Itinerary
↑
close
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 their name.
Around the PyrActif base in Beretren is every type of trail imaginable. A mountain biker's dreamscape of flowing singletrack through the tree line, jeep tracks with fantastic views around ever corner, all on amazingly quiet trails where it's rare to come across any other trail users.
Our guiding service will take you straight to all those bits that make you say "Wow". So take advantage and get the most out of your trip. There are hundreds of kilometres of fantastic circuits to suit all levels.
This is an example of a typical Grin Factor week and can vary according to group ability or weather conditions.
Day 1: Arrive and get settled into your accommodation, assemble bikes and enjoy a welcome drink with your hosts.
Day 2: First day in the mountains and the group will establish its appetite for trail type and pace. With excellent x-country, downhill, or mixed route options there's usually something to suit everyone. After a short Land Rover trip to Luchon we often take the cable car to the top of Superbagneres (1800m) and start a route 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. Finally there is an optional road ride back to base, otherwise save your energy for the next day and return by Land Rover.
Day 3: From the PyrActif base we climb into the next 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 the east of the valley for a final descent back to base.
Day 4: Take the challenge of riding up the Col de Mente, one of the famous local Tour de France col climbs (1349m). Alternatively, we will transport you and your bike to the top of the Col to the start of an offroad climb to the refuge of L'Escalette. At the refuge we 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 many Griffin Vultures, kites and bustards 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 down to the Spanish border then a sprint to the cafe at St Beat.
Day 5: Rest Day. Take a rest from the bike if you want, or head out and discover the local Pyrennean villages and the Roman/Medieval town of St Bertrand de Comminges. Option for us to 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.
Day 6: Back to the Luchon area to take the cable car or ride the 17km climb to the top of Superbagneres. Then a great hairpin descent down to the Bourg d'Oueil Valley, lunch on the side of the mountain taking in the breathtaking views, before a single track climb to the top of the valley and a great varied descent back into Luchon.
Day 7: We are firm believers in making the final ride an epic. 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 lots of epics up our sleeve and will choose one to match your ability… suits you sir / madam!
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.
