Pyrenees Raid - Classic Road Bike Tour
- Cycle via Tour de France cols
- Legendary, leg-building climbs
- Bike from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
- Ride the classic Col de Tourmalet
- A superb cycling holiday with full baggage transfers
A classic, challenging road cycling holiday over famous Tour de France cols in the Pyrenees. Our version of the famous 'Pyrenees Raid' cycling adventure starts from the Atlantic resort of Hendaye and ends in the town of Argeles-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. Amongst breathtaking scenery we will cycle some of the most challenging road passes in the Pyrenees, including the highest of all, the legendary Col de Tourmalet (2115m). Following scenic country roads, during the course of the cycling day we will encounter the hairpins and other challenges of the world's toughest sporting event, as we cycle arguably the most beautiful of the Tour de France climbs - the cols of Aubisque and Solour. One advantage of starting on the Atlantic coast is that we are usually able to cycle with the prevailing westerly wind at our backs, as we ride from the Basque territory to the land of the Catalans and experience a variety of cultures, as well as superb local hospitality and regional food. This is a truly classic road cycling journey and is surely a 'must do' ride for 'sportive' riders and cycling enthusiasts alike.
If you're unsure if this holiday is for you, or want to learn more about KE world biking, whilst enjoying the best mountain and trail rides in the Lakes - check out our Dirty Weekends in the Lake District.
Is this holiday for you?
ROAD ADVENTURE. This is probably our most challenging road cycling holiday. Comfortable hotels, good food and vehicle support, however, make it accessible. With a total of around 17,000 metres of ascent and descent, this is not a holiday for the faint hearted. However, spreading the riding over 7 days makes it more of a pleasant experience, with time to rest and recover each day. We follow a mixture of main roads and back roads with our bike route always trying to choose the quietest option. We have also chosen the quietest times of the year and seasons when the scenery is at its most spectacular. This is totally supported riding - at the start of the day, when the group sets off biking, your kit bag will be loaded into the support vehicle and transported to the next overnight halt. Apart from a fixed rendezvous for lunch, you are free to cycle at your own pace, with the support vehicle never far away. We must stress that apart from the emergency tool kit and spares that you would take on any day ride, you will not be required to carry any luggage. Stunning scenery, atmospheric overnight accommodation and a magnificent linear route make this an unforgettable cycling holiday experience. Average 110 km (69 miles) per day. At the upper end of our DIFFICULT grade, this is a trip for keen road cyclists who enjoy the challenge of climbs and descents day after day. BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
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