Report: From a Simple Call to the Summit: Unforgettable Pyrenees Cycling Adventure with REYNES CYCLING
How a call from friends became a great journey. It all started with a simple call from our old clients – friends with a shared love for mountains, bikes, and the open road. They've been doing tours together every September for the past 11 years. This time, they aimed for the Pyrenees, a challenge to plan but promising the best cycling experience ever. Amidst the rise of cycling popularity and a flood of tour providers, we wanted to stay true to the soul of cycling.
Philosophy of REYNES CYCLING Tours:
For us, it's not just about fancy hotels and cafes; it's about the kilometers on the road, the wind in your face, and the camaraderie of friends. It's about feeling alive after hours in the office, winter rides, and city rushes – things that aren't rare nowadays. Our goal? To find the perfect mix of everything: a 14th-century accommodation, a hotel near top-notch restaurants, professional guides, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Pyrenees, both in France and Spain.
Spanish Pyrenees:
On the way to Coll dePradell
Make it stand out
Guess the grade?
(correct answer: 20%)
Oh, sorry! Let's get back to Cycling. For three days straight, we covered 250km with a whopping 5000m elevation gain. To add to the thrill, it happened to be Catalan National day, and guess what? The roads were gloriously empty! There's nothing like the amazing feeling of being able to focus solely on the ride.
Our crew was there every pedal of the way, both on the bike and in the support car. We took care of nutrition, provided technical assistance, and, of course...
...snapped photos. We firmly believe that memories are meant to be captured. As one wise scientist once said, "If the ride isn't in Strava - it didn't happen!" Well, we'd like to add our own twist: "No photos? It didn't happen!" Because, after all, what's an adventure without a few snapshots to prove it?
French Pyrynees:
The roads, they are the heartbeat of this Tour. Hours upon hours in the saddle, city transfers – it's not easy to travel every day, but it's what makes each day so uniquely special. It's as if we were transported back to our childhood, embarking on family adventures every single day. The moment we touched down in Lourdes, it was all about shouting “Viva la France!” and savoring the delights of French cuisine. But that was in the evening, and in the morning...
Massive, brutal, and green – the roads wind through the middle of nowhere, revealing the true beauty of cycling. Admittedly, it wasn't always an easy ride; some climbs took hours. But when you reach the top, it's a reward for every ounce of effort you put into those pedals.
The land of animals surrounded us at every turn.
And then, the grand finale: Col du Tourmalet + Hourquetted'Ancizan.
A day of personal records, achievements, and meditation. Tourmalet is a stunning, tough, and lengthy climb. Normally, you wouldn't choose to conquer it on a day with a 175km route. But the guys did it! An exceptional day for everyone, myself included. I felt a surge of pride for Ludwig, Michael, Scott, and Conrad on that unforgettable day.
Tourmalet is an iconic climb, a feature on the Majors…
In the end, we live by the rule "Why so serious?" and make sure to inject fun into every moment.
Epilogue:
The week was nothing short of great – great roads, great places, and, most importantly, the greatest people around. Saying goodbye was tough, returning to the routine even tougher. But for the guys, I made a promise, "I still have aces up my sleeve."
