Custom RAID Pyrenees
This is a fine example of a tour that we can customize for you and your group. Minimum of 10 guests. Ask about how we can create this guided tour for you! CONTACT US.
This will be an unforgettable journey. Starting on the western end of the Pyrenees on the Atlantic, we will be traversing the majestic mountains of southern France and ending on the Mediterranean shores near Perpignan. The RAID Pyrenees is an amazing ride from one end of the Pyrenees to the other, usually from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The RAID Pyrenean is “traditionally” done in 100 hours or less. But OBT will be taking a relatively slower pace, enjoying every view along the way, but still following the traditional route. While challenging ourselves on our bikes in the mountains we also want to have time to enjoy the beautiful views, smell the flowers, and eat great food. A true cycling vacation.
In 9 days of riding, you will cover 470 miles/756 km, and climb nearly 12,000 meters/39k feet of climbing. We are including two rest days mid-tour – one in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and another in Ax Les Thermes. Both will give you the opportunity to conquer other famous Pyrenean climbs not on the main route.
See full itinerary below.
Length: 13 days, 12 nights
Service: Fully supported Guided tour.
Type of riding: Mountainous
Bikes suggested: Road bikes or e-bikes
Average daily riding: 85km
Start city: Hendaye
Finish city: Colliore
Suggested transport: Train/TGV from anywhere.
Type – Giant Defy Composite- Sizes – XS, S, M, ML, L,and XL
- Components – Mixture of Shimano 105 and Ultegra with either triple or compact double cranksets. Many have road-disc brakes.
eBikes: These semi-powered bikes allow for non riders to share the experience with their friends and family who are stronger cyclists. We are also working on having road-eBikes, too.
- Type – Giant Explore
- Sizes – S, M, L
- Components – Mixture of Shimano Acera and Deore.
During the registration process you will be asked for specifics to have the correct sized bike waiting for you. We can supply any number styles of pedals – SPD, SPD-r, flat, Speedplay, Look, etc.
- OBT cycling jersey
- ClifBar Products (complementary) for personal fueling and hydration
- All hotel accommodations
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Meals as explained in the tour itinerary pages.
- Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information
- Outstanding routing instructions for all rides! This includes GPS course downloads for your GPS unit, traditional cue sheet, and written prose describing each turn and the surrounding area. These methods are then supported by a road map.
- Your personal guides, helping you with support vehicles. On-road support will always be near. From greeting guests when they arrive, to handling luggage transfers, mechanical issues, etc – our guides assist guests in every way. They also set you up on your rental bikes, and can help with routing, and any other questions.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Transportation to start location and from finish location.
- Bikes, but we have rental bikes available.
- Travel and Health Insurance.
- Admission to sightseeing venues, unless explicitly mentioned as included.
Tour Cost Per Person:
- Double Occupancy: Contact us!
- Single Occupancy: Contact us!
Bike Rental Per Person:
- Road Bike: Contact us!
- eBike: Contact us!
- Hybrid: Contact us!
Questions: First, please feel free to ask us any questions about the tour. We are happy to help clarify any details.
Registration: Once you are ready to register please go to https://outfittertours.com/registration/ and complete the registration form. EACH tour participant will need to complete the form. At the end of the registration for you will be asked for a US$800 deposit. You can pay the deposit by bank check, wire, or credit card. Once we have all registrations we will secure all of the details of your tour – hotels, bikes, etc.
Final Payment: 60 days prior to your tour we will invoice you for the balance of the tour.
Tour Packet Delivery: Once the balance is paid and approximately 30 days before your tour we will send you a complete tour packet containing all details of your tour – accommodation information, detailed routing, a suggested packing list, maps, tourist guide, and much much more!
For more information on our Terms & Conditions please CLICK HERE.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1: June 27th – Arrive in Hendaye
We will pick you up at the train station and take you to our hotel for the night. Our guides will have tools and work stands ready to build up your bikes and fit you to rental bikes. A welcome dinner is included this evening. Absorb the French Basque culture, and get ready to begin your journey the next day!
Day 2: June 28th – Hendaye to St. Jean Pied de Port (75km)
Today is a great warm-up day with no major climbs. But don’t be deceived! The smaller climbs we do hit will still challenge you. Today you will be in French Basque country and conquer the Col Saint Ignace (3.3km long, 4.6% average grade, 154 meters if elevation) and Col Pinodeita (5.6km, 1.9%, 106m). Flatter options are available. Dinner is on your own in town.
Day 3: June 29th –St. Jean Pied de Port to Eaux Bonne (125km)
Here come the climbs! Today you will conquer Col de Marie-Blanque (9.5km, 7.5%, 715m), your first major effort. From there it is a nice descent into Laurns, then the start of the Col d’Aubisque to Eaux Bonnes for the night. If you wish to avoid the Marie Blanque there is a shorter and longer way around. Dinner is included.
Day 4: June 30th –Eaux Bonne to Luz-Saint-Sauveur (60km)
Today you will cross two of the most frequently used TdF mountains – the Col d’Aubisque (16.6km, 7.2%, 1,190m) and Col du Soulor. Many great cycling battles have started on these mountains. You may even spot some painting on the road from previous TdFs. The good news is that as soon as you cross Col d’Aubisque there is only a slight bump to get to the top of Soulor. After a long descent of the Soulor you have a 10km slight climb into Luz St. Sauveur. Dinner is included.
Day 5: July 1st – Luz-Saint-Sauveur – REST DAY!
Sleep in, go for a hike, go to the local spa, get a massage, or…. go for a ride. You are at the base of some fantastic climbs. Luz Ardiden (14.7km, 6.9%, 1,010m) starts 1km from the center of town and is where in 2003 Lance Armstrong was crashed by a spectator’s bag and then went on to win the stage. Hautacam (13.6km, 7.8%, 1,170m) is not far away. Dinner is on your own in this beautiful and quaint town.
Day 6: July 2nd – Luz-Saint-Sauveur to Arreau (62km)
Today you will truly be riding in the wheel tracks of legends. The Tourmalet (19km, 7.4%, 1,404m) and Aspin (12.8km, 5%, 642m) are on your itinerary. Dinner is included.
Day 7: July 3rd – Arreau to Luchon (33km)
This short day will include only the Col du Peyresourde (10km, 6.6%, 655m), but there are other additions to be enjoyed nearby such as the Port des Bales (18.9km, 6.3%, 1,185m) and Super Bageneres (18.5km, 6.3%, 1,170m).
Day 8: July 4th – Luchon to Oust (105km)
The Col des Ares (8.4km, 3.9%, 330m) and Col de Portet d’Aspet (4.5km, 9%, 459m) are on the route. Dinner is included.
Day 9: July 5th – Oust to Ax le Thermes (85km or longer)
Your legs will be wearing tired by this point, but the tour is over half way finished. The Col de Porte is the major climb of the day, but there are several alternate routes that could add climbs – including the triple ascent of Port de Lers (12.8km, 4.7%, 601m), Col d Agnes (10.2km, 8.1%, 826m), and Col de la Trappe (5km, 7.4%, 368m). Dinner is included.
Day 10: July 6th – Ax le Thermes – REST DAY!
Relax at the spa or tackle another local climb. Dinner is not included tonight.
Day 11: July 7th – Ax le Thermes to Molitg-les-Bains (78km)
Today we take a route that is slightly different from the traditional RAID Pyrenees route to avoid a dangerous road (no shoulder and BUSY!). We will be challenged nonetheless! The Portet de Pailheres 2001 (18.6km, 6.9%, 871m) and Col de Jau (13.6km, 5.9%, 806m) are the challenges of the day and lead us to Moltig-les-Bains. Dinner is included.
Day 12: July 8th –Molitg-les-Bains to Collioure (107km)
After many days of riding in mountains, you deserve a route that is mostly downhill. At the end of this “easy” day dip into the Mediterranean and revel in your achievement. You have crossed the Pyrenees! Our farewell dinner is included.
Day 13: July 9th – Au Revoir!
We assist with your transportation to the local train station for your trip home! If you wish to continue your vacation at our last hotel please let us know when you register for our tour and we will help you extend your stay.
