Itinerary

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Trades Description notice!

(After listening to rider feedback on this ride in 2006-7 we have decided to change the itinerary to eliminate the long, flat ride on Day 7 and replace this with a mid-ride rest day or hilly circuit around Bertren as shown below on Day 5. As such, the ride no longer actually goes to 'the coast'. So it needs a new name to avoid disappointing anyone who was going to pack their bucket & spade! Suggestions on a postcard, please....)

 

Riding from the medieval town of Carcassonne we head into the mountain range on roads that feel like they have been closed especially for the ride. Cutting through unforgettable gorges and climbing rolling cols en route to the Pyrenees Orientales (East Pyrenees) and the town of Prades. From here, we head West over the backbone of the mountain range tackling famous and less well-known cols along the way.This 6-day challenge tests even the experienced rider and rewards with some spectacular summits and memorable scenery.

Day 1 - Arrival - Transfer to Carcassonne

Day 2 - Carcassonne to Prades (128km; total ascent 2092m) Col de Castel 316m Col de L’Homme Mort 748m Col de Redoulade 672m Col d’ em Guilhen 504m Col de Boca Jalere 991m

Day 3 -Prades to Tarascon (115km; total ascent 3030m) Col  de Jau 1506m Col du Garabeil 1282m Col de Pailheres 2001m

Day 4 -Tarascon to Bertren (128km; total ascent 2469m) Col de Port 1250m Col de Portet d’ Aspet 1069m Col de Mente 1349m

Day 5 - Bertren - Bertren An option of a rest day or sample one of our low-level local rides. There are more cols nearby for those who need to get their daily fix.

Day 6 - Bertren to St Marie de Campan (100km; ascent 3040m) Port de Bales 1755m Col de Peyresourde 1569m Col d’ Aspin 1489m

Day 7- St Marie de Campan to Gurmocon (139km; ascent 3398m) Col du Tourmalet 2115m Col de Soulour 1474m Col d’ Aubisque 1709m Col de Marie Blanque 1035m

Day 8 - Depart - Transfer to Pau or Toulouse Airport