Nick-named 'Grin Factor' biking by the journalists from the cycling press who have ridden at PyrActif, join us and you'll soon discover how our trips have earned that tagline.

Around the PyrActif base in Bertren we have a fantastic variety of terrain. A mountain biker's dreamscape of flowing singletrack, jeep tracks with fantastic views around every corner, gnarly rock gardens and fast fire-roads all on amazingly quiet trails where it's rare to come across any other trail users.

The three days of guiding in a Grin Factor trip will take you straight to all those bits that make you say "Wow". We’ll help you get your bearings and familiarize yourself with the terrain and French way-marking system, so that you get the most out of the self-guided days too. There are hundreds of kilometres of fantastic circuits to suit all levels.

Below is an example of a typical Grin Factor week:

Day 1: Arrive and get settled into your accommodation, assemble and test-ride bikes before enjoying a welcome drink with your hosts.

Day 2: First day (guided) in the mountains and the group will establish its appetite for trail type and pace. With excellent cross-country, downhill, or mixed route options there's usually something to suit everyone. After a short minibus transfer to Luchon we often take the cable car to the summit ski resort at Superbagneres (1800m). From there it’s 1200m of vertical descent (the longest in the Pyrenees) back down to Luchon. This route has every type of trail including single track hairpins, technical sections and a few climbs to the small mountain village of Labach where we have a lunch stop. Afterwards we descend into Luchon for a well earned drink at one of the many bars. For the fit,  there is an optional road ride back to base, otherwise save your energy for the next day and return home by minibus.

Day 3: (Guided) From the PyrActif base we climb into the adjacent valley of the Barousse and discover fabulous single track and the sleepy local villages and chateaux. After a lunch stop at a 15th century chateau we climb to an 800m col above the east of the valley to earn a fast fire-road and woodland path descent back down to the charming hill-top cathedral village of St Bertrand de Comminges. Beers here are a popular option before heading back to base at the end of day.

Day 4: (Self-guided) Take the challenge of riding on tarmac up to the Col de Mente (1349m), one of the famous local Tour de France climbs. From there, follows an offroad climb to the refuge of L'Escalette. At the refuge you'd perhaps have today's lunch stop and take in the great panoramic views to the east, west and the southern Spanish peaks. A chance to observe the griffin vultures, kites and buzzards often seen around this area. After lunch a choice of a technical or non-technical descent to the ski station of Le Mourtis. After a rolling traverse we enjoy a 10 mile final descent.

Day 5: Rest Day. Take a rest from the bike if you want, to head out and discover the local Pyrenean villages or the market town of St Gaudens. Alternatively, we can help organise your day enjoying one of the many mountain sports in the area. A firm favourite of many customers is a hike to one of the many mountain lakes tucked in between the peaks. The more extravagant may treat themselves to a 30 minute light aircraft flight over the snow capped mountains or a rafting/kayaking trip on one of the local rivers. Alternatively, if you want more biking, we have plenty of routes up our sleeves to keep you entertained today.

Day 6: (Guided) Another Tour de France col to get up – albeit a gentler ‘Category 3’, the Col des Ares (800m). We climb partly on road but plenty of it off-road and are rewarded with an entertaining descent on the far side into the Comminges valley. Meandering through a succession of small villages we then repeatedly climb and descend the valley side at various different points, opening up a ‘selection box’ of singletracks, woodland paths, farm tracks and rocky climbs.

Day 7: (Self-guided) We are firm believers in making the final ride ‘an epic’. So, this ride will be a bit challenging with just that bit more effort needed - but what the heck it's your last day! We have an ‘epic menu’ for you to select from and will help you choose one to match your appetite on the day.

Day 8: Pack the bikes and kit up for departure, swap addresses with new friends and look forward to the next trip to the Pyrenees. Many of our customers come back again and again as the riding in these mountains offers something new every year.

This itinerary is given as a guide only and is subject to change depending on group ability and weather conditions.

Grin Factor trips are available at various times throughout the season. Contact us with your preferred dates.

7 nights, 3 days guiding: €629

(additional minibus transfers to trailheads can usually be arranged during your visit if the more challenging climbs to trailheads aren't your cup of tea! Typically, these cost 25 euros per hour of driving & minibus loading/unloading time)

Shorter or longer trips can be arranged. Just contact us for dates and pricing.