Classic Cols Of The Tour De France Cycling Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 13 reviews.

Neil Cullum

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written August 2012
This is a great trip, providing a range of physical challenges to everyone and inspiration to those who are keen cyclists and follow the Tour de France. It's well-organised, the scenery is amazing, the food's good and you get to climb as many of the great Pyrenean cols as you want!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The feeling of satisfaction (and relief) as you reach the top of these cols is fantastic, and passing over the team and rider names painted on the road from when the Tour passed through only a few weeks ago was genuinely inspiring (as well as plenty of "Wiggo" daubings, several of our group spotted "Bradley I want to have your babies" - I must have had too much sweat in my eyes when I went past that).
Reaching the top of the Tourmalet was special, but the scenery on Peyresourde and Aspin was the best.
I was lucky to be with a great bunch of people and there was lots of fun and encouragement.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alan was great. He's lived locally in Ax Les Thermes for 12 years so knows the area well; he's also a keen cyclist/runner/triathlete so knows his stuff. He provided great encouragement, always seemed to be ideally placed in the van with water and snacks, and helped me out at the beginning as a relatively inexperienced cyclist (and also with a lend of kit when BA forgot to put my bag on the plane).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The great thing about this trip is that it's accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit, and yet provides enough of a challenge for even the nuttiest of regular cyclists. Before going on the trip, the furthest I had cycled in one go in the past 20 years was five miles into work on my ancient touring bike, but I had fitness from running. The basic route, normally going over two cols each day, was generally enough for me and I felt pretty pleased to have done it. There are sometimes easier options, and then there are options to do a lot more distance and ascent (including on the 'rest' day in Luchon) should you want to. The full Classic Cols Challenge with 3-4 cols per day, which a number of our group went for and achieved, looked like enough for even the most committed cyclist.
The hire bikes were as advertised - my carbon framed bike was a new Cannondale Super Six and it was great. If like me you are not (yet) a regular cyclist, borrow or buy proper stiff-soled cycling shoes and cleat pedals and take them with you. I had not used them before but they made a big difference for me on the ascents (and I didn't fall off once!).
The hotels were all decent, functional and with good food. Take ear plugs though, as I found some of them very noisy, especially as it was very hot and windows were wide open at all times.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it, you'll have a great time.
Christopher Carson

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written August 2012
very well run and delivered tour, minimum of fuss, everything worked well, hotels were good and suitable, guide was excellent!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
of course, going over the Col de Tourmalet, the noble pursuit of cyclists worldwide.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alan was excellent, well organised, friendly, always appeared on the side of the road when you needed water, food, or encouragement. He managed to keep track of 16 riders, doing different routes and of different abilities. He is a great asset to your operations.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for ANY weather. we had several days of high 30's, and humid. I wasn't expected that at that time of year. Mother Nature is in control...people need to be ready to obey.
Phillip Groom

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written August 2012
This was an outstanding trip;it exceeded all of my expectations. It was extremely well organised. The route cards for each day were well written and gave a basic route, an easier option, a harder option and an even harder option so there really was something for everyone in the group. It was great to have the support van, especially as it was so hot (unusually so appararently) during our trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Completing the climbs of the Toumalet, Luz Ardiden and the Hautaucam in one day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alan was an excellent leader. Very knowledgable about cycling, and the area of the trip. The support van always seemed to be there just when you needed it and was always well stocked with water and snacks and spares and tools for any running repairs to the bikes.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't forget to bring the warm clothing on the kit list even in the height of summer as it can get very cold on long descents. It was very hot (37 degrees and more most of the time) during our week but even then, I still used an extra layer for some of the descents.
Also, if you are taking your own bike, make sure that you have appropriate (low enough) gearing. I fitted a cassette with a 30 tooth sprocket and was glad to have it!
Melanie Perkins

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written August 2012
I very much enjoyed this trip. The riding was difficult, but there is something very special about seeing the countryside on a bike rather than in a car!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There is nothing like the feeling of reaching the top of a col with the support of your fellow group members.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alan was fantastic. He was encouraging and always a friendly face, ensuring each member of the group received the right level of support.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are thinking of doing this tour, make sure you are fit! I was not an experienced cyclist (and I don't think you necessarily have to be), but you definitely have to be reasonably fit and have the right mindset.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who likes a challenge and wants to experience the French countryside in a different way.
John Heathcote

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written June 2012
This is a tough trip for the serious cyclist - cycling is the main thing. But there's stunning scenery and a chance of warm sunshine too.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hardly a moment - it was many hours of sustained pain - but I completed the Classic Cols challenge: 730 km and 18191 m of ascent. At 57, I didn't know I could do this!
In addition to the cycling, the June departure found the wild flowers at their best and the slow ascents gave time to look for them, and stopping was a welcome excuse. I saw some unusual orchids and two species of gentian in flower, along with less uncommon plants.
What did you think of your group leader?
James made sure everything worked, everyone was happy. With so many possible options, it was inevitable that it was not possible to provide vehicle support all the time.
He provided useful advice on where food was available.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As the trip notes say, you are likely to be on your own for quite a lot of the time - this is not a seriously social holiday. Not for those prone to getting lost - there will be no-one at turnings.
Long descents in the rain are very cold - warm stuff is seriously necessary. You may not pedal for over 30 mins. I'd recommend a small back-pack so you can be self-sufficient with clothing if you are likely to be at the front of the pack. There was snow by the side of the road in June at the tops of the higher cols.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Earlier problems with French breakfasts appear to have been solved. The vans are also well equipped with snacks and there are often opportunities to buy stuff too. I felt sufficiently fed at all times and gained weight!
Michael Stephens

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written June 2012
A really good trip for the dedicated road cyclist, as well as for the casual enthusiast that doesn't mind a challenge.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling amongst the beautiful mountain scenery with snow capped peaks in late June. The top of each climb provided it's own individual sense of achievement.
What did you think of your group leader?
Kevin knew the routes and area very well, and was very well organised. Having himself ridden over many of these climbs, he could tell us exactly what to expect each day.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Any training that you can put in beforehand will pay dividends. It's a long and exhausting week and is graded as challenging for a very good reason!
Abby Taylor

CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Written June 2012
This is fantstic trip for people who love a challenge.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Each day of the trip gives you an opportunity to stretch yourself more and more and after a few days, you realise you are starting to take on things which you never thought possible.
What did you think of your group leader?
Kevin was fantastic at supporting each indivdual and the group throughout the trip. He was great at providing you with information beforehand so you could prepare mentally and physically for the next col. He was relaxed, flexible and easy going, everything that is important in a tour guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip shouldn't be underestimated. It's a great challenge but for people looking for downtime, its important to be aware that you're riding uphill and some steep downhills from about 8am until 4-5 pm. You can take everything at your own pace which is fantastic.