Pyrenees Cols

We take cycling trips to the Pyrenees on a regular basis. Confirmed dates for 2020 will be Saturday 5th September – Saturday 12th September. For other dates, please contact us to ask availability.

These trips are designed for all you “Col Baggers”. We will be based in the lovely town of Bagneres de Luchon, which is a cycling mecca in the Pyrénées as will be explained below.

Bagneres de Luchon is at the centre of the Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border. Famous cols accessible from the town centre include:

Superbagneres – a 19km climb (HC)
Hospice de France – a 12km climb (Cat 1)
Col du Portillon – a 12 km climb to the Spanish border (Cat 1)
Col de Peyresourde – a 15km climb (Cat 1)
Port de Bales – a 19km climb (HC)
Col de Mente – a 13km climb (Cat 1)

Further afield, but still rideable from town you will find The Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, Col de Portet and the Portet d’Aspet to name just a few.

This really is an outstanding area for cycling.

Read on to find out details of our trip.

Cycling Trips to the Pyrenees

During the week we will take in some of the most famous mountain passes in the Pyrenees, such as the Col du Tourmalet at 2115m, the Col de Portet at 2250m, the Col d’Aspin at 1489m and the Col de Peyresourde at 1563m to name just a few.

Altogether we will ride 17 major cols and climb over 15300m in 6 days. The total distance ridden will be approx. 500km. Most days we will ride approx. 80km and climb approx. 2500m apart from the final day which contains 3000m of climbing.

Overnight accommodation will be in a good quality hotel, serving excellent food. Rooms can be taken on a shared or single basis.

Guests like this trip not only because of the fabulous riding available but also because we have one base for the week and they are not living out of a suitcase and moving to a new hotel each day.

The trip lasts 8 days, with 6 days cycling plus a day at each end for travel.

Info/Arrival

Trip Dates: Saturday 5th September – Saturday 12th September 2019

Costs: Single Room: £1495.00 per person / Twin Room: £1295.00 per person.

Please note that the number of single rooms is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Flights and bike hire (should you require it) is not included in the cost. We can arrange bike hire for you if required.

Breakfast and dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant is included in the cost. Wine will be provided with dinner. Lunch is not included and will need to be purchased en route each day.

Support is provided throughout the trip. A van will accompany you on the ride and will carry drinks, snacks and tools. One or two of our guides will accompany you on the road each day depending on group size.

Any energy bars, drinks or nutritional supplements you require should be brought on the trip by you. Each person has their own preferences and it is best that you bring the products you like.

Saturday 7th September

Arrive in Toulouse and be driven to Bagneres de Luchon where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner in our hotel for the week. There will have time to put your bikes together after the flight or be fitted for hire bikes.

Day 1

Sunday 6th Spetember

Our first day of riding breaks you in gently ahead of some big climbs later in the week.

We start with an easy ride down the valley for about 16km before starting the short climb to the Col des Ares. The climb has an easy gradient of around 6% and is only about 6km long.

After reaching the top of the climb we have a lovely descent in store for us through the woods to the valley on the far side before heading along to our next climb.

The Col de Mente starts at a junction with the Portet d’Aspet. We won’t climb the Portet d’Aspet but it is worth riding the first 500m of it to see the beautiful memorial to Fabio Casartelli who was killed on the descent during the Tour de France in 1995.

After visiting the memorial our route takes us up the Col de Mente. It’s a fairly tough climb of 13km with an average gradient of around 8.5%. For much of it you are in the sun so it can feel quite hard work.

Fortunately, at the top there is an excellent restaurant where we can refresh and refuel before tackling the last climb of the day.

The descent of the Col de Mente is quite exhilarating, swooping down to St Beat in the valley.

Once we reach St Beat, we follow the road into Spain and at Bossost, start the final climb of the day: the Col du Portillon. After our previous efforts, you will be pleased that the Col du Portillon from the Spanish side is relatively sedate. Averaging 7%, it climbs for 8km until you reach the border at the summit.

We’ll descend the steeper French side back into Luchon for a well earned dinner that evening.

For those of you who want a slightly less strenuous first day, it is possible to ride back up the valley to Luchon after descending the Col de Mente and avoiding the Col du Portillon.

Day 1 Stats: 104km. 2508m ascent

View Map of Day 1

Day 2

Monday 7th September

Our second day’s riding keeps us firmly around Luchon with three climbs that can be tackled straight from the centre of town.

First up is the excellent climb to Superbagneres. This is a 19km climb from town. The first 5km are fairly tough but the gradient calms down to around 7% once we cross the bridge next to the junction for Hospice de France and is consistent most of the way to the top.

The views on this climb are superb and we recommend you lift your head from the road to look over to your left at the mountains. It’s definitely worth a stop for a photo.

At the top of Superbagneres there are a couple of cafes where we can grab some refreshments before the fantastic descent.

Once we reach the junction for Hospice de France, we will take a sharp right and head up there. From here it’s around 6km to the top but there is a very steep section of 12%+ for about 2km of that. However, the rewards at the top are fabulous views and a welcome lunch in the great restaurant. If you’re lucky the local donkey may even come and share your lunch!

Once we have descended from Hospice de France we find ourselves back in the centre of town again. From here, those willing can tackle the final climb of the day – the Col du Portillon from the French side or call it a day and have an easier afternoon.

If you wish to ride the Col du Portillon, it’s a ride of two halves. The first part is a comfortable ride but after about 5km the gradient steepens considerably with one particularly nasty section reaching 17% (but only for a few hundred metres). It’s a good ride though and one worth ticking off of your list.

Day 2 stats: 70km. 2360m ascent

View Map of Day 2

Day 3

Tuesday 8th September

Our third day on the road takes us to the highest point of the week – the Col de Portet at 2205m.

Starting from the hotel in Luchon, we will initially ride the 15km climb of the Col de Peyresourde. Coming straight out of town as it does, the Peyresourde can feel quite a tough climb but apart from a short section through the village of Garin, the climb rarely ventures above 8%.

The descent of the Peyresourde towards Arreau is great fun. The first 5km contains very few sharp bends and you can reach some decent speeds if you are a confident descender. Further down there are some hairpins to negotiate but it’s a really good descent overall.

Our route turns off to Loudenvielle and we ride around the lake before heading upwards again when we reach the village of Genos. Here we climb the steep hairpins of Col de Val Louron-Azet. The climb is 8km long and the first 5km are quite tough at around 9%. Once you reach the top you will have fantastic views across to the Col de Portet, sitting high above St. Lary Soulan.

We’ll stop for some lunch in St Lary Soulan before tackling what I believe is the hardest climb of the week. The road from St Lary, climbs for about 5km at a gradient of around 9 or 10% with barely a bend to soften the blow. Then we reach a junction where you can reach the ski station of Pla d’Adet and this is where we start climbing the slopes of the Col de Portet. From the junction it’s 10km to the top and the gradient averages around 10% all the way. It’s remote up here with just sheep and eagles to keep you company but it’s a really great climb and a terrific sense of achievement once you reach the summit.

The descent is good fun, although you need to watch out for wandering goats near the top.

We’ll jump in the van when we get back to St Lary Soulan and drive back over the Col de Peyresourde to Luchon.

If you want to cut this day down so there is less climbing involved, you can skirt around the base of the Col de Val Louron – Azet and head straight to St. Lary Soulan before starting the climb of the Col de Portet, or ride the first two climbs but sit out the climb up to the Col de Portet and soak up some sun in St. Lary.

Day 3 stats: 84km. 3073m ascent

View Map of Day 3

Day 4

Wednesday 9th September

Today is an easier day for everyone. We have found that one easy day midweek, refreshes everyone for the last few days of the trip.

We start with a flat ride down the valley to Bagiry, where we then turn to climb up the formidable Port de Bales.

The climb starts easily enough, taking you through the woods alongside a stream for several km. But the overall height gain on this climb is around 1300m and after 7km out of the 21km distance you will have only climbed about 200m, meaning that the next 14km will ride around 1100m.

If that puts you off somewhat, please don’t be. Almost everyone who has been on our Pyrenees tours rate the Port de Bales as one of their favourite climbs. It’s quite tough for the last 8km but it’s an amazing climb and well worth doing.

The descent back towards Luchon on the other side is also excellent.

Midweek during our stay we like to offer a break from riding and today we can take a late afternoon trip the the beautiful Balnea Spa where you can relax in some of the many heated pools and relaxation tanks. It’s a great experience and one we highly recommend.

Day 4 Stats: 67km. 1601m ascent

View Map of Day 4

Day 5

Thursday 10th September

We’ll start today’s ride in a familiar way by riding over the Col de Peyresourde and descend down to Arreau.

Our route from Arreau takes us up the Hourquette d’Ancizan – one of our favourite climbs in the Pyrenees. Only about 8km long, the climb winds it’s way up through the forest before topping out above one of the most beautiful plateaux in the Pyrenees.

We’ll then descend to the lake at Payolle where we can stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants.

A short 5km climb up the western side of the Col d’Aspin follows before we hit Arreau again where we will jump into the van for the ride back to Luchon.

If you have had enough riding by the time you finish lunch you can jump in the van to head over the Col d’Aspin and back to Arreau.

Day 5 stats: 82km. 2635m ascent

View Map of Day 5

Day 6

Friday 11th September

Today is a classic day!

We will tackle three classic Tour de France climbs – in fact the first 3 mountains ever climbed in the Pyrenees during the race.

We leave Luchon and head west, meaning that once again, our old friend the Col de Peyresourde awaits us.

After crossing the Peyresourde we dive down to Arreau and begin the 12km climb of the Col d’Aspin. Don’t be fooled by the relatively flat first 2km in the woods, this climb rears up to 8% and never lets go. The payback though are spectacular views over your left shoulder down to the valley.

The descent of the Aspin towards St. Marie de Campan is a dream. Quiet roads, not too steep, you can really enjoy a stress free descent.

Once you reach the village, the biggest climb of the week awaits you, The mythical Col du Tourmalet. 17km of uphill, most of it in excess of 8% gradient. It’s a challenge, but one that you will remember for years to come. Reaching the top puts you alongside some of the great riders, to have conquered it.

Having worked hard to ride up, you can enjoy the great descent back down to St Marie de Campan, where we will jump in the van for a well earned rest and drive you back to Luchon.

As usual, this ride can but cut down by riding in the van up the Col du Peyresourde (you will have ridden it previously during the week) and starting with either the descent from the top or starting in Arreau at the base of the Col d’Aspin.

Our final night will be a celebration of a great week’s riding and achievement. We always present some prizes and enjoy a fantastic meal and let the wine flow.

Day 6 stats: 94km. 3174m ascent

View Map of Day 6

Departure

What’s Included

Hotels & Accommodation

All accommodation has been arranged for the dates highlighted in the tour.

Refreshments

The support vehicle will always make itself available to provide you with your refreshments. If you need a water refill on a climb, we will stop in a convenient place to help you out.

Evening Meals

We provide all of the evening meals along with wine either at the hotel or at carefully selected restaurants . Our tours aren’t just about great cycling they’re also about great food.

Airport Transfers

We will pick you up and drop you off at Toulouse Airport.

We understand how much you love your bike and we will do everything we can to help keep them safe. The hotel we stay at has good quality, secure bike storage available.

GPS Routes

As well as having a support rider and support van in close proximity we also provide you with the routes so you can load them onto you navigation device. If you don’t have a navigation device we can rent you one locally.

Tools

We carry a comprehensive tool kit in the back of the support vehicle along with a number of basic replacement parts. Each member of our team is capable of helping with bike maintenance and basic repairs. We do advise however that you know how to disassemble and assemble your own bike and have the tools to do so. Please bring spare inner tubes and a puncture repair kit.

Please note that in the event of a more serious mechanical problem you may need to take your bike to a local bike repair shop.

What’s Needed:

Fitness

Riding in the mountains is tough and we create our tours to ensure maximum levels of achievement which comes hand in hand with maximum physical exertion. For this reason we recommend a decent level of fitness and motivation. We will happily create routes for any level of fitness and experience so if you have any concerns please feel free to contact us, together we can come up with the best possible options to suit your needs.

Bike

For these tours we suggest that you bring your own bike. While we can advise you on hiring a bike in France it is generally better that you have your own. You need to be comfortable on your bike for long periods of time. We have no problem if you wish to use an e-bike (but you may find yourself waiting for others at the top of climbs).

Helmet

We expect you to wear a helmet at all times while riding.

Clothing

Please bring appropriate clothing. The climbs can be hot but the long fast descents can get cold especially if you are damp from the hard climb. Extra layers can be kept in the support vehicle so that you don’t have to carry them but please ensure that you bring good quality kit.

It is also advisable to bring good sun protection.

Major Climbs

Below are some of the major climbs you will ride during the week. The list is subject to change depending on weather and group ability.

Col des Ares

Distance: 8.3km

Elevation: 330m

Summit: 809m

Max Gradient: 9.7%

Average Gradient: 4%

Cat 2

Col de Mente

Distance: 11km

Elevation: 691m

Summit: 1349m

Max Gradient: 11.5%

Average Gradient: 7.9%

Cat 1

Col du Portillon (Spain)

Distance: 8.6km

Elevation: 583m

Summit: 1293m

Max Gradient: 8.2%

Average Gradient: 6.8%

Cat 2

Superbagneres

Distance: 18.6km

Elevation: 1170m

Summit: 1800m

Max Gradient: 13%

Average Gradient: 6.3%

Cat HC

Hospice de France

Distance: 8.3km

Elevation: 630m

Summit: 1380m

Max Gradient: 14.5%

Average Gradient: 7.3%

Cat 1

Col du Portillon (France)

Distance: 10.1km

Elevation: 693m

Summit: 1293m

Max Gradient: 14.5%

Average Gradient: 7.3%

Cat 1

Col de Peyresourde (Luchon)

Distance: 15.3km

Elevation: 939m

Summit: 1569m

Max Gradient: 10.5%

Average Gradient: 6.1%

Cat 1

Col d’Azet

Distance: 7.3km

Elevation: 620m

Summit: 1580m

Max Gradient: 13.6%

Average Gradient: 8.3%

Cat 2

Col de Portet

Distance: 17.8km

Elevation: 1405m

Summit: 2250m

Max Gradient: 10.0%

Average Gradient: 8.0%

Cat HC

Col de Peyresourde (Genos)

Distance: 10.0km

Elevation: 669m

Summit: 1569m

Max Gradient: 11.3%

Average Gradient: 7.9%

Cat 1

Porte de Bales

Distance: 18.9km

Elevation: 1185m

Summit: 1755m

Max Gradient: 11.1%

Average Gradient: 6.3%

Cat HC

Col d’Aspin

Distance: 12.0km

Elevation: 779m

Summit: 1489m

Max Gradient: 8.7%

Average Gradient: 6.5%

Cat 1

Hourquette d’Ancizan

Distance: 10.3km

Elevation: 805m

Summit: 1564m

Max Gradient: 12%

Average Gradient: 7.8%

Cat 1

Col du Tourmalet

Distance: 17.2km

Elevation: 1268m

Summit: 2115m

Max Gradient: 10%

Average Gradient: 7.4%

Cat HC

Col de Peyresourde

Highest point of the week. Col de Portet 2250m

Le Geant du Tourmalet marks the top of the climb

Pyrenees Cols

Cycling Trips to the Pyrenees

Trip Dates: Saturday 5th September – Saturday 12th September 2019

Saturday 7th September

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