“Cycling guest house Escape To The Pyrenees is today excited to announce the dates of its fully supported and guided Peak Gravel tours for 2022 which complement its catered Self-Guided stays to offer something for every gravel rider.” – Escape to the Pyrenees
2022 Peak Gravel Dates
- 30th July – 6th August
- 21st -28th September
“Escape To The Pyrenees is the perfect base to discover this area’s incredible gravel riding, located in the heart of the range close to famous road climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet. Many of the climbs made famous by the Tour de France can also be ridden by gravel, on trails that run uninterrupted for hours and deliver even more spectacular views and challenging riding. The gravel here amazes everyone who rides it.”
“Peak Gravel tours are built around guided riding in a group of no more than 8. The routes average 75km (45 miles) and 2000m (6000ft) of climbing per day and consist of the very best of what the region has to offer, with 80-90% of time spent off-road, thanks to scores of recon rides. There are options every day to adjust the route according to how the group is feeling plus the choice to add a mid-week easy, flat ride for some recovery.”
“During rides, a 4×4 support vehicle carries extra food, drink, clothing, tools, and spares. To protect the environment, the car meets the group at various points rather than following off-road, but is capable of accessing permitted trails if needed.”
“Food is hugely important at Escape To The Pyrenees and a big part of the overall experience. Whether guests stay as part of a Peak Gravel tour or Self-Guided, you will be fully catered, including a large breakfast with many options, homemade ride snacks and drinks, homemade cake post-ride, and a fantastic three-course dinner each night.”
“Tours also include airport transfers (Lourdes, Pau, Toulouse), use of the secure garage and tools, laundry, and any mechanical assistance that may be necessary. Bike rental and sports massages can be arranged with local providers. Depending on flights selected, it’s often possible to get in a ride on travel days, too. For Self-Guided stays, routes can be provided as GPX files and even custom made according to preferences.”
Tours are priced at €1595 for six days’ riding, or €1135 for the 4-day version. Self-guided trips are priced at €135 per person per night. All prices are based on sharing a twin room; single rooms are available with a supplemental cost. Full details are available at www.escapetothepyrenees.com
Co-founder of Escape To The Pyrenees, Jamie Wilkins, comments: “The gravel riding here still blows me away every time and I love sharing it with our guests. When you reach the summit of Pic du Midi de Bigorre and see the view from 2700m – way above the Col du Tourmalet after a 6km, 10% climb – it’s the greatest feeling.”
Contact Information
- www.escapetothepyrenees.com
- +44 77 20 29 56 66
About Escape to the Pyrenees
Escape To The Pyrenees is an independent, catered guest house in Villelongue, near Lourdes, in the High Pyrenees of France, offering guided and supported cycling tours as well as self-guided holidays. Escape To The Pyrenees also offers accommodation for anyone wanting to enjoy the many other attractions in the mountains, including snow sports through winter. The business was founded and is run by Kitt Blackman and Jamie Wilkins, originally from Wiltshire, UK. In November 2018, after a year’s planning, they took the leap, left their families and jobs, and moved to France to chase a dream. The business opened July 2019.
Escape To The Pyrenees also offers tailored autism-friendly holidays, creating a calm and private haven in a beautiful location, with the benefit of full-board catering to ensure the whole family can enjoy a break.
Additional Tours
- Tour de France week – see the race live and ride the stages
- Giants of the Pyrenees – the most spectacular and challenging experience
- Meet the Mountains – your introduction to the big climbs
We spent 4 or 5 days with Jamie and E2P this summer. Could not have asked for more! Great family, great food and great lodging/location. We did a few rides with Jamie and a number of rides on our own using his routes-spectacular. Absolutely perfect. It was interesting to us that the Euro’s have not really ‘discovered’ gravel like we have in the US.
I visited in 2019 with a friend it was just perfect. All the gear chat with Jamie and eating the most delicious food from Kit. The place is great and perfectly located for all those gpx routes they provided and joined us on. Highly recommended!