Hey Reader

This is a long one, so grab a cuppa, settle in and get the rundown on everything you'll need to make the most of the upcoming trip.

If you have any questions, please reply, call me on 0413 852 222 or post in our FB Messenger Group.

I will have other updates as we go, but this should be plenty to get you going.

Pyrenees 2026 Information Pack​
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WHAT TO PACK

To make life easier on the trip, it makes sense to pack light.

Below are the items I suggest you bring. I've used this list on past trips, and it's been perfect.

CYCLING GEAR

The weather in the Pyrenees in July is predominantly warm to HOT. On the last trip, there was a heatwave in southern France, but the riding was still fantastic. Something special about riding and not having to go to work makes it fantastic, no matter the heat.

It's normal to wake up to cloudy, misty mornings in the mountains, occasionally with some drizzle, then to clear, hot, sunny afternoons. It's not unusual for temperatures to reach the mid to high 30s. However, temperatures can drop to 10-15 degrees, especially at the mountain tops.

You can also expect cooler temps in Andorra, especially the eveningns and early mornings.

We can hope (but it's unlikely) to get no rainy days, so have a spray jacket in case you need it for the rain. Your rain jacket can also double up to keep you warm on any cold descents, which can be cooler than you imagine when leaving from the warm valleys.

We should mostly expect warm to hot days, plenty of sunshine and generally spectacular weather.

Essential cycling clothing items:

• Helmet
• 3 x knicks are plenty, and you'll have room to buy something special over there if you want.
• 3 x short-sleeved jerseys.
• A lightweight, waterproof, or at least windproof jacket and/or a sleeveless vest can be carried in your jersey pocket on all rides in the mountains. My preference is for long sleeves, but I feel the cold.
• Arm warmers (leg/knee warmers are optional; I don't take them).
• One pair of full-finger gloves (recommended for cold descents) plus 2 x short-finger gloves if you prefer to ride with gloves during the climbs and for general riding.
• Cycling shoes. Tried and trained-in ones preferred. Brand-new cycling shoes on a trip like this are not a good idea.
• Sunglasses. Polarised sunnies are worth the investment - the scenery is fantastic!
• Bike spares — tyre levers, a spare tube, a small pump, or purchase Co2 canisters in Girona.

NOTE: Do not pack Co2 cartridges for your flight — your bike may get pulled from the plane. These can be easily purchased in Girona, near our hotel.

• Plastic clip-lock-type bags for your personal items while riding for money, credit card, phone etc.
• Small/medium day pack for the support van, if we have one, for any of the rides (can also double as your Airline carry-on luggage). You'll most likely want a small packable backpack for when we ride out and watch the tour. If you don't have one, you can pick one up at our local supermarket in the Pyrenees for under $10.
• There is no need to bring a track/floor pump — I'll have one for the group.
• Everyone has different sports supplements they prefer while riding, i.e. Mortens, Science in Sport, Endura, etc. If you MUST have what you usually use, bring it with you. You will find plenty of options in Spain, France and Andorra (there are bike and sports stores everywhere + supermarkets), but they may not have something specific if that's all you ever use. Pack them in with your bike or checked luggage, NOT in your Airline carry-on luggage.

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I'm not sure if anyone is heading up to Paris or staying on in Barcelona on this trip, but if you are and want to leave your bike at the airport, there are options, but they can add up quickly. If you're staying around Barcelona, our hotel can usually look after your bike.
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BIKE GEARING

In my experience, your lowest gear must be at least 34/27 (be warned, though, I believe this is too large for maximum enjoyment).

You'll do plenty of climbing in gears ranging from 34/25 and 34/27, but there will be pinches when even the strongest riders will reach for the 28 and wish they still had a couple more gears left on the cassette.

On my last trips, I used compact cranks with a 50/34 chainring and an 11/32 rear cassette. Yes, I did most of the climbing with the 34/30 combination — and used the 34/32 combo plenty of times, too.

I strongly advise having a 34/50 chainring set up to a 32 or 34 on the cassette.

My setup is a 34/50 chainring set and an 11/32 on the back.

If you're unsure about this, call me for a chat: 0413 852 222, or talk to your local bike shop mechanic.

If you have a SRAM Groupset, you should have options to achieve similar gearing.

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BIKE MAINTENANCE

Before departing, check your bike to ensure everything is in good condition. Look for frayed cables, worn brake pads, sloppy headsets, brake or gear levers, etc. Also, ensure your tyres, shoes, and cleats are in good condition.

If you have disc brakes, bring at least one set of replacement brake pads and have new brake rotors installed if yours are worn. You will be using your brakes more than ever.

I usually drop my bike off at the shop for a complete checkover a month before flying out. This gives me time to make sure everything really is OK.

If you are unsure about anything on your bike, get it looked at by a bike shop mechanic well before we leave. Although there are bike shops in Europe, it's best to arrive with your bike in its best working order.

NOTE: Flat tyres are rare, but you must carry your spares on every ride.

Buying new cycling shoes just before the trip is not a good idea. If you have new shoes or intend to buy some, get them soon and start riding with them before we leave in July.

DO NOT bring 'Co2 Cartridges' with you. They are illegal on some Aircraft (in carry-on or checked luggage) and will be confiscated at various airports. They can delay your bike's arrival at your final destination.

NOTE: There are excellent bike shops located close to our hotel in all locations where you can buy Co2 canisters, spares, gels or anything else you might need or want for riding.

NOTE: No matter what you may have been told, you do not need to deflate your tyres to fly. If you want to lower your pressures to fly, only lower them to, say, 60 PSI. Dead flat tyres can be a total pain when you arrive, especially if you're running tubeless tyres.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

I highly recommend insurance to cover yourself and your bike in case of an accident, loss, theft or damage. You may have to pay an extra premium if you cover your bike, but it's worth it!

The earlier you have this organised, the earlier you are covered. Once you have tickets booked, it is an excellent time to organise insurance.

Bike theft is a real issue in Girona. It's important you do not leave your bike unattended, even for a short time, when in town. If you need to go into a shop, have someone else in the group stay with your bike.
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Do not come on the trip without personal travel insurance!

On plenty of trips, someone has ended up in the hospital for something (usually descending faster than their abilities allowed on unknown roads), and you will be charged exorbitantly for your stay — no matter how short.

Have travel insurance!

Regarding bike insurance, some homeowner's content coverage may be sufficient for up to $10,000, but you must check and don't assume you're covered.

If your bike is worth more than you can easily afford to replace, make sure you have appropriate cover.

PASSPORT

Check that yours has at least six months remaining before you travel. You must organise a new passport now if it doesn't expire after January 2027.

There are new visa rules, and you may need one to arrive in Spain. I'll have more details on this before we leave.

MEDICATION

If you are on any medication, bring adequate supplies for your holiday; obtaining them locally can be difficult.

I also recommend you bring a repeat prescription and a letter from your doctor confirming your medication is for your personal use.
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CLOTHING

Casual Clothing to Pack - You do not need an extensive range of clothes.

• Casual summer wear is standard attire.
• For men, shorts and T-shirts are normal, but one pair of jeans or long casual pants and a polo shirt may be handy.
• It is roughly the same for women, but you might like to include something more dressy.
• A comfortable pair of shoes suitable for both trail walking and casual wear.
• A pair of thongs/sandals or similar.
• A jumper, fleece, hoody or top of some description for cooler days/evenings.
• A swimming costume — boardshorts are not allowed in French public swimming pools. Also, remember a sun hat, etc.
• A camera or phone or both for photography.
• Please be considerate and respectful. The French are not keen on too much exposed flesh around town, so ladies pack conservative casual clothing, and for men, do not walk the streets without a shirt.
• Laundry facilities are available at the laundromat in each town and close to our hotels. These cost approximately EUR$5 per load.
• I generally rely on a 'handwashing' cycling kit every afternoon to dry clothes in my bathroom or balcony. Pack a travel clothesline that twists and does not require pegs - but bring pegs - they work better. These are available at any camping store; you will want one per person.
• Mobile Phone — it'd be great if everyone had their mobile in case they become separated from the group or have an emergency. Communication can be made quickly and inexpensively by SMS. You will require 'global roaming' to be activated on your mobile phone. You must sort this out with your carrier before you leave Australia. You can purchase local SIM cards, too. Aussie carriers also have plans and deals for overseas travel that are worth looking into. Alternatively, stick to WIFI only (available in our hotels and most cafes and restaurants) and roam only if needed.

NOTE: Pre-programmed mobile phone numbers do not always work overseas; you may need to change the dialling prefix: 0413 852 222 becomes +61 413 852 222.

NOTE: Global roaming is not available at special rates in Andorra with Aussie carriers. You must turn off roaming when we enter the country to avoid VERY high charges. A couple of years ago, one of my buddies had a $ 1,000+ charge for one day of roaming turned on.
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PERSONAL NEEDS / TOILETRIES

Toiletries, whether new or full-size, can be heavy. If you prefer, you can purchase these from the local supermarket once you arrive.

There are government restrictions in most countries, including Australia, on what you can take in your airline carry-on luggage, including liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGS). Items are confiscated and not returned to you, so please do not pack essential personal or bike riding things (i.e. Gels or Co2) in your carry-on luggage. Check www.dotars.com.au for more information.​
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SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE

If you have the opportunity, try learning some basic French and/or Spanish before you go. It'll make life easier and more fun.

The provincial French and Spanish people are lovely; if you try to communicate with them, you may surprise yourself. At worst, hand gestures, pointing, and plenty of smiling work a treat. ​
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DAILY AND LOOSE SCHEDULE

Breakfast from 7.30 or 8.00 am-ish — depending on the individual hotels. Most of our hotels don't serve breakfast until 8am; it's a European thing. If you're up early, head out for a walk, stretch, enjoy the quiet, chill.

Rides start at 9.00 am SHARP.

EVERYONE to be ready at this time (no fluffing around) as stragglers impact everyone, and you will be singled out and be the target of any jokes that day (kidding... mostly).

This means you, your bike, food, bidons, cash and phone are ready to go!

There will be two groups for some rides — a faster and a slower group. The slower group often roll out 15-30 minutes earlier. This means turning up to breakfast with everything ready to go; important if you don't want to be late for the first group.

We'll organise to meet at the top of the climb or at a predetermined cafe/bar/bakery to regroup.

Mainly, we'll regroup at the top unless it's too cold to wait around. In this case, you'll have clear instructions on what we're doing and where we're meeting.

No one will be left behind (ever) unless they want to dawdle back to the hotel and are comfortable getting there on their own or with other group members.

The two groups usually form quickly and naturally, with faster riders pleading to join the slower group in the second and third weeks. 😁😂

If this does happen, it'd be nice if the faster riders don't blow the pack of slower riders apart on their ride to the climb. The emphasis is on enjoyment for all — I'm sure we'll all have a great time together.

Lunch will be wherever we stop, depending on the day's ride, but generally at a cafe, restaurant, bakery, or bar on the way back to our village.

Ride return times vary depending on the day, the ride distance and climb intensity, the TDF, etc. The earliest we will be back will be around 12.00 pm and the latest 4.00 pm.

NOTE: I will plan rides for most days; whether you'd rather go sightseeing or ride is up to you. No pressure, it's a holiday!

I have also planned a couple of sightseeing days, walks to a mountain lake for lunch, etc. Again, up to you if you want to join in or go your own way.

Afternoons, everyone does as they please...

An afternoon nap might be required — I know I love mine! Or, go on a tour, go shopping, head up to one of the local pubs, share the day's experiences over a drink, and watch the day's TDF stage & finish. This happens typically and is a great way to meet other cyclists and locals.

Dinner is usually around 6.30 - 7.30 pm at our hotel (when included) or a predefined location. If you decide to dine elsewhere, that's fine, but please let me know so I can advise the hotel not to prepare for you.

After dinner, everyone can do as they please, but you may find that's about enough for a day — after a stroll through town and an ice cream.

DAYLIGHT IN JULY

In Europe, it doesn't get dark until around 10.00 pm, so you will struggle with going to bed early unless you are absolutely 'shot'. ​
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WHAT HAPPENS ON EACH DAY'S RIDE?

On daily rides, we plan to arrive at the base of the climb as a group or in two distinct groups.

• You then climb at your own pace.
• There is no race to the top, but you can be competitive; there will always be someone to challenge you — trust me!
• Once at the top, we wait for ALL riders from your group to arrive before descending to a lunch spot. Often, there will be a cafe at the summit of the climbs to wait for other riders. If it's freezing, we will plan a meeting spot at a cafe, bar/restaurant, bakery (I'm getting excited) or somewhere at the base of the climb where it will be warmer.
• Some riders may decide to push on further before returning – no problem, there are always options for extra k's and climbs if you want them!

RIDING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD

If you're unfamiliar with riding on the opposite side of the road, I suggest you wear a coloured wristband to remind you where the middle of the road is supposed to be.

Why?

In 2008, I was descending Ventoux and came around a bend, wondering why the car was coming towards me, and then suddenly realised I was on the Australian side of the road. It's funny now, but it could have been a lot worse! There have also been other near misses in subsequent years, including crashes and close calls with oncoming cars.

PLEASE DESCEND WITHIN YOUR CAPABILITIES

Slowing down just a little on the descent is often the difference between a fun, can't-wipe-the-smile-off-your-face descent and ending up in the hospital, destroying your holiday and possibly for the rest of the group too.

It's much better to test yourself on the climbs, enjoy the descents for photo opportunities, and be good to go the following day. You will kick yourself for coming off and missing out on whatever portion of the holiday you do.

On one trip, poor Glen (Gadget) had to spend two weeks waving us off each morning as he sat around nursing a broken collarbone. He dealt with it much better than most would, but man, it was tough seeing him miss out. Don't let that be you.

On the topic of descending...

You will be braking a lot on some very long descents — over 30km in some cases.

In my experience, if you're uncomfortable descending, it's best to ride with low-profile wheels, whether you have rim or disc brakes.

I've seen multiple rim-brake carbon wheels delaminate and be destroyed on these descents. This can be very expensive, dangerous and inconvenient.

If you have disc brakes, carbon wheels are fine. Remember, though, that it may be windy on some days. Bring what you're comfortable with regarding rim depth for all weather conditions. ​
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FITNESS AND TRAINING

Your training should be in full swing by now, with weekly rides ramping up to 100km, including some climbing.

If you can, try to fit in the occasional back-to-back, longer ride in the lead-up to Europe.

If you can't fit in two longer rides on subsequent days, try for a longer ride followed by a shorter but more challenging ride or race — or vice versa.

The plan is to have your body, legs and bum ready to ride on consecutive days.

NOTE: When you get to Girona, using chamois cream on every ride is a good idea. It is much better to prevent saddle sores and chaffing than to deal with them later. You can use cycling-specific creams or zinc-based barrier creams, which work well.

There will be plenty of rest time, and you don't have to be on every ride, but riding and climbing are more enjoyable when you're fit and comfortable on the bike.

If you have more than one bike, make sure you're out and riding the bike you'll be taking to the Pyrenees too. Although there are bike shops everywhere we'll be, it's nice to have your bike in good working order before you leave. Things like new tyres, brake pads and chain are a top idea.

One of the biggest things I hear on these trips is how sore some people's backsides get. They weren't ready for the prolonged and consecutive days in the saddle.

The only remedy is longer rides on the saddle/bike you'll be taking and/or excellent, well-padded knicks and chamois cream.​
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PACKING

When packing your bike, if you have rim brakes, remove the skewers from the wheels to prevent them from popping through the bag.

IMPORTANT: Don't forget to remove your derailleur and tape it between your chainstays if you leave your chain on. Alternatively, completely remove your chain and rear derailleur.

If you don't have a derailleur hanger protector as part of your bike bag, it's a good idea to remove the hanger if you can.

On one trip, a group member had to wait over a week to get a new hanger so he could ride his bike. Protect your hanger! If you have a spare hanger, pack it.

Remove your pedals — it'll mean your wheels are less likely to get damaged if your bike is on its side, which is possible on the plane.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It's recommended you take your cycling shoes, pedals, helmet and one complete kit in your carry-on luggage. If the unlikely happens and your bike doesn't turn up on day one, we can sort out a hire bike, and you'll be good to go.

If you're worried about your bike, make sure your travel insurance is all sorted, and your bike is covered. Travel insurance will (should) cover any out-of-pocket expenses if your bike doesn't show up for a day or two.

The hire bikes in Girona are fantastic! Riders from previous trips have wanted to buy the hire bikes they were on.

BIKE BAG

If you don't already own a bike bag, my preference is the soft padded bags. They make packing super easy and fast, and they're lighter, affordable and perfect for short trips when we move between hotels.

Scicon makes a fantastic soft bike bag - the AEROCOMFORT 3.0 ROAD BIKE TRAVEL BAG. You may find one on Marketplace or on sale at BikeBug or Pushy's.

The downside of soft bags is they don't offer as much protection as a hard case.

It's totally up to you and what you prefer.

WOOHOO... BRING IT ON!

Hope you're getting excited!

If you have any questions, email or call me — 0413 852 222

Speak soon
Andy 🚴‍♂️​
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PS

If you're hoping to lose weight while on this trip… Forget it! Beer, wine or a G&T in the arvo, pastries during the day and nothing to do but ride, sleep and eat make it tough not to come home heavier than when you arrived.😂

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