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2015 Catalogue
#inspiredToRide
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Solid Distances at a Solid Pace
The CMI Group, under the label CMI Tours, offers cycling trips for cycling enthusiasts. We offer the “real thing” in terms of quality time in the saddle. We offer more cycling focused trips for people who want a proper cycling experience. The majority of our trips are custom designed to suit your needs, meaning that we can provide and adapt to almost anything you require. Our motto is “Solid Distances and a Solid Pace”. This does not mean we are limited to only big rides and fast paces, but we do generally cater to small groups looking for a solid ride that gives them time during the day to discover or relax after their ride. This of course also includes an experience of culture, scenery and food that will make you never want to leave! We offer cycling trips to a number of different destinations, and specialize in the Pyrenees which is our flagship destination.
A time of year that suits you Trips are already planned and can be run at a time that suits you and your group, or they can be custom designed by talking to our staff about the best possible route planning to suit your needs. If you are interested in a trip based around an event this can also be arranged. There are options to stay in one single location to discover an area fully and focus on riding, as well as possibilities to move to different locations and expand your trip to different areas. Alternatively you can simply select the trip of your choice amongst our existing trips and dates.
Feel free to contact us on cmicycling@gmail.com to discuss your trips, needs and desires.
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Our Trips: Pyrenees Discovery
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Walled Cities
Page 7
Tour de France 2015
Page 11
#trainInSpain
Page 15
Spring Classics
Page 19
Hills of the Cote d’Azur
Page 25
Tourmalet 10 Day
Page 29
Custom Trips
Page 35
Mountains Pro Training
Page 38
Pro Guide
Page 41
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Pyrenees Discovery: Riding, eating, discovering the Pyrenees National Park. Location:
Pyrenees, France
Emphasis:
Riding and relaxing
Dates:
May-October
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner included
Trips Size:
2-10 people max. Depending on availability and dates.
Price:
See website www.cmicycling.com
Our base for this trip is a traditional Pyrenean house in a quiet village in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. This is the ideal location from which to start our stunning and challenging rides, as well as being a relaxing location for an evening BBQ and beer with friends, or a quiet afternoon read by the river. Daily rides will take you through some stunning mountain scenery along peaceful roads and on some of the Tour de France mountains you’ve seen on TV. There is a Bar-Restaurant within walking distance, and a large yard in which to relax after your ride. Part way up the Port de l’Hers climb which starts outside our front door is the bucolic Etang de l’Hers lake where you can go for hikes, a calming walk around the lake, or sit and have lunch and a drink at the lake-side café. A selection of local and regional wines from the Midi-Pyrenees area such as the Corbiere, Gaillacois and Madiran will be available to you in the evenings along with some local dishes and cuisine, such as duck and Cassoulet along with the usual BBQ specials such as Toulouse Sausage.
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Trip itinerary: Day 1 Arrival: 40-60km ride We will pick you up at the Toulouse-Blagnac or Carcassonne airport, or meet you at our base if you choose to drive or rent a car. We will get settled in, and go for a short introduction ride if we have time.
Day 2:
55km Col d’Agnes After a relaxed breakfast in the court-yard, we’ll head out on a loop that will take us over the Col d’Agnes that is frequently used in the Tour de France, this is quite a steep climb, and although “only” a 55km ride, it’s fairly tough. We can stop and have a coffee or beer at the lake on the way down to the house. The evening will be spent enjoying a BBQ, some fresh salad and the inevitable plate of pasta, along with local wine form the regional terroire.
Day 3:
125km or 65km Port de l’Hers, Plateau de Beille, Col de Port Today we have 2 options. We can either do a long ride of 125km that will take us up the Port de l’Hers, then up the famous Plateau de Beille climb, before coming back down the Plateau de Beille and returning home via the Col de Port (again in the opposite direction to yesterday) making it 125km round trip with 3 big climbs. Or we can take the van and drive to Tarascon-Sur-Ariege and ride over the lesser known Gleizo climb (6km at 6%) on the way to the Plateau de Beille, then returning to the van for a total of 65km. This evening we will walk to the restaurant at the edge of town and enjoy a well deserved meal of local cuisine.
Day 4:
Rest day 40-50k easy It’s already been a hard couple of days. Today we will take our time over breakfast, go for a short easy ride for a coffee, or take the day off and relax, walk around the village, read a book or go to a nearby town for lunch in the townsquare watching the world go by.
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Day 5:
70km North East Massat We will take a break from the big mountains today and do a rolling loop around the area. We are still in the heart of the Pyrenees however, so although we may not be going up any famous climbs, it is still plenty hilly.
Day 6:
70km (or 145km) Col de Latrape, col de Saraillé Today is another mountainous day. We will leave the house by bike and ride the Tour de France regular, the Col de Latrape and the Col de Saraillé which drops us back at the house. There is also the option of doing a crazy 145km day with 5 climbs; a real Tour de France day. See us for details on this option. Tonight’s peaceful evening meal with a couple glasses of wine will have been well deserved.
Day 7:
Departure It’s been a good solid week of riding and relaxing. We will transfer you to the airport in Toulouse or Carcasonne for your return trip
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Walled Cities
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Walled Cities:
Riding, relaxing and history
Location:
St Antonin, South of France
Emphasis:
Relaxed riding, history
Dates:
May, June, September
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Trip Size:
4 - 12 people
Price:
1999.00 Euro (Per Person)
Located in the South of France, in an area known for fruit, wine and old castles, we will base ourselves out of a luxurious and spacious renovated old stone farm house for our week of riding. Our base offers us 6 comfortable bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 TV/sitting areas, a large well equipped kitchen as well as an outdoor kitchenette with BBQ, a poole table and swimming pool. From our accomodation we can ride to numerous old walled cities, through countless vinyards and past sunflower fields. After our rides we can relax by the pool, fire up the BBQ with a beer or glass of local wine. Evenings can be spent eating at the big outside dining table as the sun sets over the hills in the distance. If you want to have a day away from the bike, there are plenty of hikes available right from our front door. The area provides plenty of history and culture, as well as some of the best bike riding we have found anywhere in the world. We do not do twin room sharing on this trip, making it an exclusive vacation for groups of 6 individuals (or 6 couples). The stunning views, remarkably quiet roads and peaceful accomodation will make this a trip to remember.
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Trip details: Day 1 Arrival: 20-40km ride We will pick you up at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport, or meet you and direct you to our accommodation if you choose to drive or rent a car. We will get settled in, and go for a short introductory ride to loosen up the legs after your travels.
Day 2:
40km Penne The medieval castle of Penne was built on a rocky spur in the Gorges de l’Aveyron, making it one of the most stunning views and constructions in the area. The small town around the base of the rocky spur consists of many little houses and gardens, whereas the top, the castle itself, is currently a archeological site. Our ride today will take us to the castle of Penne, where we can have lunch and visit the old town.
Day 3:
35km Cordes and Vaour Our ride today will take us to breathtaking town of Cordes sur Ciel. You may have seen pictures of this town as it is surprisingly common to open a photography book and see this interesting construction, often sticking up above a layer of fluffy clouds. Cordes is another medieval, Cathar town build on a steep hill. The top provides many great views as well as a number of cafés, shops and restaurants. If you fancy a challenge you can attempt to ride up the steep cobbled climb. Although only 500m long, it averages 15% and has sections of 24%. After a lunch and visit stop in Cordes we can return by van or ride home for a total of 80km.
Day 4:
45km “Gaillacois” Vineyards Our ride today will take us east into the vinyards of Gaillac. This will be a rolling ride, taking you through a variety of different terrains and views. Following the course of the 2011 Tour de France we will ride to the walled city of Castelneau de Montmiral for lunch, after which we will return by van. The adventurous may choose a 100km long loop to get home.
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Day 5:
40km Laguepie The little town of Laguepie will be our main destination for today. Built at the confluence of the Aveyron and Viaur rivers, and dominated by the medieval chateau of Laguepie, this little town is traditionally French. Our ride will take us to Laguepie for lunch and a swim after which we will return home by van or bike. The evening can be spent by the pool with a glass of Gaillac, or we can head into St Antonin for a drink in one of the local cafés.
Day 6:
50km Bruniquel After a relaxing breakfast, we will embark on our ride to the cliff top chateau of th Bruniquel. Build in the 12 century on an earlier fortress said to have been built in th the 6 century, Bruniquel is one of two Cathar chateaux which dominates the valley. We will ride up to Bruniquel to have a look at the medieval gateways and narrow streets. There is a museum that is also well worth visiting. We will have lunch here today before returning home for our final evening together.
Day 7:
Departure It’s been a great week riding and we have seen many of the area’s best walled and hilltop cites. We will transfer you to the airport in Toulouse or for your return trip.
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TdF 2015
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Pyrenees TdF:
Riding, viewing TdF
Location:
Pyrenees, France
Emphasis:
Riding and relaxing
Dates:
July 11th – 18th 2015
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner included
Trips Size:
2-8 people max.
Price:
2300 euro
Extras:
Bike rental: 336 Euro Twin Share: - 300 Euro
We will base ourselves in a traditional Pyrenean house in a quiet village in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. This is right on the course of the 2015 Tour. This little Pyrenean town is a peaceful and relaxing location for some great riding, an evening BBQ and a beer with friends, while also being right in the middle of the mountain roads we love to ride and explore. Our rides will take you through some stunning mountain scenery along peaceful roads and on some of the Tour de France Mountains you’ve seen on TV. You will also get to ride the climbs of this year’s Tour, including the Plateau de Beille, a few days before the race; so you will have a clear idea of what it takes and how much pain the Pros are going through. We will see the Tour as it goes past our accommodation. BBQ and beers will be out in force for that day, with the option of going up the Port de Lers to see the race on the mountain, and still get back in time to see the awesome finish up Plateau de Beille on TV with an ice cold beer! On this trip you will get the perfect mix of Tour excitement and quality riding, all from one single location.
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Trip itinerary: Day 1:
(Saturday July 11th) Arrival, 40-60km ride We will pick you up at the Toulouse-Blagnac or Carcassonne airport, or meet you at our base if you choose to drive or rent a car. We will get settled in, and go for a short introduction ride if we have time.
Day 2:
55km Col d’Agnes After a relaxed breakfast in the court-yard, we’ll head out on a loop that will take us over the Col d’Agnes that is frequently used in the Tour de France. We can stop and have a coffee or beer at the lake on the way back down to the house, this is also a good opportunity to see where you might like to position yourself in four days’ time for some live TDF action. The afternoon and evening can be spent enjoying a few drinks and watching the Tour finish on TV.
Day 3:
120km Col de la Core, Latrape and Saraillé (2100m) Today is the first of our “3 Cols” days. We will leave the house by bike and ride the Col de la Core which features in this year’s Tour de France Stage 12. If you are not feeling up to the “3 Cols” there is the option of a shorter ride of 70km with only 2 climbs. Tonight’s peaceful evening meal with a couple of glasses of wine will have been well deserved.
Day 4:
55km Col de la Crouzette A slightly shorter day today as we try to recover from yesterday’s “3 Cols”. The Col de la Crouzette loop will highlight the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenees region, while giving your legs a bit of a test on a climb that is slightly steeper than most in the Pyrenees. Starting from Massat we head towards the quaint little village of “Biert”, from here we take a right turn and are immediately on the Col de la Crouzette. This is about a 12km climb and luckily the first 8km are relatively gentle, the last 3 are a little challenging however, but will leave you elated and with a large sense of accomplishment. We descend down the other side into some truly stunning and very traditionally French mountain style villages and terrain, returning home on the flat with plenty of time to see the end of today’s stage on TV.
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Day 5:
125km Plateau de Beille (3000m) We will ride the final part of tomorrow’s Tour de France stage. Starting right from our front door we will climb the Port de Lers, descend the other side and climb the final climb of stage 12 to the Plateau de Beille. You will be able to make the most of the atmosphere as the climb will already be heaving with people, camper vans and eager fans setting up for tomorrow’s big day. We can either have lunch at the top of the climb or in a little village at the bottom on the way down as we make our way home over the col de Port, another climb that regularly features in the Tour. This will be the second of our “3 Cols” days and will give you a true idea of what it will be like to ride these mountains for the Pros the following day.
Day 6:
Tour de France Live Viewing
The big day is upon us and it’s time for you to watch the pros agonize up the climbs that you are now familiar with. Because the TDF is coming right past our base this year we have plenty of options for race viewing. Either you can go up the Port de L’Hers (the climb that starts 1km from our doorstep) and watch the riders on the climb or you can stay at the accommodation, have a few drinks and watch the riders come by, keeping track of the race live on television, with a few beverages and snacks to keep us fueled up for the day.
Day 7:
Muret Stage Start + 100km ride
We will get up relatively early and drive to the race start in Muret. Here you will see the big TDF team busses and catch a glimpse of the pros as they get ready to start the day’s stage. After we have watched the race start we can have something to eat and then ride back to our base, roughly 100km with a few “hills” into the village of Massat for a welldeserved shower and our final meal at the restaurant.
Day 8:
(Saturday July 18th) Departure
That marks the conclusion of the 2015 CMI Tours Tour de France trip. We will take you to Toulouse Blagnac airport for your departure or if you have other plans you can let us know beforehand.
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#trainInSpain Pre Season Training Camp
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Train in Spain:
Riding and training in beautiful places
Location:
Javea, Spain
Emphasis:
Riding Skills, Training and fitness.
Price:
1500 Euro (per person, based on twin share)
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner included
Trip Size:
26 people max.
Our base for this trip is a spacious Spanish villa surrounded by orange trees. On the outskirts of the sea front town of Javea, Spain our villa is a peaceful and quiet place to base ourselves. From here we will start our daily rides into the backcountry and the hills of the area. Popular among Pro cyclists and teams for its quiet roads and wide variety of terrain, the riding is challenging but the climbs are not as steep and hard as the Pyrenees or the Alps, making this the ideal location for some early season training. At the end of the day you can relax by the pool with a drink and make the most of the facilities to wash your cycling kit ready for the next day’s adventures, before we sit down for a well deserved evening meal. Our rides will gradually increase in distance and difficulty as the week progresses. One all important recovery day is planned mid week so that you can better enjoy the last couple of big day’s on the bike. Training sessions can be provided for individuals, groups, clubs and teams with an emphasis on specifics ranging from preparing for an event; preparing for a full season; how to race at the top level; racing tactics as well as group building sessions; nutrition; climbing; group riding skills and descending.
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Trip details: Day 1 Arrival: 45km ride You may choose to arrive by personal car, rental car or by plane. The nearest airports are Valencia and Alicante. If you or your group need a transfer from the airport this can be arranged. The first thing to do is build your bike. Depending on your arrival time, there should be time for an easy ride to shake out the legs.
Day 2:
85km to Calpe After a relaxed breakfast in the court-yard, we’ll head out on a loop that will take is to the town of Calpe. Calpe is another hotbed for Pro cyclists and teams in the early season. The town is a popular summer tourist destination full of hotels and beachside residences. After passing through Calpe we will loop around and return to our Villa via the backcountry.
Day 3:
120km or 70km Costa Blanca backcountry Our ride today will take us away from the coast and into the rolling hills of the Costa Blanca backcountry. Both the long and short ride will start off in the same direction, with the short ride turning a little earlier. Our two ride options today are 120km and 70km.
Day 4:
145km or 70km Hills and Coast After two solid days on the bike you will now have an idea of the terrain and style of riding this area has to offer. If you are feeling up for a challenge you may want to take our longer ride today that will see you cover 145km and 2500m of climbing. If your legs are feeling a little tired, there is a just as beautiful but somewhat shorter 70km option that will enable you to save your legs a little in preparation for the rest of the week.
Day 5:
25-45km Rest day We will take a break today and go for a short and easy ride to the beach or for lunch in a café. It is important to rest and recover from the last few days. A sleep in, a look around town in the area and you’ll be ready for the next two days or riding.
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Day 6:
150km or 80km Valenciana loop Today is our “Queen Stage”. We will head up the coast a little before climbing over the mountains into the depths of the back country. This a challenging loop with plenty of climbing on quiet roads, and the great views are sure to be a pleasant distraction. The long ride will cover 150km with 2300m of climbing. The shorter route follows a similar path and takes you through the stunning orange groves of the area for a total of 80 beautiful Kilometers.
Day 7:
105km or 60km Pro Training Ground Today is our last day. We will head to the longer hills slightly inland from Calpe. It is common to see individual Pro riders or entire teams on this loop. Argos Shimano has a permanent base nearby and you will often see the riders doing efforts on this climbs, or small groups of 2 or 3 Pros from around Europe who are in the area to get some warm weather training with friends between their heavy racing schedule. A café at the top of one of the hills is a great place to stop and have a bite to eat with a great view ov the nearby hills plunging into the Mediterainean seas.
Day 8:
Departure It’s been a good solid week of training and it is time to head home and put everything you have learned into effect. Again if you need transportation for yourself or your group to a nearby airport this can be arranged.
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Spring Classics 11 day trip, Flanders - Roubaix with David MCKENZIE
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Spring Classics Trip:
Flanders - Roubaix
Location:
Ghent, Belgium
Emphasis:
Race viewing and riding
Dates:
Arrive April 2 – Leave April 13, 2015
Trips Size:
20 people Max
Price:
4100 Euro (per person) (5900AUD)
Extras:
Bike rental: 395 EUR (530AUD) Single Room Supplement: 650 EUR (930AUD)
During this trip you will have the option of riding both the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix Cyclosportives (GrandFondos) as well as seeing both of these epic Classics live on race day. Rides will feature the traditional Belgian countryside you are now accustomed to seeing on TV during the spring, including the dreaded and much loved “pavé”. We will base ourselves out of Ghent, Belgium for the duration of this trip. Ghent was home to David McKenzie for much of his Pro cycling career and is a wonderful old town, steeped in history and stunning architecture. Our Base will be the stunning 4 Star Grand Hotel Reylof right in the center of Ghent. This Hotel will ensure us a high level of comfort with great access to the town center and all that Flanders has to offer.
What’s Included: -11 nights in 4 star Accommodation in the heart of Ghent -All Breakfasts -Welcoming Dinner plus 5 other carefully selected restaurants from the local area -Fully guided Rides -Entry to Paris-Roubaix and Flanders Cyclosportives* -A classic Belgian Brewery Tour -Guided tour of the War Memorials -“Ronde Van Vlaanderen” Museum visit -Transport to and from Brussels Airport.
Not Included: -Airfare -Travel insurance -Non specified meals
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Simeon Green of CMI Tours and David McKenzie: “Sim” and “Macca” have worked together numerous times on cycling trips in the past, and have wanted to join forces for a number of years. The stars have aligned for 2015 and they're both very excited to bring you this unique experience of the Belgian Classics. The Classics are steeped in history, and not only in cycling, their importance and place in the history of Northern Europe have been well documented. The duo are keen to bring their knowledge, experience and specific style to this trip, which is sure to make this one of the more memorable ones.
David McKenzie: David McKenzie was a professional cyclist for 9 years. He won a stage of the 2000 Giro d’Italia and is a former Australian National Road Champion. Since retiring at the end of 2005 he has worked as an expert analyst and commentator for Australian TV Broadcaster SBS, whilst also working as a cycling coach back home in Australia. David travelled extensively during his Pro cycling career on various teams from Europe to Asia via the USA, but during much of his career he based himself out of Ghent Belgium. He's very familiar with Ghent and has a soft spot for the Flandrian region. Having lived in the area and raced the cobbles of Belgium, you will get this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Pro life as you ride with David on his old stomping grounds. You will also get to watch the world’s biggest Classics with someone who has truly “been there and done that”. We have managed to pull him away from the TV cameras for this 11 day trip, so that you can benefit from his experience firsthand. Better still, David is a very easy going person who loves a good Belgian beer and is a great story teller. Needless to say the evenings can be fascinating and quite humorous.
Simeon Green: Simeon is a Frenchman who hails from the south of France. A fluent English speaker with a degree in Languages and Literature, he has extensive experience in running cycling trips, having been involved in the Industry since 2003. Simeon has also raced the UCI Continental Circuit for a number of years, including a stint in MTBs on the US Circuit as a younger rider. He then proceeded to spend the majority of his time based back home in France racing throughout Europe and Africa. He now splits his time between Europe and Australia.
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Trip details:** Day 1, April 2nd
Arrival
Today is the official start of the Trip, we’ll meet you at Brussels airport and transport you to our centrally located 4 star Hotel that will be our home for the next 11 days. Depending on Your arrival time, you should have plenty of time to check in, unpack, get your bike built and even go for a stroll around Ghent centre, before our Welcome Dinner.
Day 2, April 3rd
First Ride
Today will be our first official ride as a group. We’ll get out for a nice 2hr pedal to loosen up the legs on the quiet Belgian roads, enjoying some of the beautiful countryside before tomorrow’s “Flanders CycloSportif”. You’ll have the evening free to explore the centre of Ghent.
Day 3, April 4th:
Flanders Cyclosportif Today we will get an early start as we drive to the start of the Flanders Cyclosportif. This will be an epic day as we join the thousands of other cyclists discovering the cobbles and les “monts des Flandres” (the hills of Flanders). After a big day on the bike, we’ll have dinner planned at one of the great restaurants in the Flanders region.
Day 4, April 5th:
Tour of Flanders Live
Today we will have a day off riding for us as we focus all our energy on watching the Pro’s do battle in “De Ronde” Many a Belgian would rather win “De Ronde” than any other race. This is as big as it gets. It is said that a Belgian who Wins Tour Of Flanders, will never have to buy a beer for the rest of his life. After a fun packed day, you are on your own for dinner tonight.
Day 5, April 6th:
Belgian Roads and Old towns; Brugge Today will be a full day. After watching yesterday’s race, no doubt some of you will want to emulate the pros. In the morning we’ll head out for a special ride and tackle some of the famous Cobbled climbs ourselves. Then in the afternoon, we’ll play tourist with a trip to the nearby Town of Brugge, where you’ll be free to explore. You are also free to sample the local restaurants for dinner tonight.
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Day 6, April 7th:
Ride + war memorial
This morning we’ll get out for another ride in the Flanders Hills. Then in the afternoon something that no one should miss, a personalised guided tour of the War Memorials. 2015 will be the 100th Anniversary of when Australia began its involvement in World War I. The Western Front as they referred to it back then is right at our door step. This Promises to be a special day. After our visit to the war Memorials we’ll head back into Ghent for a lovely evening meal.
Day 7, April 8th:
Scheldeprijs
Today is a bonus day as we get to see a midweek semi Classic the “Scheldeprijs”. Time permitting we’ll saddle up in the morning and ride. We will then spend the day watching the riders head off and grab some lunch, enjoy the atmosphere and get ready for a big finish. After the race we’ll make our way home in time for a relaxed dinner in the restaurant of your choice.
Day 8, April 9th:
Flanders Museum
This morning we will make our way towards the town of Oudenaarde where the “Ronde Van Vlaanderen” museum is located. 2015 will mark the 99th edition of this great race. We’ll see all of the history here. On the way home we’ll make a detour and stop off via one of the areas great bike shops to see what bargains can be had. You are free for dinner tonight.
Day 9, April 10th:
Brewery late lunch
A trip to Belgium wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of its finest Beer. So that’s exactly what we will do. A morning ride to build up an appetite, then a brewery tour with Lunch to follow. A relaxing evening in Ghent to finish off the day, will be just what we need to be ready for tomorrow’s Roubaix Cyclosportif.
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Day 10, April 11th:
Paris Roubaix Cyclosportif
It’s D-Day. We’ll get an early start as we head to France for the start of the ParisRoubaix Cyclosportif. Today you’ll get a few ride options and if you’re up for it “the Forest of Arenberg”. We’ll have dinner planned afterwards where there’s sure to be some stories to tell over a couple of Belgian Beers.
Day 11, April 12th:
Paris Roubaix Live
Today we will leave the bikes at home again and head back to France For the “Hell Of The North”, Paris-Roubaix. Words can’t describe the feeling of seeing the single file of pain-stricken riders bounce their way over the cobbles as they make their way to the Roubaix Velodrome. We’ll aim to get right amongst the action of the race, with some good vantage points. After the race we’ll head straight back to Ghent for our final and farewell Dinner.
Day 12, April 13th:
Departure
Today we say goodbye, and we thank you for joining us. We’ll see you off at the Airport!
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Hills of the cote d’Azur: Location:
Cote d’Azur, France
Emphasis:
Riding and Leisure
Price:
See website www.cmicycling.com
Meals:
Breakfast and some Dinners included
Trip Size:
4 people minimum
This is not only where the Pros train, it's where they live. The area behind Nice is packed with great hills, fantastic rides, and endless historic towns to discover and relax in after a hard day's riding. A week long trip in the heart of the historic town of Vence. Our hotel is within walking distance of the old town center with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.
Daily rides will take you through the stunning hills behind Nice where the Pros train. Rides will take you up to the plateau near Andon at 1200m and through historic hill-top towns such as Gourdon. There will of course also be the obligatory trip over the border into Italy and to Monaco.
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Trip details: Day 1 Arrival: 40km ride If you choose to arrive by plane we will meet you at the Nice Airport. It is only a short drive from here to our hotel where we will get you settled in and get your bike ready. There should be time for time for an afternoon ride to loosen the legs before our welcome dinner.
Day 2:
55km Bezaudin Loop
After a relaxed breakfast we will head out for our first real ride into the hills. It’s a short loop today but we climb up to over 1000m altitude on a stunning backcountry loop. The afternoon will be free to discover the beautiful little town of Vence, relax in the town square with a beer or coffee and visit the historic little streets of this wonderful town. You are also free to explore the town for dinner tonight.
Day 3:
105km Plateau d’Andon We will head west on some stunning roads through awesome mountains up to the Andon Plateau which sits at 1100m Altitude. The roads in this area are very quiet and are great to ride. Our return journey will take us down in the Loop valley and through the hilltop town of Gourdon. You are free to choose one of the many restaurants in town for dinner.
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Day 4:
65km Gourdon We will set off on a slightly shorter ride today after yesterday’s big day. The ride is shorter but still includes a fair bit of climbing with 1500m total. We will ride through the hill top town of Tourette, in and out of the valley on our way to the town of Gourette, which is perched atop the rocky hills of the area. We can have lunch here and have a look around the town that offers stunning views all the way over the hills to the coast. After lunch we will return to Vence in time for a cold beer and some relaxation time. Dinner will be provided tonight.
Day 5:
100 km Ride to Italy, afternoon in Manaco
Big day today; we will ride into Italy via the Col d’Eze and La Madone which is a well known test climb for many of the local Pros who live in Nice and Monaco. After a bite to eat we will return by van via Monaco where you will get a little time to look around at this fascinating Principaute of the rich and famous.
Day 6:
75km, Grasse and Anbites We will ride to the coast today, taking a small detour through the town of Grasse, renowned for being the home of perfume, and a good place to stop for lunch. From here we will continue our ride to the Antibes on the coast where we can pause and admire the big private yachts the tend to sit just off the coast. From here it is only 20kms home, although half of it is uphill.
Day7:
Au-revoir Sadly the time has come to wave good bye to the Cote d’Azur. We will help you get to Nice Airport for your return travels.
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Tourmalet 10 day:
Location:
Pyrenees, France
Emphasis:
Riding Famous Climbs
Dates:
May-October
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner included
Trips Size:
2-10 people max. Depending on availability and dates.
Price:
OPTION 1: 2500 Euro OPTION 2: 3200 Euro
The Tourmalet is undoubtedly the best known climb in the Pyrenees, but there are many more. On the trip we aim to show you a vast number of climbs, from the famous to less famous. Aside from the Tourmalet you will have the option of climbing the Cols de Soulor and Aubsique, as well as the Plateau de Beille, the Col de Port, the Col de la Core and many more. We will split our time between two locations. From the quiet and relaxing heart of the Pyrenees National Park to the heights of La Mongie on the infamous Tourmalet. There are two options within this trip, 1) which includes the climb of the Tourmalet alone with the majority of our time spent in the stunning Ariege area, (2500Euro) and 2) includes a night spent at altitude as well as the Col du Soulor and Col de l’Aubisque for the more adventurous, with the rest of our time on location in the stunning Ariege area (3200Euro).
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Trip itinerary: Day 1 Arrival: 40km ride We will pick you up at the Toulouse-Blagnac or Carcassonne airport, or meet you at our base if you choose to drive or rent a car. We will get settled in, and go for a short introduction ride if we have time.
Day 2:
75km Col de Port, Port de l’Hers After a relaxed breakfast in the court-yard, we’ll head out on a loop that will take us over the Col de Port climb that is frequently used in the Tour de France. We will start easy as the Col de Port starts almost from our front door. The climb is 12km at 4.8% average. After descending the other side we will then climb to Port de l’Hers (11km at 7%). We can stop and have a coffee or beer at the lake on the way back down to the house.
Day 3:
70km Col de Saraille, Crouzette
Today we will head to the town of St Girons via the narrow Col de Saraille. After Lunch in St Girons we will continue our discovery of the lesser know climbs as we climb up the narrow roads to the Top of the Crouzette from the western side, via small mountain villages, green meadows and trickily streams, before descending back down into Massat.
Day 4:
125km or 65km Port de l’Hers, Plateau de Beille, Col de Port Today we have 2 options. We can either do a long ride of 125km that will take us up the Port de l’Hers in the opposite direction to our Day 2 ride, then up the famous Plateau de Beille climb, before coming back down the Plateau de Beille and returning home via the Col de Port (again in the opposite direction to yesterday) making it 125km round trip with 3 big climbs. Or we can take the van and drive to Tarascon-Sur-Ariege and ride over the lesser known Gleizo climb (6km at 6%) on the way to the Plateau de Beille, then returning to the van for a total of 65km. This evening we will walk to the restaurant at the edge of town and enjoy a well deserved meal of local cuisine.
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Day 5:
Rest day 45 – 50km easy
Today we have a well earned and needed rest day from our first two big days of mountains and in preparation for the following day where we will be climbing one of the highest roads in the Pyrenees. We have the option of going for a 40-50km easy spin along the valley.
Day 6: 100km Col du Tourmalet Today we will have an early start as we will drive to the Tourmalet which lies directly West of Massat on the Pyrenean mountain range. We will do a loop that features the famous Tourmalet and takes us through Luz St Sauveur and Lourdes on the far side to complete a 100km loop. OPTION 1: After our ride we will return by car to our base in Massat. OPTION 2: There is a trip option to stay overnight at Altitude on the Tourmalet including a visit of the Pic du Midi which is an observatory that attracts the adventurous, the tourists and the planet gazers for a panoramic view of the Pyrenean mountain range. To get to the Pic du Midi we will take a cable car 1,000 metres from the Tourmalet Village of La Mongie and we will be spoilt by the views at this high altitude.
Day 7:
Altitude Views OPTION 1: We will have a well deserved rest with a short spin down the valley and the option of Lunch atop the Col de Port. OPTION 2: We will have an easy morning as take the cable car up to the summit of the Pic du Midi and visit the observatory. We will then have an afternoon ride that takes us up the Col du soulor and the Col d’Aubisque before returning by car to Massat in the Ariege region this evening for the rest of our trip.
Day 8: 50km Col d’Agnes After a relaxed breakfast in the court-yard, we’ll head out on a loop that will take us over the Col d’Agnes where Iban Mayo famously tried to abandon the Tour de France in 2004. Although only a 50km ride with stunning views it is a fairly tough climb, and one you will not forget.
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Day 9: 130km (or 70km) Col de La Core, Col de Latrape, col de Saraillé Today is another mountainous day. We will leave the house by bike and ride the Tour de France regulars, the Col de la Core, Col de Latrape and the Col de Saraillé which drops us back at the house for yet another “3 Cols” and a true Tour de France day. If you want a shorter ride there is also the option of doing just the Col de Latrape and the Saraille for approx. 70km. Tonight’s peaceful evening meal with a couple glasses of wine will have been well deserved.
Day 10: 30km Col de la Crouzette, Col de Portel Don’t be fooled by the shortness of this loop. The Col de La Crouzette loop will again highlight the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenees region and give your legs a bit of a test on a climb that is slightly steeper than the majority of those in the Pyrenees. Starting from our base we head towards the next village, from here we take a right turn and are immediately on the Col de La Crouzette. This is about a 12km climb and luckily the first 8km are relatively gentle, the last 3km are a little challenging but will leave you elated and with a large sense of accomplishment when you get to the top of 12 and 15% sections.. We then continue up the Col de Portel before returning home.
Day 11:
Departure It’s been a good solid 10 days of riding and relaxing. We will transfer you to the airport in Toulouse or Carcasonne for your return trip
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Custom trips: Location:
Place of your choice
Emphasis:
Trip designed by you, for you.
Dates:
Any time of year
Trips Size:
2+
Price:
Contact us
Custom trips have been our biggest domaine over the years. You come to us, as an individual or as a group, company, bike shop, tour operator etc and tell us where you want to go, and what you would like to do. We then put our experience and expertease to work for you in developing a trip and itinerary in colaboration with you. This way you get the ideal custom trip to ensure you get what you are looking for in your vacation and cylcing experience. Thanks to our vast knowledge of cycling trips and organisational experience we can help point you in the right direction so that you finish with a trip that is ralistic and achievable in terms of logistics, price and of course desires.
If you are already clear on what you are looking for, we can implement it. If you are unsure of what to do and where to go, we can help by suggesting ideas and potential locations as well as rides and other activities for your cycling project.
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Contact us to start discussing your cycling experience. Be it for a mountain bike trip, wine tasting trip, Alps, Pyrenees of the Dordogne; France, Italy or Morocco; guided or self guided; luxury or budget, there is little we cannot do. cmicycling@gmail.com
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Pro Training
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Pro Training Trip:
Training in beautiful places
Location:
Pyrenees, France
Emphasis:
Riding Skills, Training and fitness.
Dates:
May-October
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner included
Trips Size:
2-7 people
Price:
Contact us
Our base for this trip is the Pyrenean. This is the ideal location for specific training and daily sessions will take you through some stunning mountain scenery along peaceful roads and on some of the Tour de France mountains you’ve seen on TV. Daily sessions will help you improve your riding skills as well as your fitness. Learn from experienced riders how to improve and get the most out of yourself and your team/group. Whether you are looking to improve on your riding and fitness, preparing for a cyclo-sportif, or a youngster looking to turn Pro, this training camp is here to help you progress. Training sessions can be provided for individuals, groups, clubs and teams with an emphasis on specifics ranging from preparing for an event; preparing for a full season; how to race at the top level; racing tactics as well as group building sessions; nutrition; climbing etc. Racing: There may also be the opportunity to get in some racing or a cyclo-sportif during your visit. Contact us for dates, details and possibilities.
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Trip details:
We design this trip according to your specific team or club goals and abilities. After an initial interview to establish the exact purpose of your training camp, we will determine the best way to move ahead to help you achieve your and your group’s goals. We will design and guide you through the entire training period from start to finish. Most common goals include descending and climbing training; team work and key roles within a team or for a specific event; improving overall cycling specific fitness and preparing for mountainous events and races. Our UCI experienced staff and sports scientist is on-hand to give you a true group or team training camp. Contact us now to start planning your training camp.
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Pro Guide
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Pro Guide Location:
Pyrenees, Tarn, Worldwide
Dates:
According to your needs
Group Sizes:
2-15 people
Price:
150 Euro (per Day) 75 euro (Half a day in the Tarn)
Need a guide to show you around? If you don't want to think about which way to go, or if you want to do the best rides on the best roads, enabling you to focus on the pleasure of riding; whether you are an individual or a tour company, give us a call! "Sim" Green has been riding for decades. He started racing Mountain bikes and focused the majority of his career on road racing while dabbling in CycloCross and trials on the way. His cycling career of international racing on the Pro circuit of UCI Continental Tour has enabled him to ride in some of the most varied and unexpected countries in the world. He has been guiding cycling enthusiasts since the early 2000s and loves to share his passion for the sport. He has worked and guided for numerous companies and groups, from individuals to Official TdF Tour Operators. Born in France and having lived in many countries including the USA and Australia, Sim knows what to look for in a bike ride.
You are an Individual: Rates are 150 Euro Per day if you want a guide anywhere in the Midi Pyrenees Region. 75 Euro for half a day in the Department of the Tarn (France) Outides of these areas, transportation fees and accommodation are extra.
You are a Tour Company: Rates are 150 Euro per day. All transportation fees, food, accommodation and extra requirements are extra.
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