Cycling Classic TOURS: Transpyrenees by UTOPIC Bike Travel

TRANSPYRENEES

DURATION: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS TYPE: ROAD BIKE START&FINISH: GIRONA/HONDARRIBIA DATES: JUNE TO SEPTEMBER LODGING: 3*, 4* HOTELS ROUTE LEVEL: 4 KM.PER DAY: 90–140K M TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUPS GROUPS: 6/... MIN/MAX PRICE: FROM 2.900 € / See prices

FROM MEDITERRANEAN TO ATLANTIC

9 days 8 stages + than 900 km + 20000 elevation + than 30 mountain passes Several passes over 2.000 metres The great route of Pyrenees, one of the greatest challenges for any cyclist.

For 9 days we'll conquer the great mountain passes that have become part of this sport's history. The classic ones and some others, not so popular, but impressive and demanding as well.

This route is intended for experienced cyclists that are used to long rides, although pace is always adapted to the groups'level making the necessary stops and regrouping. The long summer days will allow us to finish the stages with no hurry, enjoying the beautiful environment and landscape.

At the end of every journey we will taste local gastronomy and will rest in little mountain hotels. The ideal place to forget our daily routine and turn this days into an unforgettable vacation.

Are you up to the challenge?

www.utopictravel.com info@utopictravel.com

ITINERARY / TRANSPYRENEES / DAY 1-2 DAY 1: GIRONA Individual arrival at hotel.

UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL presentation.

Bicycles set up Possibility of pickup at the Train Station or at the Girona Airport.

Please consult "Arrivals & Departures" in case of different arrivals or for additional logistical information.

WELCOME TO CATALONIA! Once settled in the hotel, our guides will give you information regarding tour details and will complete the setup of your bike. You have spare time to visit the Barri Vell (Old Neighborhood), the historical center of the city where you can find unique constructions in Europe: the roman city walls, el Call (one of the best conserved jewish quarters in Spain) and the Gothic Cathedral, with the widest central nave in the world. We recommend too a visit to the river Onyar colored houses that, together with the numerous bridges and the Cathedral in the background, define the most emblematic image of Girona.

At night we will have dinner in one of many traditional restaurants available. Lodging in a central 4* hotel.

DAY 2: GIRONA - MOLITG LES THERMES

139km / Elevation: 2340m

Our big challenge starts. In the morning transfer to a great overlook with views to Mediterranean sea and with a solar powered lighthouse that has been working for 20 years. We'll enjoy the magnifiscent sunrise and will understand why this zone is called la Costa Vermella (Red Coast).

We start riding through Costa Vermella, with cliffs, fishing villages and vineyards that nearly touch the sea.

TOUR DE MADELOC (657m y 6,78% de slope) will be our first ascent. A very peaceful climb along a very narrow road digged in the side of the mountain and with vineyard terraces almost hanging over the sea.

At the end of the stage we'll find COL DE FOURTOU (646m), COL DE XATARD (752m) and COL DE PALOMÈRE (1036m). One after the other in tthe same side of the mountain, with a great view of the 2748m Massif of Canigó, 2784m high. Dinner and lodging in Molitg les Thermes.

Optional: COL DE MANTET (1760m).

A THRILLING ROUTE From Mediterranean to Cantabric across the Pyrenees.

Legendary mountain passes, hard and epic climbs, full of history.

ITINERARY / TRANSPYRENEES / DAY 3 - 4 DAY 3: MOLITG LES THERMES - TARASCON 91km / Elevation: 3020m We keep our route towards Cantabric sea still pedalling through quiet and sunny roads of Catalunya Nord. Today we enter completely in the hardest Pyrenees, with a "hors catégorie" pass and heights over 2000 meters.

Climbing starts with COL DE JAU (1506m) in a narrow and very low traffic road that connects small villages, catalogued as some of the most beautiful in France. Once at the summit, a descent through an spectacular road moving to the next valley and climbing COL DE GARAVEL (1256m). We find there a more rural France, with farms, sheep and cows pastures, traditional dairies, and small rivers always plenty of water.

We need to get to this point with a 100% strength since the first great Transpyrenees by Utopic Bike Travel's mountain pass starts here. The relatively unknown but amazing COL DE PAILHÈRES (2001m), a true colossus that can be compared witf Tourmalet. Big names in the Tour de France have put up spectacular fights there, like in 2005, with Lance Armstrong deciding his 7th Tour in front of Ullrich, Basso, Leipheimer, Kloden... We will feel participating in cycling history.

A very comfortable dexcent we'll take us to Tarascon, where we can rest knowing we have been pedalling through "sacred" roads.

Dinner and lodging in hotel 3*.

Optional : PLATEAU DE BEILLE (1939m).

DIA 4: L'ARIÈGE, PYRENEES’ LAND

136km / Elevation: 3000m

We wake up in the beautiful Ariège, avalley surrounded by mythical climbs like Plateau de Beille, Ax 3 Domaines, col de Chioula, el Pailhères...

After breakfast we head to the valley of Vicdessos looking for our first ascent, COL DE LERS (1517m, 7% slope). Right after we find COL D'AGNES (1570m, 5,6% slope). We will climb through its easiest face because that gives us a vey nice descent with a maintained slope of 8% for about 10 km.

We are talking of two mountain passes with no big bias, but the view of one of the highest peaks pf the Pyrenees, La Pica d'Estats (3145m) and an exceptional environment (rivers, leafy forests, cascades...)is really worth it.

The grey Gascon cows, which can be found in these typical Ariège roads, will surely stand in our way sometimes.

Our route continues trough COL DE LATRAPE (1110m). Once here we can choose to climb the GUSET NEIGE sli station(1520m) or to keep descending through the Ustou valley until we arrive to the end of the stage, crossing beautiful villages with slate roofs.

An entertaining day and not too tough, excellent to enjoy some forgotten Pyrenees roads where only Transpyrenees by Utopic Bike Travel can take you. Dinner and lodging in a great 3* hotel.

ITINERARY / TRANSPYRENEES / DAY 5 - 6 DAY 5: ST-GIRONS - LUCHON

113km/Elevation: 2680m

Our day starts climbing COL DE LA CORE (1395m), which will take us to the valley of Bethmale, splattered with farms and harmonious landscapes and famous for its delicious cheeses and unique clogs. We will climb COL DE PORTET D'ASPET (1069m) through the valley of la Bellongue. 1km before ending our descent we find the monument remembering Fabio Casartelli, the professional rider who died here in the 1995 Tour.

After this spot, a diversion towards COL DE MENTÉ (1349m), a classic pass and testimony of great battles. The most remembered one happened in 1971, when Luis Ocaña (who was then leading the race) fell and handed the victory to Eddy Merckx.

We will ascend using the west side, which is shorter but harder. In St-Béat, at the bottom of the pass, we will cross the Garonne river and will continue to arrive to the elegant spa resort of Bagnères-de-Luchon. Dinner and lodging in a charming XIX century 3* hotel.

Optional: PORT DE BALÈS (1755m).

ONE ROUTE, SEVERAL OPTIONS Routes designed to enjoy them at your own rate.

Take your time to take a good picture or to have a tasty coffee.

DAY 6: LUCHON - LUZ-ST-SAUVEUR

94km / Elevation: 3100m

A legendary stage in cycling history.

In 1910 Tour de France organizers decide to include for the first time an extremely hard mountain stage that crossed the Pyrennes between Luchon y Bayonne through Cols of Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, Soulor, Aubisque and Osquich using mostly unpaved roads. Octave Lapize, after crowning the Aubisque yelled at the organizers his fammous: "Vous êtes des assassins!" (killers!). Lapize won thta stage (and the Tour that year), after 14 hours and 10 minutes. Only 10 out of the 59 contestants arrived within the time limit.

100 years later we will be the protagonists of this huge stage, with 4 mountain passes. Starting with the famous COL DE PEYRESOURDE (1569m), that has been crowned 60 times by Tour de France. When we arrive to the small village of Arreau we start to climb our second mythical pass, COL D'ASPIN (1489m). At the top, an amazing view to Pic du Midi. In Ste-Marie-de-Campan we will face our next objective, COL DU TOURMALET (2115m). As some say, it's not either the longest one, or the hardest one, or the nicest one, but it's the Tourmalet, a real myth in this sport. A real challenge that will take us to the limit Dinner and lodging in hotel 3*.

Optional LUZ-ARDIDEN (2168m).

The most important places and visits have been taken into account.

Mileage has been calculated thoroughly as well to keep you feet till the end of the day.

Additional mileage offered for our most exigent clients.

ITINERARY / TRANSPYRENEES / DAY 7 - 9 DAY 7: LUZ-ST-SAUVEUR - OLORON

108km / Elevation: 2480m

Our last stage in Haute-Pyrénées. We'll go over Val d'Azun, known as the "Pyrenees Eden". A wild and illuminated valley that has kept all of its authenticity (with caddle pastures, shepherd's cabins, farms, mills and small villages).

We will start climbing the renowned COL DU SOULOR (1474m) to continue with the mythical COL D'AUBISQUE (1709m) through the impressive Corniche road, which borders the Cirque du Litor, an extremely narrow road that literally "hangs" from the mountain and crosses it with small tunnels digged in the rock. A very impressive moment of the tour.

In the final part, the famous COL DE MARIE-BLANQUE (1035m) is waiting for us. A very well known col due to the hardness of its western side. We will climb it through the east side, much smoother but also much more beautiful. Dinner and lodging in hotel 3*.

Optional PIERRE-ST-MARTIN (1760m).

DAY 8: OLORON - AINHOA

134km / Elevation: 3110m

Today, ascension to the relatively unknown COL ISSARBE (1559m), a hard but gorgeus pass. In Larrau we will climb COL BAGARGUI (1327m) through a nice roads that offers us views of forests, fields and panoramic views of the valleys and the mountain summits of Pic d'Orhi (2018m) and Pic des Escaliers (1472m).

We are also going to face the beautiful COL DE BURDINCURUTCHETA (1135m) thriugh its smoother side. In St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry we will start to climb COL D'ISPÉGUY (672m). At the top, the border between France and Spain. Dinner and lodging in hotel 4*.

DAY 9: AINHOA - HONDARRIBIA

93km / Elevation:1730m

Our last stage. Ascent to PUERTO OTXONDO (602m), to COL DE LIZARRIETA (441m) and to COLLADO DE ARICHULEGUI, the last pass of our tour.

Arrival to Hondarribia where this wonderful route ends. We will do it as we started, with a well deserved swim in the sea (now Cantabric) NOTE: Possibility of extra night and transfer to San Sebastián, Girona or barcelona airports.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? / TRANSPYRENEES PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...……………...……..

2.900 €

Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement .............................................

400 €

Other options Bike rental (Bianchi Intenso)........…….…………………….….…..

160 € Transfers to Barcelona /hotel /Barcelona Airport .............

50 € Extra night in Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava …………....…. Consult us Optional Travel Insurance (3.000€ cancellation costs) 85 €

INCLUDED Arrivals & Departures Transfers to and from Girona Train Station or Girona Airport to Hotel Lodging & meals 8 nights at selected 3* and 4* hotels.

Breakfast every day, lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all the route, all dinners and local wine included in every meal.

Support Minimum of one guide + one support vehicle. (depending on group size) Road book with maps and tour documentation in spanish, english or german.

24h personalized care.

Clothes clean and ready every day.

Luggage transportation during the tour.

Client transportation in our support vehicle if necessary.

Insurances and tips Travel and cancellation Insurance (consult policy) Tips in restaurants and hotels

NOT INCLUDED Plane ticket, air taxes and airport taxes.

Bike rental.

Optional travel or cancellation insurance.

Guide tips Personal items purchased during the tour.

Optional activities not programmed by Utopic Bike Travel Any aspect not specified in the above section.

MAIN REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL: We design our own trips * Our team is formed by a group of young nature and cycling lovers who have decided that their passion would become their way of life * Our guides have spent their lifes on their bikes and have covered thousands of miles on each zone * We want to share our experiences with our clients * For us, every client is unique, every need is different and every trip is unrepeatable!

LODGING & MEALS/ TRANSPYRENEES LODGING In UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL we have made a selection of what we think are special lodgings, regardless of their price or category. They are usually located in unique surroundings and placed at historical or ancient buildings with a great architectural value.

Charming and inviting places which are family-runned and join quality, peacefulness and personalized care.

In this route AMONG VOLCANOES we will stay in little 3* and 4* hotels (spanish qualification) and in rural houses. Given their characteristics, we cannot allocate accomodation until we receive confirmation of availability by the hotel.

MEALS & GASTRONOMY In this trip we will taste the typical gastronomy of the zone.

Lunches are adapted depending on the route we are making and, therefore, can be more varied. A picnic on the top of a hill, some snack in a bar by the sea, energy bars right after surmounting a mountain pass‌ In some of our trips we give the opportunity to our guests to explore by themselves and do it their way to discover places or restaurants the might find interesting. These meals are not included in the price of the tour.

Nevertheless, our guides will be delighted to suggest you any of our favourite restaurants if you want.

If you have any dietary preference, requirement or food intolerance please inform us prior to the trip. We will make our best to satisfy your necessities.

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES / TRANSPYRENEES HOW TO GET HERE Flights. We recommend you toarrive at least one day prior to the start of our tour. It will allow you to adapt to a different time zone and will minimize risks of missing the start of the trip because of flight delay. There are two airports close to Girona: Barcelona Airport – El Prat, is the biggest and most important airport in Catalonia. 100 km from Girona. It receives flights from companies operating all over the world..

Girona Airport – Costa Brava, much smaller. Is the closest one. There are a few companies operating in it, most of them low cost like Ryanair. If you come from a EU country this is the cheapest and best option.

There are several option to transfer from Barcelona Airport to Girona (besides taxi).

Bus. There is a direct bus from the airport to Girona three times a day. It takes 1 hour and 50 minutes from T2 terminal and 1 hour and 35 minutes from T1 terminal.Further information in www.alsa.es Train. If your flight’s arrival does not let you take the bus, train is available too. You must go to Sants Station in Barcelona and then change trains to go to Girona. Further information in www.renfe.es Utopic Bike Travel offers an optional transfer service from Barcelona Airport to Girona and vice versa. (consult optional supplements in the price list).

DEPARTURE If you want to fly the same day the tour ends, please schedule your flight to leave after 16:00 PM to avoid delays due to traffic problems.

HOUR & MEETING PLACE Girona / Catalonia. Our guides will be waiting for you in one of theses places: Our Girona hotel, Train/Bus station, Girona - Costa Brava airport or Barcelona - El Prat airport (with supplement) One week prior to the start of the tour we will arrange our meeting place and time. You will receive an email with our guides names and their contact details. If you cannot get on time to the scheduled meeting please contact our guides and, should they not be availabe either, please inform the hotel of your expected arrival time. You will find all hotels contact details in the mail once we have confirmed all reservations.

BOOK NOW If you are ready just fill our reservation form.

If you think this tour does no adapt to your needs either because of its duration, lodging category, or budget...

BESPOKE TRAVEL We are specialists designing taylormade trips. We can modify any of our available tours or arrange a completely new one for you. Tell us your ideas a we can make it together.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ TRANSPYRENEES

BIKE RENTAL Check the specs of our bikes.

ACTIVITY LEVELS We have tours for eveyone. You can find the one that suits you best.

FAQS In our “FAQ” section you will find answers to all your questions.

INSURANCES Every Utopic Bike Travel tour includes its Travel Insurance. Consult our policy.

CONTRACT GENERAL CONDITIONS Consult our contract general conditions.

IMPORTANT This document is a generic travel offer that must be considered as provisional since it is published beforehand the actual tour. The final travel contract (handed once the payment of the tour is done) contains all the services contracted definitely.

In Utopic Bike Travel we try our best to offer the perfect trip to all of ous clients. This is why our guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary of our routes either by weather or logistic causes.

ROADBOOK, MAPS AND BROCHURES You don’t have to worry about anything in our guided tours, but we will hand you a roadbook containing detailed information (maps, profiles and suggestions to know what to expect ahead of us).

SUPPORT VEHICLE At your disposal throughout the day.

Food, drinks, clean clothes, bike spare parts or simply to keep any of the shopping you made during the day or to take you back to the hotel ahead of schedule.