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| You are here: Marmot tours > Trip summaries > Pyrenean descents MTB weekend Holiday |
Long weekend of Pyrenean descentsAn action packed weekend of world class mountain biking with the emphasis on single-track and downhill. |
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Endless single track descents. |
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To detailed itinerary
OVERVIEWAx-les-Thermes provides us with the perfect base for a long weekend of downhill biking. It is easy to get to from a variety of airports in the UK, meaning less time traveling and more time on the bikes.Ax is in the the Pyrenees, just north of Andorra and has the perfect mix of topography, scenery and trails to keep any biker amused. This fun weekend is aimed at people of a reasonable fitness with some single track experience. It is not for people wearing full body armour! Most of the descents are manageable (and enjoyable) by all mountain bikers, however there are a few sections to challenge the most fearless riders (short walks for the rest). Ax is situated in a deep forested valley, surrounded by a high altitude plateau commanding panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. The region's unique road network means that a short transfer gets us high above the valley bottom. From here, a heady cocktail of the world's finest single track take us rapidly back to Ax, 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. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?If you enjoy single track in beautiful surroundings, then you will love this weekend. Fitness is not a priority although it will help your enjoyment. It is not aimed at beginners or people in full body protection. The trails are similar to the Coed-y-Brenin without the up hills and with a lot more down. It is important to me that people book the correct trip, if you would like to verify that your fitness and technical ability suits then please contact us.
DATESFri 30 Apr - Mon 4 May (Trip code MFW J18)Thurs 5 Aug - Sun 8 Jun (Trip code MFW J32) Thurs 26 Aug - Sun 29 Aug (Trip code MFW J35) Other dates may be available - please ask. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £320, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £60 return.Allow about £40 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?2.5 days guided rides. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Transfers up most hills. Vehicle Support. 3 nights in Private Lodge. 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in L'Alpage, a comfortable chalet 15 minutes walk uphill from the centre of Ax. Alan, our host, creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in his beautiful house. 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.FOODAx has a wide range restaurants and crêperies, so the evening meals are left free for the group to decide. 3 substantial continental breakfasts are included. Picnic lunches will be provided on biking days. No drinks are included. Allow about 50 Euros for the meals not includedGUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONTo maximize enjoyment and safety, there are two biking Leaders, who will be at hand to assist in any way throughout the trip. For the first 2 days, Alan will ride at the front and James at the rear. Informal instruction will be given for those wanting to improve their technique.GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people (minimum 2) plus Alan, James and Cathy (driver) on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends. The small group is the key to this weekend, it maximizes riding time, as with larger groups time is wasted with more punctures and mechanical problems.TRANSPORT / SUPPORTThroughout the trip you are supported by a minibus, which will intercept the group where possible offering medical and mechanical assistance as well as transportation back up the hills. There are two biking Leaders who will be at hand to assist in any way throughout the trip.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 Rockhoppers Bikes with either 'Normal' of '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. Please see the Transport section for more information on travel options (air, road and rail) plus getting to the start point independently of the group transfer. Please check out our guidelines for travelling with a bike.REVIEWSTNT Journalist Damian Pointon came on this trip in May 2004. Click here to read about his holiday.EXTRA ACCOMODATIONIf you want to stay an extra night this can be arranged. |
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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DAY 1 |
Evening transfer from Toulouse airport to our tour start point at Ax-les-Thermes. Assemble bikes and sort out hire bikes followed by a few beers in town. |
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DAY 2 / 3 |
The exact itinerary, depends on the desires and ability of the group. We use a support vehicle to do most of the grunt work, leaving us to concentrate on the fun stuff! We can expect well over 2000m of descent each day (mostly on single track) however do come prepared for some uphill as well. We will be returning back to Ax several times each day, so you can do as much or as little riding as you like. There is more than two weeks of biking to be done from Ax, so you are sure to find something that suits. We will start off on fairly simple trails and throw in a few challenges as your confidence increases. Please look at the photo album for an idea of the kind of trails you are likely to encounter. |
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DAY 4 |
There will be a 5 hr ride offered for those using the group transfer. This ride will be more cross country and vehicle support will be limited to one lift up the hill. People with earlier flights will need to take the train back to Toulouse. Taking the 'day off' is naturally an option for those with hectic work schedules. |
