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Roadie MinibreakAn action packed few days of independent cycling with detailed route notes, of legendary stage endings and infamous cols in the Pyrenees, France. |
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3 days independent cycling |
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 To
detailed itineraryTo
other road cycling or mountain biking holidays |
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OVERVIEWCycling the back roads and passes of the Pyrenees 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.We know that you don't necessarily have the annual leave or the time to take a full week away, but you are still looking for something different (and challenging) to cycle that is not too far away. The Pyrenees are easily reached from the UK with excellent flight connections to Toulouse, making a long weekend of fabulous cycling a reality. Tarascon sur Ariege is the perfect base for a short blast of uphill road riding. From the door of the hotel you can reach some great cols such as the Col de Port, Lers and Agnes, plus the infamous climbs of Bonascre, Chioula, Pailheres and the Plateau de Beille are also all within a 20k cycle. The Tour de France finishes in the valley every other year, so the climbs are full of nostalgia and stories of great achievements. We have put together an
itinerary that allows you some independence in
exploring this region but with the reassurance that should you have
any problems, there is vehicle support/assistance at the end of the
phone line. Our route notes each day are tried and tested and
detailed so you need not worry about getting lost anywhere. We
also provide you with a good packed lunch each day so you don't need
to worry about shopping trips during your break. Obviously we
book your accommodation, and airport transfers are included in the
cost. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?If you are a regular leisure cyclist or Tour de France enthusiast wanting to push yourself, then you would enjoy this trip. This trip is not competitive and the rides can be taken at any pace you like. If you have a group of mates from your cycle club etc that would enjoy a short blast in the mountains, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESFri 29 Jul - Mon 2 Aug (Trip code RFW J31)Fri 19 Aug - Mon 23 Aug (Trip code RFW J34) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £330, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Allow about £30 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). If you would like a single room during the trip, then there is a £45 single supplement. 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.This price includes: 3 days independent riding with prepared route notes. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Medical and mechanical support van a phone call away. 3 nights accommodation. 3 evening meals. 3 picnic lunches. 3 breakfasts.WHERE DO WE STAY?We stay in the comfortable, family run 2* hotel, Hostellerie de la Poste, in Tarascon sur Ariege. The riverside hotel has everything you need for your stay, including a good restaurant, secure bike storage, and easy access to all the town amenities that you may want during the weekend.FOOD3 substantial continental style breakfasts are provided by the Hotel. 3 evenings meals are taken at hotel restaurant where you will be served traditional French cuisine, but with an emphasis on suitable menu's for cyclists (plenty of carbs!). Packed lunches are included for the Sat, Sun and Mon, which you are expected to carry with you on the bike. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONThis is an independent cycling holiday so you are not accompanied by a guide or instructor. You would need to be independent in mending a puncture and have suitable bike repair kit with you during the day. However, in case of any problems that you are not able to deal with on the road, the support bus will be only a telephone call away.GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people. This trip is ideal for a group of friends who want to have a minibreak away. Alternatively, bookings from individuals are also welcome.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can hire one in France. The 3 day charge is 60 Euros for either a Commencal Colt (Andorran brand) or Specialized Allez Sport. This must be arranged in advance as there are limited bikes available. This trip is not suitable for mountain bikers with slick tyres. A front 'triple' is highly recommended. For more information please see the Bike Hire section.HOW DO I GET THERE?Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 20mins from Tarascon by road and group transfers by minibus are included in the cost of the trip (to meet specified flights).Our priority on these departures is getting you over here pronto to start your holiday and get on the saddle. We therefore suggest using the early flights from London Gatwick to Toulouse, which are offered by British Airways and Easy Jet. The Easy jet timetable is not yet out for summer 2009, but the group transfer will coincide with whichever of the morning flights (BA or EJ) come in later in the morning, so that we can give people the option of using either airline. Current BA flights are as below: OUT: depart LGW at 7.05, arrive Toulouse 09.55 Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road, rail), plus getting to the start point independently of the group transfer. Please see our guidelines if travelling with a bike. |
