Epic Cols

Perhaps the ultimate "climbers’ training camp", the Epic Cols squeezes six legendary ascents into three days (two full-days; two half-days) of superb riding. With guide rider and/or vehicle back-up across the three days, you can concentrate on your riding rather than worrying about luggage, clothing layers and refreshments.

After airport transfer and bike building on Saturday morning, you’ll ride out in the afternoon to tackle the often under-estimated Col de Mente. A hairpin-strewn ‘nasty’ featuring several sections at 11% and a 9% average for 9km. This was the site of Luis Ocana’s race-ending accident in 1973 at a point when he led the Tour (including the great Eddy Merckx) by nearly seven minutes.

Sunday brings an early start and we transport riders plus bikes across to Lourdes. Requests for divine intervention are optional as we tackle the twin challenges of Hautacam and then Luz Ardiden. Both ‘monuments’ within the career of Lance Armstrong, Hautacam presents a very serious warm-up before we traverse through the valley gorges to climb ‘The Alpe d’Huez of the Pyrenees’ – Luz Ardiden. With 30 hairpin bends of its own, this is a spectacular mountain and one that makes for a highly rewarding descent. We stay overnight in Luz St Sauveur at the very foot of tomorrow’s highlight – the Col de Tourmalet.

At 2115m, the Tourmalet is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees and rightly draws thousands of cyclists each year to its slopes. On this western side, an average gradient of 7.4% may not sound too intimidating, but on Monday morning when after 18km  the last kilometre kicks up to 10% and the final ramp rises to 14%, you forget about averages for a few minutes! A superb descent into St Marie de Campan brings us to the foot of today’s second climb, the less strenuous but highly enjoyable Col d’Aspin. Over the Aspin we descend into Arreau and then spin our way home across  rolling countryside on the road back to Bertren.

Fully refueled by one of Helen’s superb dinners, Tuesday morning brings the final challenge of the trip – the climb of the Port de Bales. This local ‘treasure’ of a road was only properly surfaced so it could be included in the 2007 Tour de France. The pros caught it on a ‘good day’, but participants in 2007’s Etape du Tour weren’t so lucky. Coming after 150km as the fourth major col in a 5-col stage, the Bales was just one step too far for many. With temperatures close to 100-degrees and the 4-week old tarmac starting to melt in places, the climb saw hundreds abandon or be eliminated by the broom wagon. As a grand finale to your ‘Epic’ trip, we think it fits the bill rather nicely.

After a sweeping descent and run back to Bertren, you’ll shower, box the bike and we’ll transport you back to the airport to head home. Sore legs? Maybe. Big smiles? For definite. Better climber when you get home? Everyone says so.

If you’d prefer to stay on with us in Bertren after an Epic Cols to extend your trip to a full week of riding, then you’ll be very welcome.

Another very popular trip, this one has always drawn positive comments from those who’ve included it in their year’s schedule:

“We both had a magic time and I’d definitely be interested in coming back. If you are offering the Epic Cols trip again I’d want to come . It might seem odd wanting to do the same trip but it would be useful as I’d be able to gauge if my fitness was improving.”   Derek Carrigan, Etape rider, Edinburgh, UK (2008)

“I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you both for such an excellent week.The hospitality and food were brilliant; Rhona and I both loved every minute of the trip. It had taken some time to persuade the two Andy's  that they would both manage the Cols and would have a great trip, but as a result of your organisation and the social atmosphere you are both creating with PyrActif you managed to deliver an unforgettable experience not only for Rhona and myself, but especially for the two Andy's. They didn't stop talking all the way back to Amsterdam, about how they were going to make sure they were in better shape for next year!

The group dynamics were superb with everyone hitting it off from day one, which is something that I have not seen before. A large part of the credit for this must go to yourselves for the relaxed atmosphere and great meal on the Saturday night which pulled everyone into "holiday" mode ready for the adventures which lay ahead.

The organisation and planning for the Epic Cols can't be faulted and I thought it was great to have Chris on the bike on the first day, leading us through the route, ably supported by Helen in the rescue wagon!
The rest of the week just got better and better, with the trip up and down Superbagneres capping off a great Col bagging expedition. How you managed to arrange the weather still amazes me!”   Alistair Buchan, experienced ‘roadie’ & Etaper, Aberdeen, UK (Visitor 2008 & 2009)

For route and Ride Profile information, click here

2010 Start dates and prices for Epic Cols will be:

31st July 2010

18th September 2010

(Other dates may be scheduled during the year.  Contact us if you'd have an alternative date in mind)

€390 per person (3-night version)

Includes airport transfers, all accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 evening meals & on-the-road support vehicle and/or guide rider

€599 per person (staying on after 'Epic Cols' to create a 7-night trip)

Includes airport transfers, all accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 5 evening meals, transport to local restaurants on 2 evenings & on-the-road support vehicle and/or guide rider during the Epic Cols stages.