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Mountain biking in the PyreneesAn unforgettable week of cross-country mountain biking from the comfort of our chalet |
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Over 1000m of descent per day. |
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OVERVIEWIf you were going to design a mountain biking playground, it would be end up like Ax-les-Thermes. It's in the Pyrenees, just north of Andorra and has the perfect mix of topography, scenery and trails to keep any biker amused.Ax is perfectly situated in the deep and picturesque Ariège valley. It is surrounded by a high altitude plateau which can be accessed by a unique road system. Each day we will transfer high, where we enjoy world class trails with breathtaking views over the snow capped mountains. Towards the end of the day we let gravity do the work as we drop back into Ax on a heady cocktail of the single track, stirred but hopefully not too shaken! The town itself has been popular since Roman times, due to its thermal springs which still flow freely down the streets. It is now a popular base for summer and winter activity holidays enhancing its charm with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and lively bars. On the day off you can splash about in a canoe or take an aerial view of town from a paraglider. Those wanting to relax, could take the train to the medieval town of Foix. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?This week is aimed at people who enjoy regular mountain biking and have had some exposure to single track. You will need to be reasonably fit to get the most from the week. It is not suitable for beginners to mountain biking or people in full body protection. If you enjoy riding a bike in beautiful surroundings, then get booking. Most of the riding is on unmade forest tracks or single-track. Most days there is well over 1000m of downhill and up to 600m of up. Approximate distances will be 35 to 50km per day, about 5-7 hours biking. Normally there are options for people who want to take it slightly easier. There is a substantial amount of single-track during the week, most of it is on gently undulating mule trails, however as our confidence increases, steeper more technical tracks will be introduced. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESSun 1 July - Sun 8 July 2008 (Trip code MFA H22)Sun 28 Sept - Sun 5 Oct 2008 (Trip code MFA H39) Extra dates may be available - please ask. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The trip costs £515, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Allow about £50 for drinks and the meals 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 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?5 days guided rides. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Transfers up hill at the start of each day. Informal riding instruction. Medical and Mechanical support. 7 nights in Private Lodge. 4 evening meals (with moderate wine). 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in L'Alpage, a comfortable Lodge 15 minutes walk uphill from the centre of Ax. Alan, our host, creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in his beautiful home. The spacious lounge and bar opens on to a panoramic south facing terrace - the perfect place to relax with a beer at the end of a great day in the hills! Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.FOOD7 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on cycling days, which you will be expected to carry with you. 4 evenings meals are taken at the lodge, where we will be served regional specialties such as confit du canard and Cassoulet. A moderate amount of wine is included with these meals. 2 evening meals are not included, giving you the opportunity to head into town where there are many fine French and International restaurants. Dinner on the first day is not included due to the differing arrival times of the group members. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by James Thompson, who has over 8 years of experience of leading mountain biking trips around the world. James' quest for the "ultimate ride" ended when he stumbled across Ax two years ago. He now lives in the Valley and has an intimate knowledge of the regions single track. James is a competent mechanic and experienced First-aider. Informal instruction will be given for those wanting to improve their technique.GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people (minimum 2) plus James and Cathy (driver) on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORT / SUPPORTEvery morning you will be transferred up to our ride start point in our Private Minibus which is fitted with a bike rack. James cycles with a comprehensive medical and tool kits, however if further assistance is needed the bus is only a phone call away.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire one from Marmot-Tours (and return it dirty at the end of the holiday!). Marmot-Tours has a fleet of Specialised Rockhopper Bikes with either 'Normal' or 'Disc' Brakes. There are no full-suspension bikes available. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section.HOW DO I GET THERE?Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45mins form Ax by road. Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday. Please see the Transport section for all travel options (road, rail and air), including getting to the start point independently. Please check out our information on traveling with a bike. |
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate for the weather conditions and the desires of the group. The rides described below are to give you an idea of what we could encounter during the week. There is a good months worth of world class rides to select from - James' biggest problem is trying to work out which rides to miss out!! |
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DAY 1 |
Transfer from Toulouse airport to our tour start point at Ax-les-Thermes. Assemble bikes and go for a few beers in town. Dinner tonight is not included due to the late arrival times of the group. |
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DAY 2 |
Chioula: This is one of the largest x-country skiing areas in the Pyrenees. Consequently, it has a vast network of tracks which cross the plateau; perfect for us bikers. We could spend all week here, however today we enjoy the highlights. Naturally, the day ends with a wicked single track descent into Ax. |
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DAY 3 |
Andorra: We transfer 40 minutes into Andorra and the giddy heights of 2400m. We will have time to enjoy some duty free shopping before embarking on 'the ride'. The route back to Ax, is a classic, involving ski runs, avalanche chutes and ancient smugglers trails. You will love it! |
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DAY 4 |
Valley of Ax: The ultimate valley ride! The many villages on the southern flanks of the Ax valley are overlooked by the picturesque "Route Des Corniches". From most of the villages there is an ancient trail heading into the valley 500m below. Today we wind our way down, then back up the valley enjoying endless world class descents and lung busting climbs (can transfer most of these!). |
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DAY 5 |
Today will be a day to do as you please. Ax is a pleasant town to relax in, and indeed the thermal baths with massage service may help you do so. Those wanting a little more culture could take the train to Foix (30 minutes); a medieval town dominated by a triple-towered castle. Those needing even more action could try canyoning, canoeing, rock climbing, paragliding or even some more biking! |
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DAY 6 |
Bonascre: With a cable car which lifts us up 1600m from Ax, it's going to be a memorable day! We should be able to fit in 3 or 4 downhill runs. You will love the corkscrew! |
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DAY 7 |
Prades: A short climb onto a limestone plateau is rewarded with a roller coaster descent into the gorge of Frau. From here we climb again onto the most northerly ridge in the Pyrenean range. The views over the plain of the Cathar homeland are totally breathtaking. Some fast forest tracks bring us back to the edge of the Ax valley for another epic descent. |
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DAY 8 |
Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer back to Toulouse trying to plan when you can come back for more!! |
