RAID Pyrenees

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.  It is also “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 8 days of riding you will 713km and climb nearly 12,000 meters (443 miles and over 39k feet of climbing).  We are including a rest day mid-tour in one of our favorite Pyreneean towns, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, giving you the chance to rest and even ride some additional famous TdF climbs.

We have our route mapped out below:

• GPS Route
• Google Earth 3D Map

Day 1:  June 23rd – Arrive in Hendaye
We pick you up at the train station and take you to our hotel for the night.  Plan on taking the TGV from Paris.  We will have tools and work stands for you to build up your bikes. Dinner is on your own in town.  Take in the French Basque foods and culture.  Get ready to begin your journey the next day!

Day 2:  June 24th – Hendaye to Ordiarp/Mauleon-Licharre (114km)
Today is a great warm-up day with no major climbs.  But don’t be deceived!  The climbs we do hit will still challenge you.  Today you will be in French Basque country and conquer the Col Saint Ignace, Col Pinodeita, and Col d’ Osquich.  Dinner is included.

Day 3:  June 25th – Ordiarp/Mauleon-Licharre to Laruns (78km)
Here come the climbs!  Today you will conquor Col de Marie-Blanque, your first major effort.  From there it is a nice descent into Laurns for the night.  Dinner is included.

Day 4:  June 26th – Laruns to Luz-Saint-Sauveur (65km)
Today you will cross two of the most frequently used TdF mountains – the Col d’Aubisque 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. Sauvuer. Dinner is included.

Day 5:  June 27th – 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 starts 1km from the center of town and is where in 2003 Lance Armstrong was crashed by a spectators bag and then went on to win the stage.  Hautacam is not far away.  Dinner is on your own in this beautiful and quaint town.

Day 6:  June 28th – Luz-Saint-Sauveur to Luchon (90km)
Today you will ride much of the route that the pros will be riding the next month during Stage 16.  You will truely be riding in the wheel-tracks of legends.  The The Tourmalet, Aspin, and Peyresourde are on your itinerary and will be your most challenging day so far.  Dinner is included.

Day 7:  June 29th – Luchon to St. Girons (85km)
After the monster day yesterday today is much more sedate, but certainly not flat.  The Col des Ares and Col de Portet d’Aspet are on the route.  Dinner is included.

Day 8:  June 30th – St. Girons to Ax le Thermes (85km)
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.  After a long descent you will face a slight uphill to our hotel in Ax le Thermes.  Dinner is included.

Day 9:  July 1st – Ax le Thermes to Prades (100km)
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 and Col de Jau are the challenges of the day, and lead us to Prades.  Dinner is included.

Day 10:  July 2nd – Prades to Argeles sur Mer/Cerbere (92km)
After seven 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 11:  July 3rd – Au Revoir!
We assist with your transportation to Perpignan 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.