Pyrenees week - alternative to Pyractif

4kicks
4kicks Posts: 549
edited November 2009 in Tour & expedition
Im looking at doing a Grand Pyrenean week with Pyractif, and whilst their offering looks great and exactly what Im looking for, are there any other similar companies I shoudl be looking at as well? I speak fluent Spanish & French so it doesnt have to be a UK/US orientated company, but I like the idea of a central hotel "base", some guiding, and doing day rides each day as opposed to a moving feast
Thanks in advance for any help
James
Fitter....healthier....more productive.....

Comments

  • gumball3000
    gumball3000 Posts: 14
    I have used pyractif for years and can seriously recommend them. I am yet to find anyone that even comes close to the service that chris and Helen provide. Did a grand Pyrenean earlier this year. Go up the col de peguere after the col de port. It is awesome!
  • De Luca
    De Luca Posts: 1
    Look no further than Pyractif. I've been on a couple of trips with them and they're brilliant. Did the Grand P ride last June and its a terrific trip and You'll be well looked after by Helen and Chris. I'll be back in 2010 - no doubt about it. Any concerns just PM me!
  • cycladelic
    cycladelic Posts: 641
    Without wishing to hijack this thread: Does anyone know of any good books that detail the history and victories etc of le Tour and Vuelta, with a focus on the Pyrenees?... I see 2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the range being included in the Tour, 1910 being the first year.
    It's an uphill climb to the bottom
  • Garrigou
    Garrigou Posts: 145
    Most of the best stuff focusing on the Tour in the Pyrenees is in French. There's a very good volume called 'Le Tour de France au coeur des Pyrenees', by Jean-Paul Ollivier and published by Libris, but I've not come across an English translation.
    Alternatively, the Rapha-published 'Great Road Climbs of the Pyrenees' by Graeme Fife, has good write-ups on all the major climbs and features numerous Tour anecdotes and 'history lessins'.
    Sorry - not got anything to help with Pyrenees-Vuelta material.
    Cheers
    Between me & Eddy Merckx we've won pretty much everything worth winning on a bike.
  • shawman
    shawman Posts: 76
    I have not stayed with them but have stayed at all these places over the last few years. I love the Pyrenees.

    http://www.pyreneescycling.com/
    Too high up, most rides end with a 12km climb, never again.

    http://www.allons-y-pyrenees.com/
    Lovely place and people but too far away from the climbs.

    http://www.pyreneesmultisport.com/
    Nice Location and some good climbs.

    http://www.velopeloton.com/
    Best location of all, 6 Tour de France climbs within 15km + 30 others easily done from the front door. Nice hosts and great food for cyclists + best scenery.

    http://www.cyclepyrenees.net
    Location ok but lacking any real legendary climbs. House was in need of renovation. Believe it has changed hands since.
  • 4kicks
    4kicks Posts: 549
    thats really helpful, many thanks
    Fitter....healthier....more productive.....
  • mathi
    mathi Posts: 110
    Chris and H rock , just go with them 8)
  • capilinconnemara
    capilinconnemara Posts: 117
    Can say Paddy at Velopeleton is good to deal with,
    Go neiri on bothar leat.
  • thomasmc
    thomasmc Posts: 814
    I did the Raid with Marmot tours last year & found them very efficent & friendly.
  • cycladelic
    cycladelic Posts: 641
    Here's some info about the TDF route for 2010....

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_s ... 306124.stm
    It's an uphill climb to the bottom
  • felix500
    felix500 Posts: 46
    Just back from a week with Pyrenees Multisport and it was fantastic. Can't think of anything they could have done better.
  • cycladelic
    cycladelic Posts: 641
    Felix - Did you do the Tourmalet twice?... Once was enough for me.
    It's an uphill climb to the bottom
  • felix500
    felix500 Posts: 46
    No but did do 17 other cols during the week including all the big ones. Finished the Tourmalet in the dark and rain having done the Marie-blanc, Aubisque and Solour earlier in the day. A tough day but still finished with a smile.
  • cycladelic
    cycladelic Posts: 641
    All great rides, Felix. It must have got a bit nippy in the dark up there. The Aubisque was clouded over when I went and it was pretty chilly - that was back in late May when it was still not officially open.
    Just in case you've missed it - the 2010 Tour riders will do the Tourmalet twice.
    It's an uphill climb to the bottom
  • felix500
    felix500 Posts: 46
    Yeah I did spot that. A piece of cake!
  • Stephan K
    Stephan K Posts: 1
    Hi

    There is another alternative if you want to cycle in the French Pyrenees.

    The company below offer several packages that range from accommodation, airport transfer, bike hire and food and they are on the TDF Stage 14 so there are some great rides. There in the Aude region so they also have all the Tour de Aude routes for the worlds female championship.

    South France Pyrenees Cycling Holiday
  • cycladelic
    cycladelic Posts: 641
    I stayed a couple of nights in a nice B&B south of Laruns. The hosts were really helpful, although they don't guide riders or have bikes for hire.
    Are you interested?

    They have a few bedrooms and also offer camping. I imagine it'll be booked up for the Tour de France dates, but any other time they should have a room - if you book in advance.
    It's an uphill climb to the bottom
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    Met Paddy from www.velopeloton.com while doing a self-supported Raid. He was supporting three guys doing it. Really nice guy and very helpful to us even though we were not his customers. The Raid was the best thing I have ever done and I strongly recommend it but he does day rides from his base also. IIRC his day rates seemed particularly reasonable.
  • v718
    v718 Posts: 26
    We stayed with Rob and Rachel this year at www.pyreneescycling.com . What a week, Rob really knows his stuff and loads of history about the climbs other hidden climbs gems not far from where they are and off the beaten track, that tested us well. We where a group of 6 really well looked after and the food was fantastic we will be back.

    Info for shawman Bareges is only 7 kms up the Tourmalet obviously the pyrenees are too hard for you, however if you do return they do have a broom wagon when you need to climb off!!

    Can recomend the Classic Cols we are doing the Calais to the Pyrenees next Sept 2010 with them. Looking forward to cycling our way through France with a well organised Tour company.
    Winners often leave behind some damage!!!
  • Dave P1
    Dave P1 Posts: 8
    http://www.bikepyrenees.com/
    Did the raid this year with bike pyrenees and had a great time.

    Also spent some time at this place "Cyclelodge Les Deux Vélos" http://www.cyclepyrenees.net. Lovely place near Massat, St Giron, owners are dutch who speak fluent french and english. They have renovated the lodge and it has very distinctive front gates, two road bikes on hinges.
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    Dave P1 wrote:
    Also spent some time at this place "Cyclelodge Les Deux Vélos" http://www.cyclepyrenees.net. Lovely place near Massat, St Giron, owners are dutch who speak fluent french and english. They have renovated the lodge and it has very distinctive front gates, two road bikes on hinges.
    Cycled past them on the Raid, very distinctive gate all right. We asked if they had room but they were full and so we had to go on to the hotel in the next town. Looked like a nice place, nice owners.

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