James Thompson - Personal Profile

Since my childhood I have generally always been found to be out enjoying the great outdoors whether it be camping, walking or cycling.  My love for both summer and winter activities, plus an appreciation of the environment led me to start leading group holidays with the BTCV when I was just 17.   I graduated as an Environmental Engineer in 1995 from Nottingham University, where I incidentally first met Cathy.

After a few years in the world of engineering, I changed tack and started working as a leader for 'Rough Tracks biking adventures', who ran cycling holidays in France. Spending the summers cycling around France and the winters working as a rep in a downhill ski resort was a great life!

Then, in 1999 I started working as a full time group leader for Exodus Travels. This demanding and varied work took me around the world leading cycling, trekking and snowshoeing holidays. Countries included Peru, China, Vietnam, Tanzania, Morocco, Portugal and lots of time in France. I qualified as an International Mountain Leader in 2002 and I am a member of the Union of International Mountain Leaders.  With Exodus I learnt about the many aspects of running group holidays and the leisure industry generally.

In 2003  I moved to the Valley of Ax in the Pyrenees in 2003 and set up Marmot Tours Limited so I could put my experience to good use. Cathy moved out to join me a couple of years later, and we got married in October 2007 and have  a fabulous baby boy, Jack who arrived in Oct 2008.

During the last few years I have been gaining some extra qualifications in the cross-country skiing and Mountain biking.

In my spare time I can be found exploring new regions of France, cycling, mountain biking, hiking and generally relishing the area we live in.

Relevant Qualifications:
International Mountain Leader (2002).
First Aid (2008)
Advanced Driving for carrying Passengers (PCV).
SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader (2008)
Snowsport England Instructor (2007)

I am a Member of the following professional associations:
The British Association of International Mountain Leaders.
The Syndicate National des Accompagnateurs en Montagne.
The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations.
Scottish Mountain bike leaders Association 
British Cycling.
Snowsport England

Cathy Thompson - Personal Profile

For me, my new life began in 2005 when I moved to a small hamlet in the French Pyrenees with James, and started to work with Marmot Tours.  

To go back a step or two, I met James at Nottingham University from 1993-6, where I was studying a BSC in Biology.  I followed this with an Occupational Therapy post grad Diploma, qualifying in 1999 and working in various OT settings in the wheelchair service, rehab hospitals and Surrey County Council Community Disability Team.    In 2005 I did an Open University Professional Certificate in Management.

After joining Marmot Tours I initially concentrated on learning about the industry, and focusing on 'behind the scenes' work.   I ran my first trip independently in Sept 2006 and since then I have upped my profile, and now work with James as a leader on the cross country skiing trips, the gentler walking trips we offer, plus the road biking holidays.  I am an absolute convert to both cross country skiing and road biking, and have climbed most of the Pyrenean cols, if somewhat slowly!.   I am thriving on the challenges that working with Marmot Tours gives me, and am gradually learning more about the amazing area that we live in. 

Early in 2008 I qualified with BTEC and ITEC Diploma's in Holistic Swedish Massage, and so am now able to offer a Massage Therapy Service that complements many of our activity holidays.  

I have travelled fairly extensively through extended holidays in Western Europe, Thailand, India, China, Canada and much of Southern Africa.  With Jack's arrival I am generally to be found doing something baby orientated but am getting out when I can for some skiing or extreme buggy pushing! 

The Thompson Updates

James and Cathy got married on 13th October 2007, on a gloriously sunny day, in their home village of Pech.  Over 80 English guests descended on the village of Les Cabannes, which amazingly did not stop all the villagers from coming to join in the wedding celebrations.  The rugby quarter final between France and England, that finished at 9pm during the wedding reception (England won!) fortunately did nothing to diminish the fantastic atmosphere.  

In October 2008 life for James and Cathy changed forever with the arrival of baby Jack Thompson.  Already settling into life in the mountains, little Jack has explored the winter landscapes of the Plateau de Beille and Chioula, and from his stance on the back of James bike, many of the Pyrenean cols.  Jack is sure to be an integral part of Marmot Tours as he grows up and so hopefully many of you will get to meet him when you visit the Pyrenees.

Nathan Hall - Personal Profile
 

Growing up in Sheffield and the surrounding Peak District, my love of the outdoors began from an early age.  From running and playing in the hills as a small boy, my passion became cycling and from the age of 13 I started to compete in road and track racing.  For several years I competed at a serious level and at the age of 19 I moved to Holland where I continued to race for a further year.  

I then decided to go back to studying and I attended night school for 5 years, obtaining an HND in Mechanical Engineering.  I worked for several years for the Department of Transport, inspecting and testing Heavy Goods Vehicles, then I decided it was time to pack my bags and explore the world! 

I travelled for a year through Asia and Australia, but was left wanting more, so in 2003 I started working for Exodus Travels as an Overland Expedition Leader, driving and leading adventurous trips through South American Asia and the Middle East.   For the past 3 years I have been involved in running their trekking and biking holidays in various locations, but mainly based in the French Pyrenees where I met James and Cathy.  We soon built up a great relationship and I worked for Marmot Tours through the winter season of 2008-9, assisting with the cross-country skiing trips.

I have recently gained qualifications in Mountain Leadership and my Trail Cycle Leaders Award (mountain biking).

If I am not working in the outdoors then you'll still fin me there enjoying biking, rock climbing, snowboarding or mountaineering.

Returning with Marmot Tours for the Road cycling season of 2010 is very exciting and I look forward to meeting you all for some great road adventures.

Terry Spamer - Personal Profile

I first visited the Pyrenees as a teenager in 1997, and immediately fell in love with the diverse beauty of the mountains. Shortly after my 18^th birthday I completed the GR10 coast to coast mountain trek that stretches 800km across the Pyrenees and two years later I completed the GR11 coast to coast on the Spanish side of the border. Ever since, the Pyrenees have been close to my heart and played a central role in my life.

After graduating from Hull University in 2005 with a BA in History, I emigrated to the Ariege region of the Pyrenees in order to follow my growing passion for rock-climbing, and cross-country running.

My love for climbing and the outdoors has taken me all over the world. I have helped establish new climbing areas and ticked hundreds of rock routes in Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Hong Kong, Europe, USA and South East Asia. I also enjoy a keen interest in birds, taking an active role in protecting nesting areas and constructing feeding sites.

I first met James, Cathy and young Jack in 2009, and their warm friendly nature was immediately apparent. It was clear we shared a keen interest in the mountains, nature and outdoor sports and the relationship grew from there. I was delighted when they invited me to join the team supporting the ‘Raid Pyrenees’ and I am thoroughly looking forward to my first tour this summer.