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7 Days Pyrenean Cols Experience - Sample Itinerary*

Day1 – Arrival

Pick up from Toulouse Airport from 2pm and transfer to the Auberge. Time to sort out your bike and maybe even go for a short spin up the valley to stretch your legs. The evening meal gives you a chance to get to know everyone else and also discuss the week's itinerary.

Day 2 – Col de Saraille & Col de la Trappe

A beautiful start to the week with a ride over the Col de Saraille, made famous in Tim Moore's French Revolutions . A descent into Aulus-les-Bains and after lunch, the Col de la Trappe. Time for a quick coffee at the top and then a great ride down into Seix before winding up the Arac valley to the Auberge. This ride gives you a chance to fine tune your bike and gives us a chance to assess your level. Distance: Altitude:

Day 3 – Col de la Core, Col de la Trappe & Col d'Agnes

The pace picks up a bit today with a gentle ride down into St. Girons, out along the Castillion valley before heading up Col de la Core, one of the Tour de France favourites. Once you have caught your breath down the other side, we leave the pretty village of Seix behind and head back up towards the Col de la Trappe, this time climbing from the other side. If everyone is still ok, we will then attack the Col d'Agnes from Aulus, a truly difficult ascent. After a break at the top, it's time to roll down to Massat and back down the Arac valley to a well earned rest. Distance: Altitude:

Day 4 – Plateau de Beille

One of the big ones. The Plateau de Beille. If you are feeling fresh, you have the option of riding to the Plateau from the Auberge, beginning with the Col de Port and then heading down into Tarascon before starting the 18km ascent onto the Plateau. Otherwise, transport can be provided to the base of the climb. This is included in the cost of the package. Coffee at the top and then a ride/transport home. Distance: Altitude:

Day 5 – Free Schedule

Rest day! Either while away the time at the Auberge with a good book, a fishing rod or a game of boules or get on your bike and head out beyond St. Girons to the foothills where the cycling is easier and the views are amazing. For advanced riders or those wishing to test themselves, talk to us about the Tourmalet option. This is not included in the cost of the package.

Day 6 – Col de Crouzette/Volvestre

Depending on the fitness level of the group, today provides the option of either a col based route featuring Col de Crouzette (not for the faint hearted) or a ride out in the Volvestre region beyond St. Girons where the views of the Pyrenees are truly breathtaking.

Day 7 – Portet d'Aspet, Col de Mente & Port de Balles/Tourmalet

Last big day! And for those of you up to the challenge, it is a big one. Again we let the group decide. Either a short transfer to the bottom of the Portet d'Aspet, climbing up to continue on to the Col de Mente. Those still feeling strong will keep going up the Port de Balles and then descend into Luchon for a well earned coffee. Or, if you are signed up for the 2008 Etape, then a transfer over to the Tourmalet and a day spent in that region to give you a chance to reccy the climb. Then it's a transfer home and a celebration meal in honour of your efforts during the week.

Day 8 – Toulouse

To round off the holiday, we have arranged for a visit to a cycling shop on the outskirts of Toulouse – a chance to buy a souvenir or two for yourself! This is only available to those with afternoon flight departures. Drop off at Toulouse after 2pm .

*Please note that this itinerary is liable to change depending on the ability of cyclists.

Dates 2010:

Contact us for our 2010 dates

Package includes:

Cost: €550 pp (room with shower and sink)/ €600 pp (ensuite room)