Monday, June 29, 2009

New Transpyrenees Challenge Tour

We have just operated this tour for 28 people on 2 different groups but in reverse order. This tour has been in the works for 6 months now and is posted for 2010. However, we can offer it for private groups in August and September this year as well. Here is a short description and link to the full tour info:

Trip: Cycling Across The Pyrenees

http://www.cyclingclassics.com/pyrenees_traverse.php

Location: France, From Biarritz to Collioure

Dates: TBD – open from Mid May to Mid October

9 Nights/10 Days

Guided, Self Guided, Custom Groups

1790 euros Self Guided

2435 euros Guided

This tour is going new on our site but we have actually run it a few times this year for some private groups; so it is tested. Our guides just returned last week and they were overwhelmed with the amazing beauty of the region. Our guides are French and they were still impressed. The region is one of only a few places in France that is more or less undisturbed. Traditions and an old way of life continue on. There are many tiny villages but no big cities. Wildlife still inhabit the region in their natural environment. The peaks of the Pyrenees make you feel like you are on top of the world but are really only about 8000 ft in elevation. The dining is informal and hardy in the local tradition, and the people couldn’t be more sweet and welcoming. They are proud of their space and are thrilled to have travelers come to see it.

We are presenting this trip to clients as if they were explorers; setting off on an expedition. The challenge of the cycling and the wild, quiet, and relatively unknown countryside ahead gives a great sense of anticipation. The clients start with 1 foot in the harsh Atlantic surf and finish with the other in the mild Mediterranean calm. This is a trip of a lifetime for people who will do it.

We believe it is a great value for a 10 day trip. It is priced in euros, as is our policy, but converted to $US at today’s rates is in the $3300 range based on 6 persons. You will note that the tour price can change with group size – so more participation can lower the costs per person. Also, you will note that this trip can be done self guided too for about $2500.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Tour de France - Day by Day Details

The Tour de France website now has the details of each stage posted. You can see stage by stage the map/route, sometimes profiles when it isn't a flat stage, also the time schedule which I think is really great info. There are nice pictures and info of the stage start towns and finish towns. If you are going to the race, the Time Schedule is very useful for planning. The race runs almost exactly as they have it posted!

http://www.letour.fr/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/100/etape_par_etape.html