Current as of: October 25, 2019 - 10:01 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020

Raid Pyrenean Coast to Coast Ride Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Adventure Holidays in Min age: 16 MSP Tough  Programmes: Cycling

Trip Overview

This unique cycling raid is a must-do route for any road cycling fan. It will take us on a journey over eleven of the most famous Cols in the . We traverse the mighty Pyrenees hugging the Spanish border as we follow a route that was made famous by riders trying to complete the distance in less than 100 hours, but on this trip you will have time to take in the stunning jagged landscape whilst still conquering great climbs like the and the Col d'Aubisque. After taking on these rewarding climbs, the route brings us back down to the Mediterranean Sea for a celebratory swim.

At a Glance

 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)  100% tarmac roads  Hilly route with mountain passes  Group normally 6 to 18 plus leader in suport vehicle  7 nights hotels

 Countries visited: Adventure Holidays in France

Trip Highlights  Cycle from the Atlantic Coast to the Mediterranean Sea  Ride the most famous cols in the Pyrenees  Conquer iconic climbs from the

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classi ed Drop-bar.

Activity Level 7 (Tough).

Average daily distance: 104km (64 miles)

No. of days cycling: 6 with partial vehicel support (limited seats) Terrain and route: a classic road tour with some challenging climbs. The gradients do not get much steeper than 10% but the climbs can be long.

Daily distances are realistic, and there are plenty of opportunities for stronger riders to add more kilometres if they wish. The support vehicle is always available for riders who have achieved their personal goal and require a lift up or down any of the hills (although with limited seats). This trip is on roads away from traffic however we do have to use some roads which can be busy; the scenery from the route we take is wonderful. All of the roads used are good quality tarmac, we recommend using drop bar road bike for this trip.

You should be aware that cycling of all kinds has its dangers and that accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake. Helmets must be worn by all cyclists.

Please note: Breakaway drop bar cycling holidays are not run in a training camp style, all our daily rides are group rides and we aim to cycle as a group wherever possible. The days are broken up with food and coffee stops so it is likely that we will be outside for the majority of the day (sometimes between 9am – 5pm). It is common for the group to split on the longer climbs, please keep in mind that if you are looking to push yourself on the climbs you might have a wait at the top for other members of the group, however the support vehicle will be there to offer warm clothes and snacks.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

Normally 6 to 18 plus leader in support vehicle.

Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 6 Max group size: 18

Itinerary Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Start . Start Hendaye. If there is time we can go for a short ride along the sea front towards Pointe de Ste Barbe. In the evening the guide will talk through the itinerary for the weeks cycling.

Standard Hotel

Day 2 Ride over the Col du St Ignace and the Col d'Osquich.

Our journey starts by climbing the Col de St Ignace at 169m, gaining altitude progressively to join the mountains before cycling through St Jean Pied de Port, the renowned medieval city on the Compostelle way. From here the route climbs the Col d'Osquich, ofcially at 392m of altitude but the road culminates at 500m. After this, we enjoy a nice ride down to the village of Montory where we spend the night.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 130 km / 81 miles Day 3 Ride through the Basque hills before taking on the Hors category Col d'Aubisque and the Col de Soulor.

In the morning, we cycle through the Basque hills as we make our way to the west starting point of the mythic Col d'Aubisque, here we take on the challenging Hors Category pass, a 17km climb at 8% average gradient with sections at 10%. The summit is at 1709m of altitude, then after a short descent we start the second climb up to the 1474m, this is the last summit before a superb descent to our hotel in Agos-Vidalos.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 105 km / 66 miles

Day 4 Today we ride the mighty Hors category Col du Tourmalet followed by the rst category Col d'Aspin.

Today we take on the Col du Tourmalet, one of the most legendary climbs in the Pyrenees, at 2115m of altitude and climbed 52 times by the TDF since 1947 making it the most climbed col of the Tour de France. the Col du Tourmalet is a Hors Category pass, it is 18km long with an average gradient of 8% with some sections at 10%. From the summit there is a nice twisty descent to Saint Marie de . Straight after the descent the second challenge of the day starts with the climb of Col d'Aspin, a rst category climb with 12km of ascent from Saint Marie de Campan at 5,2% average gradient.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 95 km / 59 miles

Day 5 Cycle over the , Col des Ares and the d'Aspet. Three passes are waiting for us today. First up is the Col de Peyresourde, a rst category climb with 20km of ascent at 4.5% average gradient with sections at 8%. Then we ride down to the Bagnères-de-Luchon valley where the Tour de France stops regularly. Here we ride over the Col des Ares to join the Col de Portet d'Aspet, a third category pass (4.3 km at 9.7%) that has been ridden 30 times since 1947 by the Tour de France.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 115 km / 71 miles Day 6 Ride the Col du Port with amazing views over the Ariege Valley before climbing the Col de Chioula.

From St Girons, we will cycle towards the Col de Port another classic of the Tour de France, starting the climb from the ascent is constant and doesn’t go over 6%. We then descend to Bompas where we join the “route des corniches”, a road that overlooks the Ariège valley with great views. We will then climb the Col de Chioula up to 1431m of altitude. From the summit we will descend towards Ax les Thermes where we spend the night.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 110 km / 68 miles

Day 7 Follow the river that ows through the Gorges de l'Aude all the way to the Mediterranean sea at St Cyprien.

Today is the last day of cycling, which means at the end of the ride we can jump into the Mediterranean Sea! Leaving the mountains we follow the rivers that come from the high peaks to join the sea; carving among the rocks we follow the fabulous gorges de l'Aude. Passing beautiful views over the Corbières vineyards we make our way towards the end of the route in St Cyprian by the sea. Here we will have time to celebrate the week’s achievements with a swim in the med and some well- earned drinks.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 140 km / 87 miles

Day 8 Free morning in St Cyprien before the trip ends here.

Free morning to relax or explore St Cyprien at our own pace before the trip ends here.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotels

We stay in good quality 2-star hotels, all with private facilities. The hotels are comfortable and ideally located in towns along the route with a good choice of restaurants serving delicious food to ensure you get a good meal and a good night sleep ready for the next day’s ride.

Due to the point-to-point nature of our drop bar trips, it is inevitable that there is some variance in the style and quality of accommodation used each night. Our priority is to make the riding days as balanced as possible in terms of distance and elevation gain and once we are happy with the route we choose the most appropriate accommodation in our chosen location. In some of the more rural locations there may not be a wide choice of accommodation. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $542.50 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts are included.

For breakfast you can expect a continental style buffet with cold meat, cheeses, bread, eggs, jams and pastries as well as tea and coffee. Throughout the trip you can expect really good food with strong inuences from Spain and France. Lunches and dinners are not included in the trip price to allow you to take advantage of the local restaurants and cafes along the route and give you freedom over what you eat. Our guide will be able to recommend the best local restaurants and will have planned some stops at good coffee shops to break up the days rides.

Transportation For airport transfers we use a small bus. The rides are supported by a van, with limited spaces for clients and bikes. The vehicle will sweep through the group during the day offering encouragement, water and access to your snacks. A comprehensive tool kit and rst aid kit is carried and the leader is a qualied rst-aider. Lifts up or down the hills are naturally offered, if this is your desire.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information The weather in the mountains can be very changeable, with hot sunshine at the start of a climb and sometimes heavy rain at the summit. The Central Pyrenees gets some rainfall throughout the summer, although mostly at night time and some afternoon thunderstorms. On average, over the course of a week you should expect 1 or 2 wet days. Maximum temperatures can be over 30ºC, but this will vary with altitude. If we are riding through low cloud it can get very chilly on the descents, but these should be short spells only, you will feel the temperature increase as you descend in altitude.

Joining Instructions Traveling land only: 8 days starting in Hendaye and ending in St Cyprien Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Hendaye in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are included for those able to meet the group timings. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other ight, even if Breakaway has booked it.

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged at designated times, subject to change - please check the group ight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

Location start: Hendaye Location end: St Cyprien

What to Take Essential Equipment

You will need to bring the following equipment with you:

Normal daily clothes

Cycle helmet (compulsory on this trip)

Sunglasses /eye protection

Base layers, short and long sleeved jerseys

Windproof Gillet and

Lightweight waterproof jacket

Several pairs of quality padded bib shorts

Full length tights or knee/leg warmers, cycling gloves and arm warmers

Chamois cream

Energy drink powder and energy bars/gels

If you are bringing your own bike we recommend packing the following items: Spare tyre, inner tubes, brake pads and correct length spokes (especially if using Mavic wheels)

Multi tool, mini pump, tyre leavers and a puncture repair kit

The support vehicle carries a range of tools and 2 track pumps that you are free to use during the trip. Basic spares are also carried, but we are never too far from a bike shop, in the case that you require a specialist replacement part. Every night the bikes will be put in a garage/shed, but it is best to bring a lock, just so that you can be sure yours is safe. Your bike box / bag will be transported to the end hotel on the roof rack of the support vehicle. On all departures of this trip we can expect to be cycling in just shorts and a short-sleeved jersey. The temperature is naturally dependant on the altitude, so on some of the higher cols it can get fairly chilly. Unfortunately rain cannot be ruled out but the showers tend to be fairly short. There are no laundry facilities in any of the hotels, but if you rinse out the cycling kit in the shower, it is normally dry in the morning.

Optional Equipment

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to t to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Equipment Hire

Local Bike Details: Bike hire is not included in the holiday price of our Drop Bar holidays.

Scott Speedster, Orbea Aqua or Cube Peloton drop bar road bikes with triple chainset available on request.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-tting daysack.

Bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking and the cost will be added to your invoice. We will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufcient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to nd suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment. 2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire. 3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment 4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the inuence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

Bringing Your Own Bike Drop Bars If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking if you plan to do so. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy as if Breakaway is confident that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under you own insurance policy.

Practical Information Passport Adventure Holidays in France

Most nationalities, including US, require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

US passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination

No vaccinations are obligatory. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not quali ed to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Adventure Holidays in France's Timezone: Europe/Paris CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Adventure Holidays in France's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required.

Money Adventure Holidays in France's Currency

The national currency of France is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2017) of approximately 0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.66 to the AUD and 0.59 to the NZD.

ATM Availability We recommend you bring your spending money in cash, but Visa / MasterCard credit or debit cards may be useful for shopping, extra excursions and withdrawing cash from ATMs (cash points). We do not recommend travelers cheques, as they may be difficult to change during the holiday. Cash points are available at the airport as well as in some of the towns that we stay in.

Tipping This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest you allow a few pounds each day for tips for the guide- about approx. US$6-7 a day per client would seem reasonable. Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on

Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com