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48 OFF ROAD - France & Spain Grade: B/C RIDE PROFILE Av. daily distance: 40km (25 miles) No. of days cycling: 5 Vehicle support: transfers to and from rides; no vehicle support while riding. Terrain and route: 95% off road. Typical climb each day 500m (mostly on vehicle-width tracks), typical descent 10001200m. Rides become harder as the week progresses, though all technical sections are optional. Off road experience required, but also suitable for couples or friends of different levels. TRIP DETAILS Group: min. 4, max. 10, plus leader. Accommodation: 7 nights private lodge. Food: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners included. Pyrenees Singletrack Cycling through the Vallee d'Oueil Excellent riding on mixed terrain and top-notch singletrack in the valleys of the Central Pyrenees his mountain bike week is carefully designed to make the most of the fantastic network of singletrack trails in this area, and has the flexibility to cater for those with and without singletrack experience. Each day has a mixture of trail types, from short climbs on tarmac to scenic fire roads and more exciting and narrower trails. As the week progresses we gradually include more and more singletrack and by the end of the week you will have the skills and confidence to tackle the steep and narrow with ease. For those still unsure, it is possible to opt out of most of the singletrack sections, if you feel you have reached your technical limit. Add to this the fabulous Pyrenean scenery and a cosy mountain lodge, and you have a perfect mountain bike week. T ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Toulouse, transfer to Luchon. 2 Warm-up ride on forest tracks above Luchon, heading for the hillside village of Artigues. After lunch we join some exhilarating singletrack to take us down to the valley. 3 Starting at the head of the quiet Vallee d'Oueil, warm up with a steady climb to a col. From here we move on to fabulous flowing singletrack via the pretty village of Benque back to Luchon. 4 Starting just above our chalet, we enter the Superbagneres forest. We head towards the village of Oo, where there is a challenging technical singletrack descent (optional), followed by some easier, but no less exciting trails. 5 Free day for optional activities including canoeing, tandem-paragliding or visit the thermal baths. 8 DAYS 6 Starting at the Col du Portillon on the Spanish border we ascend to the Col du Bareges with fabulous mountain views. Follow some stunning singletrack to the Hospice de France, and excellent descent to the Vallee du Lys. 7 A downhill day from the ski resort of Superbagneres multiple descents with cable-car or vehicle assistance. 8 Transfer to Toulouse; fly London. Trip code MWP * 8 days Sun to Sun Trip Code 2008 MWP825 MWP826 MWP828 MWP830 MWP831 MWP834 MWP835 MWP836 MWP839 ¤ Start 22 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul 27 Jul 03 Aug 24 Aug 31 Aug 07 Sep 28 Sep End 29 Jun 06 Jul 20 Jul 03 Aug 10 Aug 31 Aug 07 Sep 14 Sep 05 Oct Flight Land inc. only 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 699 575 No Local Payment ¤ Prices are £ sterling per person ¤ Recommended carbon offset £4 ¤ Single rooms not available ¤ Land only start Luchon day 1, end Luchon day 8 ¤ Insurance £26 BIKE HIRE France: Specialized Hardrock with suspension forks and disc brakes £75, paid on booking From UK: £95, paid on booking i FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE Local payments now included in the price