Meet The Team behind your Cycling Holiday
Proud to be Allons-y-Pyrenees
Meet AYP
Hi, we are Chris and Rachel, your hosts at Allons y Pyrenees. Both escapees from the UK public sector, we took the plunge and moved out to the French Pyrenees in 2017 to follow our dream of running our own business in a beautiful place. It's been quite an adventure so far, and we would love you to be part of it.
Chris McCombie: Cycling Passion
Chris is a keen cyclist, first hitting the lumpy roads of Lancashire about 30 years ago (!), and has been riding ever since - apart from a hiatus of a few years (mainly due to not being on land much...). Quite a few years ago now he discovered the simple pleasure of riding up big famous hills, following in the wheel tracks of the Tour de France.
Moving to the Pyrenees has put some of the most famous cols in reach of his doorstep - from Blackstone Edge (Lancs) to the mighty Col du Tourmalet (Ht Pyrenees) for the local climb - not bad! Chris loves nothing more than taking guests on rides exploring the vast landscapes of the Pyrenees, whether that’s following the wheel tracks of the Tour de France or tackling some of the lesser known and just as tough cols in the area. His most recent ambition is to cycle unsupported from coast to coast across the Pyrenees; make sure you ask him about his plans! Along with the scenery and ticking off cols, he enjoys a challenging day on the bike, having completed the Cingles du Ventoux, Marmotte Alps (several times), and Marmotte Pyrenees amongst other things. Most of all it's about the peace that cycling brings and meeting people who share the same passion - hopefully he will get to roll along chatting to you sometime soon.
Rachel McCombie: A Friendly Face
When not lounging by the pool in a 1950s style, Rachel runs the show! From driving and logistics (with a little help during the season) to meal planning and preparation, and ensuring that guests have everything they need, Rach loves to meet visitors at AYP from all walks of life and get to know them. As a former teacher, she likes to be organised (and perhaps has a slightly unhealthy obsession with lists), but she isn't that stern; and rarely shouts at anyone anymore.
A former competitive swimmer, Rachel is in her element in the pool at AYP - and is even starting to be seen on a bike more and more often... She is continuing to conquer some of the cols of the Pyrenees by bike but her challenge this year has been to embark upon some sprint triathlons, a challenge she took on when in lockdown, swimming in the pool at AYP, gazing longingly at the mountains on the turbo for the cycle and running around the village for the sprint!
Orlagh du Val de Ronceveaux: Irish Setter
Orlagh really is the star of the show here at AYP. She will welcome you with cuddles and keep you entertained when you're not out on the bike. Orlagh loves socialising so much that she's even convinced Chris and Rach to foster a few dogs in need, working with a local charity Les Amis Des Animaux. Orlagh will be here with a wagging tail and happy face, and who knows, you may even find another of her friends has moved in for a while too!