Classic Cols of the Picos
Last Updated on Monday, 29 April 2013 13:34
Due to unforseen circumstances, this trip will unfortunately not be ready in time for summer 2013, so it means waiting till 2014 - sorry!
"Your chance to cycle some of the beautiful climbs in the Spanish Picos and Cantabrian mountains, infamous thanks to La Vuelta. Choose from a leisurely pace or take on the Classic Cols Challenge - make the holiday what you want!"
For 2013, due to the popularity of our Pyrenean and Alpine Classic Cols itineraries, we are putting together a truly lovely holiday for you somewhere just a bit different: the beautiful mountains of the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain. Taken slowly this route is manageable (and enjoyable) for most cyclists with the toughest day involving m of ascent. However, each day there are 'optional extras' increasing the possible daily ascent to over m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Classic Cols Challenge (see details below).
As with our other Classic Cols trips, the unique thing about this type of holiday is its flexibility - you really can ride as much or as little as you like, at a pace that suites you without holding up or being held up by others in the group. That said, with a group of 16, you can be sure to find someone else on the trip with similar aspirations to you, whether that be sampling a glass of the local wine in a rustic village bar, or taking on every optional climb on offer.
This week is definitely a 'holiday', and riding on the quiet roads through the stunning mountain scenery of the Picos National Park is a real joy. Despite the beauty of the area, the Picos is still unspoilt and more frequented by walkers than cyclists. The weather is fabulous (though changeable like all mountain climates) and you get a chance to sample the local Spanish cuisine. This plus the good company of the others in your group all make for an excellent week.
It is important to us that people book the correct holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts. We also run an Alpine Classic Cols holiday, if you are looking for a slightly more challenging basic route.
Why book with Marmot Tours?
- We have been running this type of road cycling holiday since 2001 so have fine tuned our product over the years. This is an exciting new itinerary that will give you the best cycling whilst maintaining our philosophy of supporting the local economy by staying in family run hotels which serve up generous portions of tasty regional dishes.
- This trip is all about you and your bike - we do the rest. We provide you with comprehensive notes with altitude profiles, route descriptions and top tips on the best places to eat lunch. You then ride whichever of the route choices you feel like doing, to bring you to the hotel, meeting up with our support vehicle periodically throughout the day to restock with water and snacks.
- We minimise time in the van so that you are only have the transfers at the beginning and end of the holiday - the rest of the time you are cycling, which after all is what you have come to do. Our routes go direct from hotel to hotel, and naturally all your baggage (including bike boxes) is transported on for you.
- The support vehicle will never be far away, offering mechanical help, refreshments and lifts up (or down) the hills. This holiday is even suitable for non-cycling partners who want to enjoy exploring this beautiful part of the world.
The Classic Cols Challenge
For those of you out there that like a challenge, why not ride all the optional extra cols and stage endings? This makes your weeks cycling km with m of ascent! For completing the challenge you receive a free Marmot Tours road cycling jersey.
Dates and Prices
2014
Sat 31 May - Sat 7 June 2014
Sat 20 Sept - Sat 27 Sept 2014
Costs: £920 (twin share basis), starting and ending at Asturias Airport. Single supplement £140 [To be arranged on booking. This supplement only applies if you are booking alone and would like to guarantee your own room for the holiday. If you are happy to share with someone of the same gender then there is no need to pay this supplement.]
Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Arrival and departure airport Asturias
Allow about £150 for lunches and daytime drinks that are not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 6 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts.
If your currency isn't GBP £, then you may find the Caxton FX currency calculator useful.
This price includes: 7 nights 2-star hotels, 6 evening meals (excluding drinks) and 7 breakfasts, fruit and cereal bars whilst cycling, airport transfers as specific times, support vehicle offfering medical / mechanical assistance.
