Gravel cycling with Escape to the Pyrenees
Gravel cycling with Escape to the Pyrenees
Gravel cycling in the Pyrenees, with Escape to the Pyrenees
Gravel cycling with Escape to the Pyrenees
While the Pyrenees are famous for road climbs like the Col du Tourmalet, the gravel riding here is nothing short of mind-blowing. Read what Cyclist Off-Road magazine thought when they rode with us.
The trail network is huge, criss-crossing the forests and zig-zagging up the peaks, often way higher than any road, so the views are spectacular. We have an amazing set of routes; a typical day is 80km, 2400m of climbing and 5-6hrs, nearly all on gravel. The riding is tough, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. We advise 40mm+ tyres and at least a 1:1 lowest gear (eg 42x42 or 34x34). We run 47mm tyres and 46/30 x 11-34.
Gravel riding in the Pyrenees is as exhilarating as it gets and virtually every guest returns to the house each day saying the same thing: "That was epic!" It doesn't get better than this. That's why we call it Peak Gravel.
REVIEWS FOR PEAK GRAVEL
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
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Airport transfer from Lourdes or Pau
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Six or four days of guided riding – if you'd prefer the short version you simply depart two days earlier
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Support vehicle with food, drink, spare clothing and tools (the car meets us at set points)
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Bike rental available and can be ready on arrival
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Accommodation, sharing a twin room
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Breakfast, with lots of options
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Homemade ride snacks and drinks
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Homemade post-ride snacks and drinks
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Fantastic evening meal, three-courses, wine/beer included
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Use of secure garage, tools, track pump, cleaning kit
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Laundry, as needed
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Use of foam rollers, yoga mats and massage gun
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And we have loads of spare gear you can borrow if you forget something
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is designed for gravel cyclists who want to experience riding in the mountains, on tailored routes and with expert support. A good level of fitness is advised but no previous experience of riding in mountains is required.
What sets this trip apart is the incredible set of routes and the high level of support provided. Every route is packed with stunning gravel roads, incredible views and truly memorable riding - no long transfers to get to the good stuff. With a highly experienced guide and a fully-equipped support car carrying extra food, drink and clothing, riders don't have to think about navigation or finding the next water point, only enjoying the ride.
Before your stay, we discuss your goals and fitness, then tailor the routes to the group with options to suit each individual. During your trip, meals and ride snacks are adapted to your dietary needs and training load, and expert advice is available on pacing, nutrition, recovery, equipment choices, descending technique, and current trail conditions.
Our Peak Gravel guests value the opportunity to challenge themselves on big off-road climbs with the reassurance of expert support. They range widely in age and experience – from riders in their 20s to their 70s, from those quite new to gravel cycling to lifelong off-road riders.
From our perfectly located base near Argelès-Gazost in the Pyrenees, riders can take on the gravel routes up iconic Tour de France climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Col du Soulor and Hautacam.