Haute Dordogne Guided Road Cycling Holiday

I expected that this ride would be a challenge for me and it was. But I never felt like I was unable to accomplish it. The guides were very attentive and helpful.

Climbing the Puy Mary was my favourite day. Even though it was difficult for me, I really felt I had accomplished something and the scenery was spectacular. Plus the downhill, cold as it was, was great fun!

I liked our guides – very fun- and I thought that the routes chosen were spectacular. Roads were in good condition, lovely and varied in both scenery and difficulty. Food was generally good.

The first day was great because it was beautiful to see the rolling countryside and chateaus. The second day was great because we moved into completely different territories, and the medieval bridge outside Cahors is fabulous. The third day on the national bike trail was amazing. The fourth day with the climb up Puy St. Mary was exhilarating as well as beautiful. My least favourite day was the last – the scenery wasn’t as interesting, though I did like Domme quite well. And the day was shorter. Bravo for picking so many roads that are in great condition. As we were driving around after our trip was over we realised that the roads chosen were in some of the best shape we had seen.

The three guides interacted smoothly and seamlessly in what could have been a difficult first riding of a new route. They made us “newbies” feel comfortable from the beginning and we are now hopefully going to become [tour operator] regulars like the other members of our group. If our other guides and trips are as satisfying as this one, we will be well pleased!

The tour leader went the extra mile to make sure everyone has a great trip regardless of varying abilities and put a lot of effort into sourcing food for lunch and meeting up for water stops. Also found a cycle shop selling a replacement wireless gear battery after mine unexpectedly malfunctioned, which could have saved my trip. Day 5, Puy Mary – run down the valley after leaving the summit was superb. Great road surface and great views.

The ascent up the Puy Mary on 29 June was my favourite day. It was a good challenging ride with spectacular scenery along the way.

Our guide did a magnificent job as tour leader. He was well organised and highly attentive to the group’s requirements. He kept us fully briefed each day about the rides and and challenges or hazards along the way. His demeanour was very friendly and he interacted easily with members of the group. This created a really positive environment that set a nice atmosphere for the week.

We were kept informed of the progress with our booking and alerted as soon as the trip would definitely going ahead. We were given assistance when booking the flights and a detailed itinerary too. The transport from and to the airport ran impeccably. The guides went the extra mile to ensure they did everything to ensure everybody was smiling all of the time.

The standard of accommodation was incredibly high – each hotel had excellent facilities, a garage for bike storage and a warm welcome.

Hannah was a fantastic tour leader, never without a smile, the ultimate professional but also one of the group. She lead with confidence and that really allowed you to ride with confidence behind her. Hannah always ensured the route was clear to follow and would stop to keep the group in a tight bunch through more difficult sections. In the evenings, Hannah did a fantastic job of keeping everybody happy whilst ordering, and paying for, the evening meal…no easy job!