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Road Of Cols The Ultimate Pyrenees challenge long weekend 3 day ride.
Starting off at the edge of the Basque region at the town of Orleon South of the City of Pau this 3 day ride heads first South into the mountains then traverses across the backbone of the central mountain range East to find the challenges of the Pyrenees Cols.
Col d’ Marie Blanc- A very picturesque small Col with a nasty sting in the last 3 km , Height of Col 1035m/ Climb 9km from 320m /Descent 11km to 448m
Col d’ Aubisque- a long climb but an even gradient with great views after the ski station of Gourette. Height of Col 1709m/ Climb 18km from 511m/ Descent 8km to 1358m
Col d’ Soulour - a small climb from the west on a unforgettable single lane road cut onto the side of the mountain. 26km descent to the bottom at Argeles Gasoust Height of Col 1474.m /Climb 2km from 1358 /Descent 20km to 508
Col du Tourmalet.- The most famous Climb and Col in the Pyrenees reportably the most ridden road by cyclists in the world. A photo opportunity underneath the Tour De France sculptor and a chance to get a coffee at the café with its wall to wall memorabilia of the Tour de France when the roads were dirt and the riders rode fixed gear. Height of Col 2115m/ Climb 18km from 684/ Descent 17.9km to 830m
Col d’ Aspin - A great flowing ascent through the pine forests and an exhilarating hairpin descent with fantastic views. Height of Col 1489m/ Climb 12.8km from 830m /Descent 12.1km to 698m
Col de Peyesourde A shallow gradient on the bottom sections lead to a constant gradient climb with long straight sections with great veiws at the top and a welcome café which makes great Crepes followed by flowing fast descent with long straight sections through villages. Height of Col 1569m/ Climb 18.6km from 698m/ Descent 13.9km to 670m (used in the other direction for the 2005 Tour de France route)
Col des Ares - A small fast flowing climb, mainley in the treeline with a veiw point of the Luchon valley halfway up the climb. Descending to the East into a very green and lush valley with beutiful ridgeline veiws. Height of Col 797m/ Climb 8.3km from 450m/ Descent 6.6km to 487m
Col de Mente - A very picturesque col with great views each side and good hairpin sections up and down. A chance to visit the Fabio Casatelli monument near the junction of the climb were it meets up with the Portet de’Aspet. Height of Col 1349m /Climb 10.7km from 633m/ Descent 9.3km to 504m
Normal: Saturday to Tuesday (Special trips can be arrange on request.) Itinerary Day 1 - Arrive transfer to Bertren, make up bikes overnight stop at Bertren time permitting a local warm up ride 20-50km Day 2- Early morning transfer to Pau and the Start of the route. Orlean - Bareges 114km Marie blanc,Aubisque, Soulour, First 7km of the Tourmalet. Day 3- Bareges - Bertren, 110km Tourmalet, Aspin,Pyresourde Day 4- Bertren - Bertren 75 km , Ares , Mente,late afternoon depart.
Why do we stop at Bareges on the Tormalet? We think this makes a good finish into the town on day 2 and the top part of the climb is fantastic in the morning with the Ridge lines catching the morning sun and more enjoyable with fresh morning legs. For those who feel they want too and have the energy in their legs you have an option to ride the Tourmalet in one to the top on day 2 and redescend back to Bareges. Arrival: Option 1/ Toulouse Airport morning flights to meet up with complimentry transfer. If you wish to come into Toulouse on an afternoon flight it is possible to take the train near Bertren Option 2/ Pau Airport via Ryanair ( Customers taking this option will have to arrange their own hotel near the airport for Saturday night and meet the group in Pau on Sunday morning) Option 3/ Self drive to Bertren
Departures Option 1/ Depart Toulouse late afternoon flights (After 5.30pm) Option 2/ Stay on for a couple of days or the rest of the week at Bertren, please confirm on booking if this is available. We can transfer back to Toulouse airport on Saturday mornings, if you wish to leave be before this it is possible to take the train into Toulouse.
What is included * Breakfast x 4 * Evening meals x 2 * Back up and ride support * Detailed route and maps. Not included * Flights * insurance * Lunch * evening meal day 3 Lunches are normally taken at cafes and food can be stored on the support vehicle. Evening meal day 3 you will be taken to a local French restaurant (allow 20 )or you can use the self catering facilities at Bertren Accommodation 2 nights PyrActif Accomodation Bertren 1 night Gite De Group Bareges Meals. Breakfast- cereals croissants and jams. Evening Meal- Carbohydrate based meals How fit do I have to be? This is not a race, we start early so you have a lot of daylight to complete the ride. We find all abilities can conquer these Cols but a good base fitness is an advantage and be prepared for a lot of time climbing and long descents. average speed on a route like this will be 15-20km per hour. Weather-----Frequently asked questions------Accommodation----About PyrActif-----Latest News and Availability
© contents & images PyrActif 2005-2006
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