Hey Reader

Hope you're well and as excited about the upcoming trip as I am!

Everything else is coming together nicely. All hotels are confirmed, and deposits have been paid.

Room changes and requests have involved some juggling behind the scenes, but that's finalised now.

The vans and truck are booked and paid for. Big thanks to our drivers — Steve, Bernie and Warrick!

It's all systems go!
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All up, we'll be a group of 24... with a couple of riders arriving late or departing early.
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It's a mixed group of riding abilities (and a few non-riders), which is totally normal for these trips and makes it great for everyone. You will find your "tribe" on and off the bike, and I'm sure, make lifelong friends along the way.

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PAYMENT DUE.

Can you please make another $1,000 (per person) payment.

NOTE: There will also be a final payment request at the end of May.
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Bank details are:
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Andrew Hellmich
Westpac Bank
BSB 032 545
Account 250049

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EXCHANGE RATES

If you've been following the exchange rates, you will see that the AUD is as strong as it has been for a while, against the Euro.

If you're planning to exchange some currency for cash or a travel card, now could be a good time to look into it.

Training

Hopefully, you're into your training now, getting some climbing kilometres and occasional longer rides each week.

By the end of April to mid-May, you should be able to comfortably ride 80-100km and do this on at least two consecutive days.

That doesn't mean you have to smash these kilometres out this weekend! Build up over the next month.

In May, you'll want to include a 100-120km ride each week if possible. This can be on flat or rolling terrain and is more about getting time on the bike.

Also, in May, consider adding some hill repeats on one day per week. See if you can get up to 45 minutes of climbing on a longer hill.

These climbs don't need to be fast, and you can move between standing and sitting as you ride, getting used to mainly climbing in the saddle and out of the saddle for shorter spurts or steeper sections.

These climbing minutes can be on a single session each week or part of your longer 100km ride.

If you have any questions, hit reply and ask.

The Cols (mountains) in France

A few riders have asked about the climbs we'll be riding. Here are some of the more significant climbs you may be familiar with...

THE PYRENEES - where we'll be seeing the TDF this year!

Hautacam - directly opposite our hotel and a deceptively tough climb with ever-changing gradients.

Col du Soulor and Col du Aubisque - my favourite climb in the Pyrenees and right on our doorstep.

Luz Ardiden - switchbacks up to a ski resort overlooking a spectacular valley view. This is the famous climb Lance Armstrong fell from his bike when a spectator's bag caught his handlebars.

Col du Tourmalet - one of the truly iconic TDF climbs and a real beast! We may get to climb both sides, depending on how you're feeling.

Col d'Aspin is one of the easier big climbs, but a long way from home. This one will depend on the group, fitness levels, and weather.

We'll also be riding other lesser-known climbs, arguably more beautiful than some of the more famous ones. I'll leave them as a surprise.

ANDORRA

Although the climbs here may not be as famous, both the TDF and the La Vuelta España visit the area regularly.

Coll d'Ordino – one of the classic Andorra climbs and a perfect introduction to riding here. Quiet roads, steady gradients, and beautiful forest riding before opening up to big mountain views near the top.

Port d'Envalira – the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and an absolute must-ride. It’s long, steady, and exposed, with huge alpine scenery and a summit that really feels like you’ve climbed into the sky.

Port de Cabús – one of the wildest climbs in Andorra. Quiet, remote, and finishing on rougher roads right on the Spanish border, it feels more like an expedition than a climb.

Collada de Beixalís – a beautiful but punchy climb with constantly changing gradients. It’s one of the quieter roads in Andorra and a favourite with locals.

Coll de la Rabassa (Naturland) – a long climb up to the Naturland ski area with steady gradients and incredible valley views most of the way up.

Ordino–Arcalís – a spectacular climb that runs to the very end of the Ordino valley and up to the Arcalís ski station. Made famous by the Vuelta a España, the road gradually rises through forest before the final kilometres open into dramatic high-mountain scenery above the tree line.

GIRONA

Although not famous for its climbs per se, the roads, climbs, and routes in this region are made for cycling. Smooth roads, varied terrain, courteous drivers, and so much variety!

Els Àngels – the classic Girona climb and a local favourite. A steady, flowing road through the forest up to the monastery at the summit, often followed by coffee in the square before rolling back to town or continuing on to complete the famous "Hincappie Loop."

Sant Hilari Sacalm – a longer ride into the hills with quiet roads and beautiful forest scenery. It’s a steady, rhythmic 30km climb, perfect for cruising or a serious effort.

Santa Pellaia – a smooth, sweeping climb through Catalan forest with perfect tarmac and a steady gradient. A favourite training climb for the Girona pros.

Rocacorba – the most famous and toughest climb near Girona. A narrow road with steep ramps that has become a rite of passage for visiting cyclists.

Tossa de Mar Coastal Road – one of the most spectacular coastal rides in Europe. Endless curves and rolling climbs hugging the Mediterranean with incredible views. One of my favourite rides of all time!

Banyoles Loop – a classic Girona coffee ride around the beautiful Lake Banyoles. Mostly flat to rolling terrain and perfect for endurance days or an easier spin.

The Mare de Déu del Mont – a true Girona “queen stage” climb. Long, tough, and exposed with a brutally steep finish and huge views from the summit sanctuary.

AINSA

This will be my first time in Ainsa, but it comes highly recommended by local Catalan cyclists I met last year.

I was tossing up between a couple of towns, and after some (what looked like) heated discussions and lots of gesticulating, the riders agreed that Ainsa was the top spot in that area for us to visit.

Feel free to do some Strava route hunting and exploring if you're that way inclined, and send me any suggestions you have for rides in the area.

This part of the trip will be an adventure for all of us!

Here is what I know from some online research:​
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Aínsa – a beautiful medieval town tucked into the Spanish Pyrenees, where quiet roads and big mountain riding meet. Sitting at the gateway to the Sobrarbe region, it’s surrounded by spectacular climbs, remote valleys, and some of the most peaceful riding in the Pyrenees.

From Aínsa, we’ll have access to incredible routes heading toward the Añisclo Canyon, Bielsa Valley, and the edges of Ordesa National Park. Expect long, quiet roads, dramatic scenery, and that special feeling of riding deep in the mountains where the traffic disappears, and the landscapes open up.

Do you have any questions?

Hopefully, that answers some of your questions about the climbs, rides and what to expect in July.

I'll plan a ride for each day, but honestly, if you don't feel like riding, take a day off and explore or chill out around the town, pool, hotel or cafes — everywhere we'll be fantastic.

You can explore on foot, by bike, or jump on a bus or local tour—it'll be up to you, and I imagine you'll get takers within the group no matter your plans.

Speak soon
Andy 🚴‍♂️🏔️🇫🇷🇪🇸🇦🇩

PS

Don't forget to use your name as a reference when making your $1000 payment.