Toulouse to Barcelona TransPyrenean Cycle Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Feb - October
Cycle Toulouse to Barcelona via Girona
Bike Adventure
Join us to take in some of Europe's best hidden riding. Fantastic food, empty roads, historic towns, and of course a traversing of one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges, all under your own power. Mountains, forest, lakes, rivers, and finishing at the beach. What more could you want from a ride?
The first day of this epic ride sees us strike out from one of France's great cities towards the high mountains of the Pyrenees. We'll spend the day following the Ariege river valley to the historic spa town of Ax les Thermes, nestled in the foothills of this famous mountain range. After refueling and resting up, we'll begin the climb to the highest point of our trip; the Col de Puymorens at 1920m. It is now to far down the swooping descent until we cross the border into Spain. from here we begin our second climb of the day, along what must surely be one of the twistiest roads in Europe! Our sweeping, turning, descent then drops us down into Ribes des Freser, and our accommodation for the night. This historic village is the perfect place to soak up the traditional Catalonian atmosphere, and bask in the glorious roads that many professional cyclists have as their home roads. Day three sees us rising and falling all day along backroads that Lance Armstrong once called home. We finish this stunning day in Girona, home to a plethora of current and ex-pro cyclists. The last day of our ride has us following the coast for most of the day. A change of pace from the rest of the trip, today will be the day for a lunchtime swim in the sea, maybe an icecream or two, on our flat ride into the finish in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona.
Itinerary
Arrival Day:
Arrive to Toulouse late afternoon/early evening. Prepare bikes for departure the following morning.
Day One: 125km / 1000m ascent
Cycle Toulouse to Ax les Thermes.
Day Two: 105km / 2200m ascent
Cycle Ax les Thermes to Ribes de Freser
Day Three: 105km / 1300m ascent
Cycle Ribes de Freser to Girona
Day Four: 110km / 600m ascent
Cycle Girona to Barcelona.
Please note that these numbers are subject to change.
Accommodation
Will be in simple hotels throughout the event (including buffet breakfasts). The standard of accommodation will fluctuate throughout the trip - but is designed to be functional - and to enable us to get a good night's sleep - and continue with the challenge. You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable).
What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact us.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Challenge Pack, Pre-event briefing, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
International Flights to and from start and end of the ride, personal transfers to airport on final day (taxi ride required!) Lunches and dinners.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as first aid kits, our on hand support vehicle, and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. You will be issued with detailed safety guidance for riding safely. It is our primary focus to ensure you arrive safely at your journey's end without any crashes or accidents!
Weather
Although it will be the end of summer, expect possible showers. It is wise to prepare for all weather types, you never know we may be pleasantly surprised!
Hat and gloves are essential for this trip! Warm clothes are recommended for the evening. It is advisable to bring suncream. As we cross the Pyrenees - temperatures will drop - so be ready for a range of temperatures.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events