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Etape du Tour reconnaissance weekendGive yourself the best chance - recce the
route and take in a few other Pyrenean classic cols. |
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Ride the route over 2 days |
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detailed itineraryTo
photo album (there is no specific album for this trip)To
our Etape du Tour transport and accommodation packageTo
other road cycling or mountain biking holidays |
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OVERVIEWPreparation is the key to any big cycling event and this trip has been put together to give any 'ettaper' the ideal head start. This intensive weekend in June, 3 weeks before the event gives you the opportunity to ride the Etape route over 2 days and have an additional day to enjoy the Col du Aubisque.It is an all inclusive package from Toulouse Airport, based in a comfortable 2 star hotel in the charming mountain town of Argeles Gazost. This trip is being run in conjunction with Ron from etape.org.uk who has been helping people enjoy the Etape for the past 10 years. If you need accommodation for the Etape please see our accommodation package DATESFriday 13th June [am] - Monday 16 June 2008 [am] (Trip Code RFL H23)HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The trip costs £320, starting and finishing at Pau Pyrenees Airport, based on twin share accommodation. You can book a single room for a supplement of £60 (let us know on booking). 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?3 days supported rides. Route notes and maps. Airport Transfers from Toulouse (at specified times). Services of an English (French speaking) tour leader during the trip. Medical and mechanical support. 3 nights 2 star hotel accommodation. 3 substantial evening meals (not wine or coffee). 3 breakfasts. Fruit and energy bars while cycling. 'Marmot-tours' cycling top.IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?This week is aimed at anyone who is taking part in the 2008 Etape. It is not intended to be a competition and the daily rides can be done at your own pace. In addition there are optional extras for those wanting a greater challenge. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.FOOD3 continental style breakfasts are included (which we supplement with other high calorie food). 3 evenings meals are included which will be taken together at an excellent nearby restaurant. Lunch is not included so you can select your diet while cycling. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well. Energy bars, cakes and banana's are included and will be distributed by the support vans.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by an experienced tour leader with mechanical and first-aid training. It is not expected that the group will stay together, so you will be given comprehensive notes, with directions and altitude profiles. The tour leader will be driving the support vehicle near the rear of the group, offering support and lifts up (or down) the hills as needed.GROUPThere is a maximum of 16 people (minimum 6) plus Cathy and / or James on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORT / SUPPORTThroughout the trip you are supported by a minibus fitted with a bike rack. It will intercept the group where possible offering medical / mechanical assistance as well as a lift up the hills (if you would like it). There is space for 8 people in the minibus at one time.BIKE SUITABILITYThis trip is best suited to a road bike - as this is what they were invented for! If bringing your own bike please ensure that it has a suitable gear ratio for the mountains (a front triple is highly recommended unless you are a very strong cyclist). Touring or mountain bikes with slick tyres would be fine for this trip, however, due to their weight you will find it harder.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire either a Commencal Colt or Specialized Allez Sport. You will need to reserve one on booking. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section.HOW DO I GET THERE?This trip uses Ryan Air flights in and out of Pau Pyrenees airport which is only 50 mins from our accommodation. Although the outbound flight time is not very desirable it does give us a full day's cycling on the Friday.Out to France: 13th June - dpt Stansted at 0645, arrive Pau at 0940. Back to UK: 16th June - dpt Pau at 0940, arrive Stansted at 1030. Please note that Ryan Air charge £25 for the carriage of a bike in each direction, so you may prefer to hire a bike for the 3 days (60 Euros). Please see the Transport section for more information on airlines, airport transfers and traveling with a bike.
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