when you can do it all on two! A packed
and enjoyable weeks Mtb'ing in and around Amelie Les Bains".
Day One:
"Pick Up Day" we pick you and your
bikes up from your chosen airport
(Easy Access Page). Michelle cooks
and has bought in the wine and beers
so no shopping is needed for your 1st
day. All you need do is relax and get ready to ride. In the evening you may want to stroll into Amelie and check out one of the local bars.
Day Two:
After your fresh bread and croissants have been delivered to your door (at a time of your choice). It's time for a spectacular ride to the Spanish border (a good opportunity to take some photo's). This is an introductory ride that let's you get to know the area and Rich, and allows Rich to gage your levels. The ride can take between 3-6 hours (depending on your level, how long you want to ride for and if you decide to stop along the way).
Day Three
"Mas Catalan"
After breakfast it's time to play. A gentle
ride up to Montbolo takes in fantastic views of Amelie and 'Roc de France' you begin a fast descent to Mas Cains ( A typical Catalan farm house), which has it's own private grounds set out with plenty of
tracks used for Mtb'ing, Motocross and
Quad Biking ( don't panic, not on the
same days). Here you spend the rest of
the day doing as much or as little as you
like, a good day for all levels. A typical
Catalan lunch is provided to sustain you
through out the afternoon, with refreshments
on hand to help you on your journey back
home which ends in a damn fine technical descent.
Day Four
Breakfast today is followed by a flat 15km ride to Lac de St. Jean where if you wish you can relax and/or sunbath, swim, walk or carry on riding some good routes. Time for a pleasant return ride back to Amelie for a shower (or bath!) in time for an evening in Ceret.
Day Five
Today breakfast is followed by 1.30hr ride
around the local tracks (adaptable to all levels). After returning, you will have time to discover more of Amelie Les Bains and buy presents for all those you had to leave behind. Early evening can be taken up by a further Mtb session ending in a beer at the local bar before returning home.
Day Six
Breakfast, followed by a good day in the
saddle riding up to "Le Batere" (1500m Alt). We stop here for lunch and return desending back on great tracks into Amelie, whilst Michelle prepares your last night supper when the weeks tales can be told.
Day Seven
Breakfast ( you'll miss this daily delivery when your at home) is usually followed by a last minute present rush. Time to pack your bike away before returning to the airport for you flight home. Depending on your chosen flight there may even be time to stroll around Girona or stock up on last minute goodies.
Best time to ride....
A good all year round base, made possible by the high sun levels and favourable micro climate. The ground is dry (very rarely sticky) so there is normally little slogging. There are also less tourists than you may find in other more typical haunts.
Price....
Same affordable all year round price £172 (2003) £185 (2004) per person, with any additional days simply calculated pro rata.
Day One:
"Pick Up Day", we pick you and your
bikes up from your chosen airport
(Easy Access Page) Michelle cooks
and has bought in the wine and beers, so
all you need to do is relax and get ready to ride or stroll into Amelie and sample some local produce (Catalan Beer).
Day Two:
Fresh Bread and Croissants are delivered allowing an early (ish) start. Packing whats needed into our vehicle for your next nights stop (dont worry you dont have to carry it with you!), you head up into the mountains before descending into Ceret for a quick pitstop. We leave Ceret following a piste track, which takes us to 'Mas Cains' for some true Catalan food, here you can either relax for the afternoon or play around on the numerous tracks available on the grounds. Early evening and it is time to replenish the body, before we head out at dusk for a trail ride to a few drinks and your bed at "Le Batere" (1500m Alt.). At midnight a peddle can be arranged before hitting the sac for a few hours sleep.
Day Three
After Breakfast at "Le Batere" we
cycle off up onto the slopes of Canigou
(an altitude of 2874m) for a few hours good riding before heading down towards Arles Sur Tech for a spot of lunch. Depending on energy levels we can carry on up to "Belmatx" or head off back to Le Sancture for an early bath and a little relaxation time before the evening BBQ.
Day Four
Breakfast as normal followed by
an oppurtunity to discover Amelie on foot, buying a few gifts before leaving to catch your plane home . Depending on your chosen flight you could have almost a whole day browsing around and enjoying a bit of last minute Catalan culture.
Best time to ride....
In January because of the altidude reached on some of the climbs it may be impossible to get through to some of the intended points, if this is the case any affected rides can be substituted to lower altitude routes.
It is then still a good all year round option with terrain that makes for little slogging.
Price....
This is an all inclusive riding break i.e. breakfast, lunch and evening meals are provided as are airport transfers and "kit runs". The price (in case you haven't guessed already)is £172 (2003) £185 (2004) per person with any additional days required simply calculated pro rata.