Pyrenean Climbing School
For those that get nervous when the road rises!
This year Viva Velo CC has partnered with our long time friend and associate, Dean Thompson, to offer its members the opportunity of improving theri climbing skills. Dean, who moved to France from the UK a number of years ago, is based in the small village of Bertren a few pedal strokes down the valley from Bagnères-de-Luchon famed as a destination for many a Tour de France. Based right in the heart of some of the most stunning mountain scenery, Dean, who very much shares the old Viva Velo ‘run by cyclists, for cyclists’ philosophy offers a range of fantastic riding both guided and unguided, organising rides on the basis that you’re with us to enjoy yourself. So whether you’re in the advanced stages of training for a major event, trying out riding in the high mountains for the first time, or after a mix of relaxed riding and longish café stops, our we will put together a trip for you that ticks all the right boxes.
The awesome Cols of the Barousse valley offer something for experienced and intermediate cyclist
The Pyrenean Climbing School will be based in a restored 19th century French farmhouse dating back to 1877 situated in the superb Barousse valley which is peppered with roads leading off either side towards some of the best climbs in the world. With six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a dining hall, separate guest kitchen/sitting room, TV lounge, free wi-fi access, a tooled bike workshop and generous patio area. It provides you with a stay that combines comfort, practicality and rustic charm in equal measure. The property provides single, twin, double and triple rooms, there is also a self-contained gîte with two bedrooms for a little more seclusion.
The Maison Garrigoo - a wonderfully restored 19th century farmhouse will be aour base fot this trip
From our base in Bertren there is a huge range of riding available from steady ‘tempo’ Category 3-4 hills through to the mythical HC (‘hors category’) climbs which so often feature in the major shake-ups of the Tour de France. The closest of those start within 3 kilometres of the front door; dozens are within easy riding distance and there are around 60 to choose from if you opt for a day or two of vehicle transfers/support from us to help get you to your target climb.
“The kind of service and experience we haven’t seen beaten”
Above and below: stunning scenery and quiet roads. This part of the Pyrenees is simply climbing heaven.
itinerary
Below is a suggested itinerary but as with all our fixed based trips we will devise an itinerary to suit those onthe trip and to take into account the weather and your legs!
Day 1 - Val d’Aran, Col du Portillon - 78km 934m+
Day 2 - Col des Ares, Aspet loop - 68km 860m+
Day 3 - Rolling Day - 90km - 700m+
Day 4 - Col de Menté, Col des Ares - 68km 1400m+
Day 5 - Col d’Aspin, Horquette d’Ancizan - 127km 2000m+
Day 6 - Luchon, Superbagnères 88km 1400m+
What you get
- Quality accommodation in a restored 19 century farmhouse
- Half-board catering (breakfast and evening meals included)
- Return transfers to Toulouse airport for you and your bike
- Daily choice of rides
- On road support
- Full itinerary and route information in advance
- GPX files on request
price
Early Adopter Price (7 minimum) £1384 (7 nights)
This is based on 2 sharing a twin room and does not include flights*, lunches or drinks although the following are available on request:
Single room supplement – £245 per person
Bike Hire - POA
Please note that all prices quoted above are based on current estimate of costs, contain a 10% contingency and are without early adopter discount. The final price paid will depend on the number of participants and the confirmation of prices with suppliers. This means the final price paid will almost certainly be lower.
