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Home , Azet, Bigorre, Campan, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Tourmalet, Gazost

THE , 6-Day Cycling Tour SELF-GUIDED TOUR SUMMARY THE PYRENEES Mountain Villages and Classic Cols

TOUR LENGTH 6 Days / 5 Nights

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 START & END 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, enthusiastic riders as the routes include long climbs and twisting descents made famous by the . Notable climbs BEST TIMES TO VISIT include the , the Col d’Aspin, and the . Intermediate riders might consider using an Road eBike. June to September The mountain climate means that high passes can have snow as late SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS RIDE OPTIONS as May or as early as October. Private transfer from Tarbes with bike set up Leisure and full route briefing at the start of your tour Intermediate* OPTIONAL EXTRAS Bilingual guides delivering superior service Challenge Alternative start/end location in Select accommodations with breakfast or Toulouse Airport. Epic On-call roadside assistance Thermal spa days. * The hilly terrain means that Luggage moved between lodgings and optional Customize your route. some Intermediate riders participant transfers along the routes may be happier with an GPS units, maps, directions and guidebook eBike. Private transfer back to Tarbes at the end of your tour BIKES AVAILABLE DAY-BY-DAY FLOW Hybrid Day 1 Tarbes to Argelès- Road Day 2 Argelès-Gazost Loop Day Premium Road Day 3 Argelès-Gazost to Bagnères-de- Road eBike Day 4 Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Saint-Lary Day 5 Saint-Lary Loop Day Day 6 Saint-Lary to Bagnères-de-Luchon

2  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ABOUT US WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES

OUR SELF-GUIDED At the start of your self-guided tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, sets up your bike, 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 a route that best suits your ability. Our support vans are nearby should you require assistance and your guide is also available by phone.

Your GPS unit and cycling maps help you navigate while our best-in-class guidebooks tell you about the towns you will visit and the sights along your route. We also recommend places to eat and would be pleased to make reservations for you.

When customizing your itinerary, you select your accommodation, trip duration, when you travel, and what type of bike you ride. This customization, support and insight helps make our self-guided tours the most personalized and well-supported in the industry.

OUR GUIDES LifeCycle Adventures Typical Feature Self-Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours Our expert guides live in the areas in which you tour and have the passion and knowledge to deliver Dates & Duration Fully flexible Limited & fixed superior service and exceptional insight.

Accommodation From Budget to Luxury Set GUIDE TO THE PYRENEES

Routes From Leisure to Epic Some choice

Day 1 in person Ride Briefings None or limited Daily by phone

Van on call Ride Support None or limited Guide by phone

Lunches & Dinners Help with reservations On your own My name is Greg Craig and I will be one of the guides taking care of you Pre- and Post-Tour Transfers Yes No during your tour.

I was born in South , grew up in England, and then moved to the Pyrenees where I live with my wife PRIVATE TOUR SPECIALISTS SINCE 2004 and daughter. With our unique blend of customized itineraries and personal service we create perfect I am the European Manager for cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment LifeCycle Adventures but also guide you contact us until the end of your tour, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally tours in my backyard; I love sharing focused on creating your perfect cycling vacation. our amazing riding with fellow enthusiasts. We donate 10% of our profits to cycling advocacy and reduce our carbon footprint using offsets while working towards making all our operations carbon neutral. I look forward to meeting you!

Gregory Craig 3  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ABOUT US BOOK AND TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ENHANCED SAFETY IN A TIME OF COVID It is always our objective to make your booking and travel as easy and worry-free as possible. To that end, we have taken tours that were already well-suited to safe travel and added a number of new features to truly make this a great way to explore in these challenging times.

A Great Way to Vacation Book with Confidence Travel Safely

Our Self-Guided and Private In these times of uncertainty, Our health-screened guides are Guided tours have always been we have improved our already available throughout your tour perfect for those wanting to get generous cancellation policy. and will wear masks and take off the beaten track and avoid distancing precautions. the crowds. Cancel penalty-free until 1, 2021 for any tour starting Overnight accommodations Our tours have never mixed after April 30. After March 1, have been screened to help strangers together and have 2021, you have the choice of a ensure they follow distancing always been limited to just your refund or a credit for a future protocols and sanitize rooms group. All transportation is tour.* between guests. private – for just you and your travel companions. If you are unable to travel due Our equipment, from bikes to to travel restrictions, you can vans, are sanitized before and You are in control: stop as much choose to postpone your tour after serving guests. or as little as you like, eat where for up to two years.* you choose, and only visit the sights you want.

* - See the Terms and Conditions at the end of this itinerary for details of our cancellation policy.

4  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1

Tarbes to Argelès-Gazost RIDE OPTIONS Your trip starts with a van transfer to the rural Intermediate hamlet of Ibos – 6 miles west of Tarbes and 100 You ride across rolling 30 miles with miles southwest of Toulouse. You ride south from 1,900 feet of climbing the village across rolling farmland and through farmland and through remote hamlets; typically, just a cluster of houses remote villages towards Challenge with a church and a manor. 50 miles with the snow-capped peaks 5,300 feet of climbing As you skirt around the pilgrimage town of , you enter the foothills of the Pyrenees and start of the Pyrenees climbing.

The Intermediate route climbs gently up to Argelès-Gazost along a rails-to- bike path paralleling the fast-flowing River Ousse. The hills close in on either side of the river and you glimpse OVERNIGHT TOWN the snow-capped peaks that lie ahead. Argelès-Gazost At 1,500 feet above sea level and The route follows the Intermediate Challenge surrounded by mountains, this route until shortly before Argelès-Gazost where it pretty is well cared for detours up . This is a challenging climb with many flower beds, panoramic that starts at an altitude of 1,500 feet and climbs terraces, and fountains. The up to 5,000 feet in a little over eight miles. The road Tuesday market is the oldest of the ends at the ski lifts from where you descend down valley and includes local fare such as to Argelès-Gazost. ’s cheese, honey, blueberries, and charcuterie.

DAY 2

Argelès-Gazost Loops RIDE OPTIONS Today’s riding takes you into the Pyrenees National Intermediate Park – a sanctuary for flora and fauna that stretches One of the last pockets 20 miles with for 60 miles along the French with . 2,900 feet of climbing This is one of the last pockets of true wilderness of true wilderness left left in France. Small lanes twist up the side of snow- in France – stretching Challenge capped mountains and cows roam freely across the 40 miles with unfenced valleys. for 60 miles along the 7,400 feet of climbing Epic The Epic ride takes you on a mountainous border with Spain 75 miles with adventure over three high cols – Bordères, Soulor, 8,600 feet of climbing and Aubisque – and down to Asson in the Ouzom Valley. The riding is literally breath-taking as are the views. OVERNIGHT TOWN The Challenge route is equally stunning but with less climbing and half the mileage. The ride ends Argelès-Gazost with the Col de Spandelles: a small winding lane that At 1,500 feet above sea level and climbs 2,750 feet in ten miles before descending surrounded by mountains, this through thick woodland to Argeles-Gazost. pretty spa town is well cared for with many flower beds, panoramic The route also takes you deep into Intermediate terraces, and fountains. The the Pyrenees National Park: to the Lac d’Estaing Tuesday market is the oldest of the situated at the top of the valley at an altitude of valley and includes local fare such as 3,800 feet. On the lake at the top of the climb, there sheep’s cheese, honey, blueberries, is a café that makes a great lunch stop. and charcuterie.

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DAY 3

Argelès-Gazost to Bagnères-de-Bigorre RIDE OPTIONS The ride takes you over the famous Col Challenge Towards the top of the Intermediate du Tourmalet. You start heading south alongside the 25 miles with fast flowing Gave de Gavarnie. In the picturesque Tourmalet, you twist 1,900 feet of climbing mountain village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur you turn around the classic east and the climbing begins in earnest. Towards Challenge the top, the classic switchbacks of the Tourmalet switchbacks and realize 40 miles with take to the summit. At 6,940 feet, this is the highest you have been climbing 5,500 feet of climbing paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees. The Epic spectacular views make it all worthwhile and the for 20 miles 60 miles with café makes for a cozy rest stop. From the top of the 9,500 feet of climbing 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 OVERNIGHT TOWN in a challenging detour before the Col du Tourmalet up to . You rejoin the Challenge route in Bagnères-de-Bigorre Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Bagnères-de-Bigorre has an ancient history, having been conquered by The Intermediate route avoids the Col du Julius Caesar in 56 BCE. And, ever Tourmalet by taking a northerly loop. You ride since Roman times, visitors have on delightful country lanes through the rolling come here to “take the waters.” The countryside of the Pyrenean foothills. There are town is also a bustling market town numerous villages as well as small farms and with specialties that include lamb, orchards along the route. In places, you will be riding trout, and cabbage soup. a single-lane road alongside a sparkling stream with snow-capped peaks off in the distance.

DAY 4

Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Saint-Lary-Soulan RIDE OPTIONS Today you push deeper into the mountains: to Intermediate the ski village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Your ride Choose from the 30 miles with starts heading south up the Valley. This 3,400 feet of climbing is a charming mountain village with an interesting Col d’Aspin or the tradition. Each summer, the inhabitants of the Hourquette d’ – Challenge village create life-sized dolls made to look like the 30 miles with people of the village. You see these mannequins both favorite climbs of 4,400 feet of climbing outside most of the houses. the Tour de France 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. OVERNIGHT TOWN The Challenge route takes you a little further south Saint-Lary-Soulan and a little higher: up the Hourquette d’Ancizan – Saint-Lary-Soulan is in the high another favorite climb of the Tour de France. mountains located on one of the Both climbs have fantastic views and thrilling main routes through to Spain. descents. After the cols, it is an easy cruise into the In winter, it is at the center of the ski village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. 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.

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DAY 5

Saint-Lary-Soulan Loops RIDE OPTIONS For many, riding through the Néouvielle Natural Intermediate Reserve to the Lac de Cap-de-Long is the highlight The climb is a heady mix 30 miles with of the tour. The raw beauty of this climb takes your 4,400 feet of climbing breath away as does the final altitude at over 7,100 of forests, craggy peaks, feet. The climb is a heady mix of forests, craggy and cascading Challenge peaks, and cascading waterfalls. 55 miles with ending at a lake at 8,500 feet of climbing Towards the top of the climb, the views open up and you see that you are riding along the spine of 7,100 feet 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 OVERNIGHT TOWN the same way you arrived – only much faster. Saint-Lary-Soulan For Intermediate riders this is an in-and-out ride Saint-Lary-Soulan is in the high to the lake. mountains located on one of the main routes through to Spain. Riders doing the ride first take in a loop Challenge In winter, it is at the center of the east of Saint Lary that includes the Col d’ before largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. joining the Intermediate route up the Lac de Cap- In summer, it is abuzz with hikers, de-Long. The initial, eastern loop adds 25 miles and climbers and (of course) cyclists. is on small roads that pass through pretty mountain Local cuisine includes the Garbure hamlets. The terrain is a little more benign than (ham & vegetable stew) and black the final climb up to the lake but it is still stunningly Bigorre pork. beautiful.

DAY 6

Saint-Lary-Soulan to Bagnères-de-Luchon RIDE OPTIONS The route today is just twenty miles Intermediate Intermediate but features two classic cols from the Tour de 20 miles with France: the Col d’Azet and the Col de Peyresourde. More classic cols from 4,600 feet of climbing The beautiful lake at makes for a great the Tour de France and lunch stop – between the cols. If you need another Challenge snack, there is a small hut selling tasty crêpes at the a small hut selling tasty 60 miles with top of the Col de Peyresourde. At 5,200 feet, this 6,500 feet of climbing must be one of the world’s highest pancake houses! crêpes at 5,200 feet From here you enjoy a 10-mile descent to the finish.

The Challenge ride takes you north out of the mountains along the d’Aure river valley. Having given up all your altitude, you begin a 20- mile climb up to Bagnères-de-Luchon over the Port OVERNIGHT TOWN de Balès – another Tour de France climb. The climb starts easily enough but pitches up to over 15% None in the sections towards the top. From the top, it As this is the last day of your is a fast, technical descent down to Bagnères-de- tour, there is no overnight Luchon. accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking. 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.

7  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ACCOMMODATION CLASSIC

Argelès-Gazost Le This 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. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in the Classic category Bagnères-de-Bigorre are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal Carré Py’ Hôtel service sometimes including wine This is a simple, modern and functional hotel in a tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres. location – on the edge of town by the river. Many See page 2 for prices. rooms have great views of the mountains or down the valley. Rooms are modern and comfortable. Mix & Match You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Saint-Lary-Soulan Mercure Saint-Lary Tips & Notes This 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.

8  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ACCOMMODATION BUDGET

Argelès-Gazost Le Miramont This 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. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in our Budget category Bagnères-de-Bigorre are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all Les Dix Arches the properties are well-kept with en Stay as the guests of Caroline and Andy in their suite facilities. lovely home in peaceful grounds but also close to See page 2 for prices. 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. Mix & Match NOTE: a delicious evening meal – at the communal table – is available by prior arrangement. You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Saint-Lary-Soulan Les Arches Tips & Notes A 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.

9  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] BIKES BIKE CHOICES

HYBRID BIKE Hybrids 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 BIKE Our 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. BIKE RENTAL RATES Bike Per Day Per Week Hybrid $50 $350 PREMIUM ROAD BIKE Our premium road bikes are light and fast Road $70 $490 racing bikes. A typical bike in this category is the Premium $80 $560 Pinarello Dogma F10: full carbon with Shimano Dura-Ace componentry. Experienced riders will Road eBike $80 $560 appreciate the lightness, stiffness and mechanics of these high-end bikes. OPTIONAL EXTRAS Receiving & Assembly $100 per bike charge to receive bike from Road eBIKE shipper, assemble the bike and Our Road eBikes are designed to give you a little repack it and deliver it to a shipper extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride at the end of the tour. position and handling is very similar to our Premium Bike Boxes $100 Road Bikes. We typically rent Pinarello Nytro bikes a per box charge for the extra equipped with a 400W motor. If one rider in a logistics needed to handle bike couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a boxes during a tour. Note: this fee great choice for the less-strong rider. can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel. Tandem Bike $100 YOUR BIKE a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is If you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to brought by a guest. your destination as well as set it up once it is there. Please ask about options for bike shipping and assembly.

10  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS SERVICES & OPTIONS

THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: Private transfer from/to downtown Tarbes or Tarbes Railway Station or Airport.

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

GPS units, cycling maps, and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.

Guide available by phone from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.

Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service.

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

Snacks and ride food.

Concierge service for activity and meal reservations. Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning NOTES: (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.

THE TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners though we are pleased to make reservations for you.

An on-bike guide.

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

Activities such as massages and spa treatments - though we are pleased to make suggestions and reservations on your behalf.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Transfers from Toulouse and Toulouse Airport Typically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Tarbes, Tarbes Railway Station or Tarbes-Lourdes Airport. We can also collect you from Toulouse or Toulouse Airport for which there is a $150 charge per couple, per transfer. These transfer are only available on the first and last days of the tour.

Thermal Spa Days This area of the Pyrenees has had thermal spas dating back to the time of the Romans, who visited for the healing properties of the waters. The facilities at Argelès-Gazost, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Bagnères-de-Luchon are extensive and historic – the latter’s baths include 150 meters of caves. Let us know if you would like to know more or if we can help arrange a visit to one of these spa facilities.

Route Customization If 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. 11  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] THE AREA ABOUT THE PYRENEES

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR Guests 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 Hotels Le Rexhotel www.lerexhotel.com/en

Hôtel de la www.hotel-tarbes.com/eng

La Maison Pourpre www.chambredhotetarbes.fr

Toulouse Hotels La Cour des 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

CLIMATE The (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 INFORMATION Tarbes 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 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 / ) or the new Airport Shuttle Train (€8 / 30 minutes).

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

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