This is without doubt one of the most superb bike trips I have done. Not only did it push me beyond what I believed was possible, but it was also enormous fun and a very well put together, carefully guided experience.
Ian and Angie Pendry, who own Altitude Adventures, are both extremely competent cyclists, with many years of professional MTB race experience behind them, as well as guiding qualifications relevant for the terrain.
Le Mouli Chambres D’Hôtes is Ian and Angie’s home and staying their feels like you have been invited to live with them for a period of time. Ian’s cooking is wholesome, tasty and varied, their hospitality second to none and I left wondering why I still work in an office.
The hire bikes are top of the range Scott Genius, which are “fit for purpose” in every conceivable way. Having returned to England and been forced to use my own bike, I am already looking to upgrade.
I was not a particularly competent mountain biker when I arrived, but with Ian’s very carefully crafted and perfectly timed tips on technique, I was very quickly riding down rocky tracks with a degree of confidence that belied my inexperience. His work continued throughout the trip, in a subtle and effective manner.
Day 1 acclimatisation ride was ideal for Ian to assess our incompetences, get us rolling together and steel us for Day 1’s so-called “ridge of doom”.
The Summit to Sea trip took 4 days and incorporated some of the most breath-taking descents and stunning views. The route was well thought out, linked with some interesting accommodation, with plentiful food and a warm welcome at each venue.
Almost all the climbing was on fire roads (20,000 feet) and 80% of the downhill was on brilliant single track, varying from 15 – 90 minutes long.
Our final descent took more than an hour and a half and the sea was in view right from the top. We ended at Canet-Plage with a dip in the crystal clear, still warm waters of the Mediterranean, which after 4 hard days in the saddle was very welcome.
The wine & beer flowed freely throughout the trip and on our return to the Mouli we set out for our celebratory meal.
On the sixth day we did a warm down ride, taking in some fantastic trail, guided by Angie and ending in a natural hot spring tucked away on a mountain side.
I can highly recommend this trip to anybody, who has a reasonable level of fitness and is keen to learn new techniques and ride well linked up very exhilarating single track. I can’t wait to go back.