourpre www.chambredhotetarbes.fr

Toulouse HotelsLa Cour des Consuls Hôtel www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-A086-la-cour-des-consuls-

hotel-and-spa-toulouse-mgallery-collection/index.shtml

Hôtel Albert 1er www.hotel-albert1.com

Maison d’hôtes Anjali www.anjalichambrehote.com/en/home

CLIMATEThe Atlantic Ocean (just 80 miles away) is the main influence on the climate of the Hautes-Pyrénées. Summer weather is warm with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Evenings, however, tend to be much cooler. Rain can feature on any day of the year so raingear is essential.

Altitude is another factor in determining the weather. Temperatures can drop by over 20°F between Tarbes at 1,000 feet and the high passes such as Tourmalet at nearly 7,000 feet. Snow on the passes is the main limiter on cycling here. The higher roads are not reliably open until the start of June. The season ends at the end of September.

The charts to the right show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Saint-Lary-Soulan, a town at the center of our tours.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONTarbes has a small airport (LDE - Tarbes-Lourdes Pyrenees Airport) with flights to several European cities but these are secondary airports such as London Stanstead and Paris Orly. If we are not collecting you at the airport, the easiest way to get into Tarbes from the airport is by taxi (€20 / 15 minutes). There is also a bus (€2 / 25 minutes).

There are direct train services from Paris Montparnasse to Tarbes. The TGV service takes six hours. From the station, you can take a taxi to the center of Tarbes.

Toulouse Airport (TLS) has flights to most European hubs including London, Paris and Amsterdam. To get from the airport to the center of Toulouse, you take either a taxi (€25 / 20 minutes) or the new Airport Shuttle Train (€8 / 30 minutes).

The direct TGV trains service from Paris Montparnasse to Toulouse takes 5½ hours.

ABOUT THE PYRENEES

415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

THE FINE PRINT

TERMS & CONDITIONS PAYMENT

A payment of 10% of the total price is required to secure a reservation. Payment of the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip.

BOOKING FORMOnce your deposit is paid, we will send you a booking form requesting details such as bike rental requirements, dietary restrictions, and an emergency contact. The booking form includes a Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability. A copy of this form can be found at www.lifecycleadventures.com/waiver. Guests who fail to provide a signed waiver prior to the start of a trip will not be allowed to take part in the trip and the cancellation policy will apply.

CANCELLATION POLICYWe give a full refund less a $150 administration fee for any trip canceled over 90 days before the start of the trip. After this date, refunds are made according to the following schedule:

From 61 to 90 days: 90% of the full trip price is refunded unless you choose to rebook a trip with a start date within 18 months of the original start date in which case your current payments will be applied to the new trip less an administration fee of $150.

From 15 to 60 days of the start of the trip your choice of EITHER a 50% refund or 75% of the trip price applied towards a future trip with LifeCycle Adventures. The latter option only applies when the canceled trip has been paid for in full.

Within 15 days of travel: sorry, no refund.

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of having to cancel your trip.

Unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon, the failure of a participant to be present at the start of the trip at the time and location agreed in the booking process will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation policy will apply. Leaving your trip early for any reason will be treated as a cancellation and no refund will be given.

TRAVEL INSURANCEIn signing the Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form you certify that you either have insurance to cover you in the event of needing medical treatment and to cover any losses associated with participation in the trip or you are prepared to cover these costs yourself. We recommend checking with your current insurance providers to understand your coverage. Should you choose to purchase travel insurance, the following sites aim to compare travel insurance policies and might be helpful: www.squaremouth.com and www.insuremytrip.com.

ITINERARY CHANGESWe reserve the right to make route, accommodation, date, and bike model changes as caused by circumstances beyond our control or unforeseen circumstances. If such changes become necessary, we will make like-for-like substitutions to ensure quality is maintained.

In the event that we cancel a trip for any reason other than Force Majeure, you will be given a full refund that will constitute full settlement. We will not reimburse you for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, hotels or other travel expenses.

We shall not be liable for any refunds or compensation in the event we cancel your booking due to reasons of Force Majeure. Examples of “Force Majeure” include Acts of God (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, volcanic eruptions, or other natural disaster), epidemics, health risks and pandemics, government orders or actions, civil disturbances, war or threat of war, acts of foreign enemies, or terrorist activities.

the pyrenees, france - lifecycle adventures€¦ · 06/10/2019 · notable climbs include the col...

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