Classic Cols Of The Tour De France Cycling Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 13 reviews.

Nick Terry

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written October 2011
Overall a great trip. I had some concerns about riding in the mountains but that was a personal issue I had to overcome. The support infrastructure on the trip took care of everything else for me. I just had to ride my bike.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of not one but 12 mountain passes including 3 in one day (2500m climbing) and the much feared Tourmalet. If I had to pick one I would choose the top of the iconic Tourmalet. I've been up there, so has Mark Cavendish and a long list of other TdF luminaries. Having been up these mountains my respect for these athletes is even greater than it was.
What did you think of your group leader?
James was great. He has been doing this long enough to be able to judge how much support each person needs. Everything worked out as he said it would and his sense of humour was wicked.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a great trip and we had a wide variety of fitness levels and skills. Most people wanted to do more than the basic route and in general I think most people were pretty fit. For me it was the hardest physical challenge I have undertaken (at age 50), but I did it, loved it and am going back next year to tackle the Alps. I just wish I had done it years ago.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are a reasonably fit cyclist who likes a challenge then try this. The satisfaction of arriving at the top of each mountain pass is amazing. The descents can be as challenging as the ascents in their own way. The camerardarie amongst the participants was great, everyone understanding what the other was going through and providing some support and encouragement. There is not much night life on this trip, generally it was shower, dinner, a beer and bed at the end of the day. And to be honest that was all most people wanted at the end of a days cycling in the mountains.
Kenneth Craig

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written January 2011
Fantastic scenery, brilliant weather, smooth road surfaces, considerate drivers, variety of routes, good food - what more can I say!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of the final col and thinking back to all the miles covered
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. Couldn't fault him whatsoever. He did a great job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring as light a bike as possible
Is there anything else you would like to add?
One the best holidays I have ever had. I've even thought of retiring to this area some day.
WEndy Carney

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE CYCLING HOLIDAY

Written July 2008
Fantastic holiday, I havent stopped talking about it, it was more than I expected, the Cols and seeing the Tour De France was amazing. Well worth the money.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of the Hautecam alive without walking and to see the smiling faces of my fellow cyclists cheering me on to continue to the stage finish.
The public support for the tour was something that I could have never imagined and crowds cheered you on as much as they did the real cyclists, you felt you were really part of it.

What did you think of your group leader?
Cathy and James (and Margot) were fantastic, their morning briefings were spot on. The support was appropriate for this trip and their knowledge of the area and the tour was outstanding.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a serious cycling trip, you will get so much more out of it if you do some form of training whether cycling or other cardio phys.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Fantastic trip, Marmot Tours were brilliant. Watch out for the revolving bathroom!!
Gordon Dewar

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE CYCLING HOLIDAY

Written July 2008
An extremely enjoyable time, cycling, fantastic scenery & watching the Tour. Made all the more memorable by the great support given by the Tour Organisers James & Kathy.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Watching the Tour & Climbing the Cols the Riders did gave me an appreciation of just how much suffering & pain they go through. It increased my admiration of them.
What did you think of your group leader?
In a word Superb. James & Kathy provided Support at just the right times & allowed everyone to Ride at their own pace & in their own time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Thie is not a Trip to be taken lightly! Anyone going must be an experienced Cyclist & be able to put up with a lot of suffering. However I thought it worth the effort.
Helen Russell

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE CYCLING HOLIDAY

Written July 2008
The holiday was amazing. We got to see the stars of the Tour de France and got to feel like a pro after we had cycled up the cols.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment was getting to the summit of the final Col- the infamous Tourmalet. The view was spectacular and it was so rewarding knowing that we had all achieved something special.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leaders James and Cathy were brilliant. They were able to motivate everyone to get up the Cols and their organisational skills made the holiday run very smoothly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You need to be able to ride a road bike for this trip but I was amazed that so may different types of people achieved their own personal goals throughout the week. Although the trip is in the summer make sure you take some waterproofs and warm clothing for the descents.
Some people took their own bikes but the hire bikes were of a good quality. I didn't even get one puncture.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You don't have to be a fan of the Tour de France to enjoy this trip but if you are then it is the best holiday ever! You get so close to the stars and it is great to cycle on the same roads as the greats of the past and present. The atmosphere is great and it is really motivational to have specators cheer at you whilst you are cycling to the peaks.
Timothy Butcher

Excellent cycling on the best part of France

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scenery and the cycling - stunning
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What did you think of your group leader?
james was great - providing support to cyclists of all levels
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip uses simple hotels. You need to share rooms, so be prepared for snorers and no choice at dinner time. breakfasts were limited, so always had to purchase food elsewhere before riding out for the day.
Exodus Response
In response to this feedback breakfasts are now supplemented with extra cereal and fruit.

- Exodus Staff