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Participants
Who is the tour aimed at ?
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge
themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the
whole distance between Nice in France and Barcelona in
Spain. But the tour is also meant for the people who
like to travel by bicycle through the beautiful French
Provence and the Pyrenees. It is not a problem if you
take a seat some days in the supporting vehicles. If you
like the challenge or if you prefer more the journey
through the mountains, you are both welcome in "La
Grande Boucle des Pyrénées".
Am I capable of doing this ?
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy
cycling, you are capable of completing "La Grande Boucle
des Pyrénées". We average 115 km per day and you can
ride at your own pace. You will be served lunch at the
mid-point of each day's ride, and our crew are always
available to assist you if you are having difficulties
of any kind. On any day when you don't feel up to
biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support
vans.
Before you start
What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel
insurance, including emergency rescue. Further
information will be given in the brochure. Individuals
without proper insurance will not be allowed to
participate.
On the Tour
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ?
During "La Grande Boucle des Pyrénées" we camp in well
equipped campsites that provide many creature comforts.
The first day in Nice and the last day in Barcelona you
stay in a hotel.
At several campsites you have the possibility to rent a
bungalow or site caravan at own expense. The campgrounds
are most of the time on the outskirts of cities on our
route.
What will I eat ?
On biking days, our cook will prepare four meals. We
know how important food is on a trip like this. You will
be treated to generous portions of food that will be a
combination of regional recipes and meals made from
local ingredients as well as some of the cook's
specialties. We will also provide energy bars, clean
water and an energy boosting beverage.
Everyone is of course free to explore and sample the
culinary hot spots along the way. We believe eating the
French and Spanish cuisine is part and parcel of the journey.
For those with dietary restrictions and/or ferocious
appetites, you need not be concerned. We take all this
in consideration when preparing your meals. You may go
to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items
including tent, sleeping bags, camping gear and spare
parts. In addition, support vehicles will also carry
such items as food, water, kitchen equipment and
emergency medical items. While riding, you only have to
carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a
snack.
Climate
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The start of summer guarantees some warm, even hot,
cycling days in the middle of the Provence. If you come
closer to the Pyrenees the weather conditions can always
be unsettled. The circumstances can become heroic if you
reach altitudes around or above 2.000 metres. Keep in
mind that the temperatures can drop significantly in the
higher parts of the Pyrenees and at the summit of the
Mont Ventoux. It is not uncommon that we get some rain
showers along the way. On a whole, we expect to have
good weather for cycling.
Road conditions
What is the terrain like ?
"La Grande Boucle des Pyrénées" is all together 2000
kilometer which is divided into 17 cycling days. An
average of around 115 kilometers. You can except almost
every day some serious climbing.
Bike
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of
your equipment. The tour can be completed on any kind of
bicycle as long as it is entirely human powered. The
route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most
efficient way to cover the distance, but hybrids,
mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more
comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you
prefer. Enough gears, strong legs and common sense, and
you can do the job.
Non-cyclist
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come
?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who
like to join "La Grande Boucle des Pyrénées", but don't
like to cycle. You can take part in the organization
around the cyclists and join the other staff with their
daily activities like setting up campsites, providing
the meals, visit local markets, etcetera.
What to bring
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
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