OVERVIEW
The Raid Pyrenean is one of the 'must do' rides for any cycling enthusiast.
The route across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean was established
in 1950 taking in most of the big cols en route. If this was not
hard enough the organizers introduced the rule that the route had
to be completed within 100 hours!
This cycling holiday has been put together to make this challenge as easy
for you as possible - all you need to do is ride and eat!
Although this is a challenge, it is also meant to be a holiday
and cycling the back roads and passes of the Pyrenees, France, can be one of
the most pleasurable cycling experiences anywhere in the world.
The scenery is stunning, the road surfaces good and the occasional
car drivers are extremely courteous.
THE ROUTE
We follow the official route exactly. Details of distances etc. are
at the base of this page, however this is a taster!
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
This is a real cycling challenge and you need to be fit to make the
most of it. The daily distances are long with a substantial amount
of ascent. This trip is not intended to be a race. Every individual
in the group can cycle at whatever speed they desire during the trip
without holding everybody up. In addition if you are happy to forfeit sleep then you can
do it as slowly as you like! It is important to us that people book the correct
trip. Please do not hesitate to contact
us if you have have any doubts.
DATES
Mon 16th June - Sat 21st June 2008 (trip code RFR H24)
Mon 23rd June - Sat 28th June 2008 (trip code RFR H25)
Mon
1st Sept - Sat 6th Sept 2008 (trip code RFR H35)
Mon
15th Sept - Sat 20th Sept 2008 (trip code RFR H37)
Mon 8th June - Sat 13th June 2009 (trip code RFR I23) - cost £560
Mon 22nd June - Sat 27th June 2009 (trip code RFR I25) - cost £560
Mon 7th Sept - Sat 12th Sept 2009 (trip code RFR I35) - cost £560
We only run the raid in June and September as it can get too hot
during July and August.
We can arrange for extra nights accommodation at either the start
or end hotels if you would like to extend your holiday.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The trip costs £530, starting at Biarritz Airport and ending at
Girona Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply
if
booked in advance. Allow about £60 for lunches and daytime drinks that are not included (outlined below).
There is a supplement
of £100 if you would like to have your own room for the trip,
(please let us know on booking as there is limited availability). 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 supported rides. Route notes
and Maps. Entrance to the official "Raid Pyrenean".
Airport Transfers (at specified times). 'Marmot-tours'
cycling top. Medical and Mechanical support. 5 nights
accommodation. 5 evening meals. 5 breakfasts. Certificate
and badge on successful completion of the challenge. |
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WHERE DO WE STAY?
During this trip we stay in a range of 2 star hotels with ensuite facilities.
Accommodation will be allocated on a twin share basic. There is a supplement
of £100 if you would like to have your own room for the trip,
(please let us know on booking). There is a garage / locked room
where we can store the bikes every night.
FOOD
We include 5 continental style breakfasts which we supplement with cereals,
fruit and yogurt. The 5 evenings meals will be taken together either at the hotel or a
suitable restaurant in town. Table wine and after dinner teas
and coffees are also included. 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, banana's are
included and will be distributed by the support vans.
GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
You are accompanied by James
and Cathy Thompson throughout the trip. One vehicle will
offer encouragement and support during the ride, while the other will
offer support to the faster riders, but will always be at the hotel
before and riders, so there is no waiting for baggage. The rear vehicle will
be kitted out with extensive tools and spares.
GROUP
There is a maximum of 20 people plus two support drivers on this holiday.
Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a
great way to make new friends.
WHY MARMOT TOURS
There are numerous companies offering 'a' Raid Pyrenean, however we
stick to the exact historical route, making our raid more official.
We also try to fit the challenge into a short as period of time as possible,
so that it does not eat into other family commitments. Marmot Tours
has over 9 Years of experience in organizing and running road
cycling holidays, so you can be sure that we don't overlook any
aspects of your holiday.
BIKE HIRE
If you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can
hire one from Marmot Tours. We have both Commencal
Colt and Specialized
Allez Sport bikes available. The hire charge is £90 for the
week. This must be arranged in advance as there are limited bikes
(and sizes) 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?
The trip starts at Biarritz Airport and ends at Girona Airport.
Ryan Air provide a reasonably priced flight service between London
Stansted and both these airports. If booked in advance flights should
not cost more than £80.
2008 DEPARTURES:
Recommended Ryan Air flights:
Out to France - Monday, FR 372, depart Stansted 1215, arrive Biarritz
1505.
Back to UK - Saturday, FR 9807, depart Girona 1715, arrive Stansted 1825.
A minibus transfer will be arranged
to tie in with these flights (30 / 70 mins respectively).
For further flight information please look at www.ryanair.com.
Ryan Air charge £15 for the carriage of a bike (each way) and do
have a limited number of spaces for bikes on each flight. Ryan Air also serves the UK with regional
connections, but please be aware that if you miss your flight due a
delayed connecting flight Ryan Air have no obligation to find you an
alternative flight out to France.
Alternative Flights. Stansted may be inconvenient for you
but there are some good alternative Ryan Air flights from Girona to
Glasgow (dpt 1800) and Girona to Dublin (dpt 2125). Unfortunately there are no
alternative flights Ryan air flights to Biarritz, but there are cheap connections at
reasonable times of the day from Both Glasgow and Dublin to
Stansted.
Easyjet have just started a flight from Bristol to Biarritz arriving
at 1410 (1hr before the group flight) although the only way to get
back to Bristol is Ryan Air from Girona departing at 1015, so you
would need to spend a night in a hotel near the airport.
Please see the Transport section
for more information on airlines, airport transfers, driving to the
start or taking the train from the UK. If you want advice of packing
/ transporting your own bike then see our bike
hire section.
In 2007 we used Perpignan Airport for the return flights, but unfortunately
Ryan Air seem to have changed their pricing policy and these flights
are now very expensive, hence the change to Girona.
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