Stages around the Tourmalet, with a guide

Transcription

1 Stages around the Tourmalet, with a guide A cycling course in the Hautes-Pyrenees, improve your skills on the mythical passes of the Tour de France - including the Tourmalet - an ideal combination of sporting effort and contemplation... these routes are beautiful! 6 days - 5 nights - 6 stages Departure guaranteed From 6 persons Great accommodation Your luggage transported Guided Holiday Code : FP9TOCY The plus points The mythical passes of the Tour de France Progressive A valley ideally placed for routes in all directions Supervision by a guide on a bike Before you leave, remember to check the validity of the data sheet on our website. FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

2 With the valuable advice of a professional cyclist, make personal progress whilst you tackle the mythical passes of the Tour de France. From a starting point at a comfortable hotel in Argeles-Gazost - a qualified instructor will join you to ensure that you enjoy the other attractions of the region - you will set out each day from this lovely place which is exceptionally well situated to get to: the Bigourdans hills, the Val d'azun and the Col des Bordères, the cols of Soulor, Couraduque, Aubisque, and of Spandelles; the climbs of Luz Ardiden or Hautacam, Cauterets - Pont d'espagne, Gavarnie, Col d'aspin... all these are within pedalling distance! But ultimately our goal will be to climb, with you in excellent condition, the two sides of the legendary giant: the Col du Tourmalet! And why not end each session with a recuperation at the nearby thermal spa... PROGRAM DAY 1 Welcome at Argeles-Gazost (430m altitude) during the late morning. Settle into your hotel. Warm up your legs on the hills around Lourdes and the foothills of the Bearn, cycle through green countryside with the Pyrenees as a background. Distance: 80km approximately. DAY 2 After a warm-up course around the bottom of the valley, climb of the Col des Bordères (1156m, average of 4.3% incline). Distance: 80km approximately. DAY 3 Today, after a hearty breakfast and a warm-up to remove the toxins from the day before, the task in hand gets under way with a loop of the Col du Soulor (1474m, average of 5.1% incline). Depending on the level of the group, the day can be extended by a return trip to the Col d'aubisque by the Cirque du Litor. Distance: from 95 to 115km. DAY 4 A day with variable geometry, with a climb to Gavarnie (1374m) and its famous Cirque, then a small supplement for the most motivated to the Col des Tentes (2208m). Distance: from 80 to 100km. DAY 5 FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

3 This is it, today is dedicated to the long-awaited ascent of the giant, the Col du Tourmalet (2115m, average of 7.4% incline). We will climb the La Mongie side and then descend by Barèges. Distance: 105km approx. DAY 6 Last day of this sporting adventure... Did you like yesterday's stage?! To fully appreciate it, today we will climb the Tourmalet in the other direction! The average percentage remains the same, but the climb is slightly longer. Dispersion and end of the holiday in the late afternoon, in Argeles Gazost. Distance: 105km. Factors outside our control (weather, level of the group, unforeseen hazards, various other issues...) can lead our team to change the program. We will remain attentive to your wishes, but your safety is always a priority. Possible options (not included): - Bike rental - Recovery massages at the thermal spa - Analysis of cycling position - Dates of your choice and customized quotes for clubs and groups. Extension for hiking: For additional nights in Argeles-Gazost (contact us). Also possible, if time allows, for you to join this up with one of the many hiking trips that we organize at La Balaguère to take full advantage of this fabulous region and to recover from your efforts during this sporting week (contact us). Possibilité également, si le temps vous le permet, d'enchainer avec un des nombreux séjours randonnées pédestres que nous organisons à La Balaguère afin de profiter pleinement de cette fabuleuse région et récupérer de vos efforts fournis durant cette semaine sportive (nous consulter). USEFUL INFORMATION PROGRAM DATES From June 15th to October 15th. MEETING POINT FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

4 Possibility (with a supplement) for us to organize your collection at Tarbes-Ossun airport - or the train station in Lourdes (65) at 11am on day 1, or directly at the accommodation in Argeles-Gazost. END OF STAY Dispersion on day 6 in the late afternoon at your hotel in Argelès- Gazost. ACCESS TO THE MEETING POINT TRAIN: TGV, train or night train to Lourdes from Paris via Bordeaux or from Lyon via Toulouse. SNCF : Tel: BY PLANE: the nearest airport is Tarbes - Lourdes - Pyrenees. From the airport, either take bus line number 2 "Maligne des Gaves"at the "Arrivals" level of the airport terminal (serves the towns and stations of Tarbes, Lourdes and the mountain resorts of Argeles-Gazost, Luz St. Sauveur and Barèges). Or take a taxi (between 20 and 30 ) Also the possibility of arriving at Pau-Uzein airport. A bus line (cost 1) connects the airport to Pau railway station: line "Proxilis 20" bus stop Idelis on the right when leaving the terminal; Departures from 7:40 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. every hour (30 min. drive). Otherwise take a taxi from the airport to the station, approximately 20. From there, train TER (35 min. journey) to Lourdes train station. BY CAR: Lourdes is accessible from Bordeaux, Toulouse or Hendaye by motorway A64 - Exit 12. After the motorway exit, follow the N21 for about 15 kms to Lourdes, then take the duel carriageway to Argelès- Gazost, approximately 10kms. Also possible to access on smaller roads. - Our tours are specially designed to go from train station to train station; an incentive to use the least polluting means of transport. - Train and bus timetable are subject to changes during the year, and according to the day of the week, we invite you to contact the various public transport operators to best prepare your journey to the meeting point and your return. - To reduce your travel costs and carbon emissions, consider car sharing either as a driver or passenger: PARKING Parking at your hotel or many free car parks nearby. FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

5 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FROM (PERS.) 6 LEVEL Physical level: 3/4, you need a very good physical condition. You cycle regularly over long distances, it's your passion. 70 to 120 km per day, plus the climbing, doesn't scare you. The objective of this course is to allow you not only to climb a big pass, but to do it in the optimal conditions of effort. Preparation and personalized advice will be provided throughout the course in order that you achieve this. LUGGAGE TRANSPORTATION You will carry your personal belongings for the day. SUPERVISION By a State Certified (MCF) cycling professional, who will cycle with you to offer advice. After and / or before going out, a pedagogical approach will also be proposed (nutrition, management of effort, mechanics, descent technique...). ACCOMMODATION In a hotel ** (or equivalent) used to welcoming cyclists, with dinners adapted to the effort and a lock up especially for bikes. ORGANIZATION Support vehicle throughout on day 3, day 5 and day 6. On other days, in the case of a physical or technical malfunction, the vehicle will arrive, but with a delay. The guide cyclist will ride with you throughout the trip. THE PRICE INCLUDES Supervision by a cyclist guide, a support vehicle (see organization), half board accommodation and picnics. THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Bike rental, drinks, booking fees and insurance, additional nights and transfer from your place of arrival to the meeting point. Formalities Identity card or valid passport. Remember to have in your backpack the contract for repatriation assistance. EXTRA TOUR INFORMATION Rental of your road bike is possible (contact us). Make GT, model GTR Series 1, 50/34, Shimano Ultegra 10 speed. TO THINK ABOUT FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

6 Nice ideas: Feel free to bring a specialty from your area to share with the group. At the beginning of the stay, you can start a kitty which will be used for drinks and group purchases. EQUIPMENT TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR EQUIPMENT For the upper body: whatever the location or the season, the principle of the 3 breathable layers (T-shirts - sweater or fleece - waterproof / windproof jacket) is perfect for most situations. Opt for clothes that dry quickly - synthetic fibres - and do not wear cotton (too slow to dry = uncomfortable).wool is a natural fibre that also has excellent qualities and, thanks to new manufacturing processes, is experiencing a resurgence in the manufacture of outdoor clothing. Remember to cover up before you get cold, but above all take a layer off before you get too hot: sweat is the enemy of cyclists - especially in winter - because it moistens clothes that are then quickly chilly. Do not take anoraks, which can turn a pleasant ride into a hassle! For the lower body: shorts and trousers of a tough synthetic canvas also allow for quick drying and thus provide more comfort. Take particular care in your choice of socks: use hiking socks, reinforced, with flat seams (to prevent blisters). In winter, choose warm socks. Here, too, avoid cotton. LUGGAGE For your trip, prepare: 1 travel bag per person (or rolling suitcase).do not take a huge bag in order to avoid vehicle congestion and logistical problems. For the trips that are in stages or semi-stages, limit the weight to kgs, as the access to some of the accommodation is difficult and weight could compromise the delivery of your luggage. Totally avoid leaving fragile or valuable items in your luggage. 1 rucksack of litres or a Camel-Back, with a belt and a well aired back for your comfort. Limit the weight of all of your things, plus the bag, to 10 kgs maximum. 1 box of equipment for the whole group CLOTHES 1 cycling outfit: shorts, breathable T-shirt (long or short sleeves depending on the season) 1 pair of comfortable trousers for cycling FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

7 suitable footwear for cycling clothing and comfortable shoes for the evening underwear T shirts in breathable material with long sleeves (1 every 2-3 days) and 1 or 2 with short sleeves 1 warm fleece jacket (or makes such as "Softshell") or a make such as "Primaloft" (warm and compressible) 1 waterproof windproof breathable jacket such as "Gore-Tex" with a hood EQUIPMENT TO BRING 1 large plastic bag to fit in your rucksack to protect your things from bad weather and/or 1 bag liner 1 waterproof pouch with: your assistance contract, your identity papers, health card and all other documents noted in the section "formalities" 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3) which cover the sides + sunscreen with a good SPF and lip balm (all must go in the ruck sack) 1 insulated bottle of 1.5 litres minimum or a flexible bottle such as the mark "Platypus" (Not recommended in winter) or a simple plastic bottle 1 small thermos of 50cl (optional, especially useful in winter if you are bringing tea, coffee...) 1 plastic or aluminium cup with an insulated handle 1 folding pocket knife (type Opinel) for picnics: 1 plastic Tuperwear type box 0,5 litre and cutlery (essential even if you don't end up using them) toiletries and 1 towel that dries quickly (take only the essentials, small bottles, ecological soap...) 1 swimsuit Ear plugs (against neighbors snoring or other noise) 1 sheet or sheet bag for the night (s) in dormitories (guest house and / or hostel) tissues toilet paper 1 lighter (be careful not to start a fire, use only when necessary with maximum precautions) 1 head lamp or torch + survival blanket: put these systematically in your ruck sack, an unexpected delay following an incident can happen even during an easy ride spare glasses (if you wear glasses) camera, binoculars, painting equipment... (optional) FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

8 FIRST AID KIT Notify us of any illness, allergy or other ongoing treatment that could complicate the management of any medical intervention that occurs during your trip your regular medication drugs against pain: preferably paracetamol medicine for digestive disorders sore throat tablets elastic tape, such as Elastoplast 5 or 8 cm wide x 2.5 m. Steri-Strip-type dressings sticking plasters + antiseptic compresses Double skin (Compeed type) tweezers small scissors vitamin C splinter tweezers useful disinfectant gel to wash / sanitize hands (type "Sterilium gel") OTHER DETAILS Specifically for the bike: bike gloves, depending on the season 1 bike helmet (required) 1 or 2 bike bottles, the most convenient being the rucksack water pockets (type Camel Back) mudguards can be useful 2 inner tubes a few spare spokes 1 derailleur dropout 1 set of brake blocks/pads repair kit (small tools) that you take care to put in a box apart (1 box of tools for the whole group). On the whole the selected accommodation usually has some tools. Warning, you should be able to independently deal with all conventional small problems foreseeable during a trip of this type (punctures, repairs...). If you have disc brakes or sophisticated bikes, make sure you plan to have the appropriate repair tools. MORE INFORMATION THE AREA Due to its prime location in the heart of the most touristic valley in the Pyrenees, Argelès-Gazost is the ideal starting point for taking the time to breathe and discover the Pyrenean massif. In summer, come and FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

9 discover the great Pyrenean sites such as the Lac de Gaube, the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pont d'espagne, the Cols of Tourmalet and Aubisque...In winter, come skiing on the slopes of the resort of HAUTACAM (downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing). Set in beautiful countryside, this climatic thermal health resort treats respiratory diseases (ENT) and phlebology thanks to its chloro-sodium sulphide waters: it also offers a menu of fitness options (jet shower, whirlpool, underwater massage with physiotherapist...).it is also an ideal place for lovers of hiking trails that run along the Hautacam, the Cabaliros or the forest of Bergons. For families, the "voie vert", a path along the line of the old railway connecting Lourdes and Cauterets, is an ideal place for biking, inline skates or walking in complete safety. For food lovers, Argeles-Gazost is also the birthplace of the Bigourdane Garbure, the Gascon porc noir, sheep s milk cheese, gateau à la broche cake, honey, blueberry tarts... many products you find at the weekly market, started in In the hollow of our valley or at the top of our summits there are many delicious discoveries, moments of escape and adventure, summer and winter, for the whole family. The fidelity of the Tour de France to the Hautes-Pyrenees alone testifies to the interest and quality of this territory for the cyclist. Not one edition of the Tour has taken place without a passage through our mountains. The Hautes-Pyrenees has become the largest cycling attraction in the world, it's a must! No fewer than 13 mountain passes or summit finishes are regularly used by the Tour de France. The roads of the Hautes-Pyrenees offer varied routes, hilly or flat, valleys or mountains, acclaimed by enthusiasts and professional bike riders alike. To improve the quality of the area and the quality of the welcome, the department of the Hautes-Pyrenees has placed markers on the passes. At each kilometre of the climb a sign indicates: - The distance to the top - The percentage of the incline of the next kilometre, and the altitude They are of real use to you, cyclists, because they allow you to manage the ascent and anticipate the difficulties, use the correct gears and manage your effort throughout the climb. For everyone they also punctuate the climb by giving markers and are an encouragement to reach the top. The Hautes-Pyrenees was the first department to have achieved, in 1993, the erection of these markers on such a large scale. MAPS FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

10 IGN Top E 1/25000, Lourdes. IGN Top AND 1/25000, Lourdes / Argelès-Gazost / Le Lavedan. IGN Top AND 1/25000, Bagnères-de-Bigorre / Pic du Midi de Bigorre / Campan Valley. ON THE WEB INSURANCES According to the regulation of our profession, La Balaguère is covered by a Civil Professional Liability. However, each client must hold an individual civil liability as well as an individual multi risk guarantee in order to protect themselves from incidents or accidents that may occur before or during their hiking trip. We remind you that a credit card covers, in general, only assistance in repatriation and not the cancellation of your trip, and this only provided you use the card to pay for the totality of the trip. We offer a choice of three insurance options which you can purchase at the time of booking. Package 1: simple cancellation insurance at 2.5% This insurance provides reimbursement of the amount incurred (excluding fees and the cost of insurance) in case of cancellation due to one of the following causes: serious accident, illness or death of insured, spouse or person accompanying them, and certain family members. Package 2: simple cancellation insurance and assistance / repatriation at 3.7% This insurance allows, in addition to the benefits described in the plan No. 1; - To benefit from assistance in case of illness or injury during the trip and covers your return home if necessary. - A reimbursement paid on a pro rata basis (excluding transportation costs and with a waiting period) in the case of an interruption of your trip following an accident, the death of a loved one or other specified accidents. Package 3: Package "super multi-risk": 4.8% FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

11 This insurance offers, in addition to the benefits described in the packages No. 1 and No. 2 - A wider cancellation insurance with the repayment of amounts incurred (net of deductible) in case of cancellation for any justifiable reason including an exceptional and unexpected event. - The management of some of the costs incurred at the time in case of return not linked to an exceptional and unexpected event - Compensation (capped) for loss, theft or destruction of baggage. - Payment of compensation for delayed baggage delivery of more than 48 hours. You will receive with the confirmation of your booking an extract of the general conditions of the contract chosen. Please read it carefully so you understand the exclusions in the contract, the amount of deductibles, the formalities of declaration. Take this document with you on your trip. The validity of all guarantees corresponds with the travel dates indicated on the invoice and applies only to services sold. For departures and returns that are postponed, please contact us. Warning: If you buy only the contract No. 1 (simple cancellation insurance), this means that you need to have your own insurance, repatriation assistance (related notably to certain credit cards). We advise you to check your contract and cover guaranteed. In this case, we ask you to inform us of, when you book, the name of your insurance company and your policy number. You will assume, therefore, the responsibility of certain risks, especially in the advance payments of certain costs. Important: If you need to use the assistance during the trip, you must obtain the prior consent of Europe Assistance before taking any initiative or incurring any expense by phone: and quoting the number of the contract ATR CERTIFICATION La Balaguere is a founding member of Action for Responsible Tourism. The certification "Towards Responsible Tourism" we was awarded in September 2009 by AFNOR Certification. From common values based on respect, solidarity and quality, ATR aims to harmonize professional practices of its members. Certification requires respect strict criteria: promote quality tourism for an authentic discovery and sustainable development host regions; FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

12 ensure compliance with the legislation of the country in terms of tourism and subcontracting; ensure that economic benefits are distributed as fairly as between actors of our trips and ensure fair remuneration for services; respect and make you aware of cultural differences and customs of the host regions; respect the environment and natural and cultural heritage; inform you in a transparent and honest way about the conditions of your trip. We invite you to share our commitments, referring in particular to the ethical charter of the traveller who is in your travel file and will accompany you in this process. For more information on ATR certification search on CONTACTS If we have not answered all your questions, - visit our website at: - call us on: send us a fax on: bybike@labalaguere.com - or, write us at: The Balaguère By Bike, Route du Val d'azun BP3 ArrensMarsous cedex F IN AN EMERGENCY If your family need to contact you during your trip they can call us on Tel; We will pass on details of how to contact you. FP9TOCY ENGLISH Dernière mise à jour 27/05/ / 13

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