Pyrenees
Mythical Ports of the Pyrenees on bike
DURATION: 6 days | DIFFICULTY: | MODALITY: Cycletouring
Mythical Ports of the Pyrenees on bike invites you to experience legendary cycling and discover an unknown Pyrenees. Crossing the western part of the mountain range by pedaling through the mythical mountain passes of the Tour de France such as Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet or Aubisque is a dream that every cyclist wishes to fulfill one day.
Mythical Ports of the Pyrenees on bike combines the grandeur of the most genuine cycling with the experience of the journey, which becomes a real challenge. A comfortable assistance with the support of an experienced cyclist such as Sergi Fernández Tolosa who will help the group to achieve the goal.
A TAILORED ROUTE
Since 1991 Sergi has made many bicycle trips through the Pyrenees, both asphalt and mountain. In 2016, the Route des Cols showed him “a different Pyrenees”. About this route he writes:
“Pedaling from sun to sun, if the sun shines. But pedaling. Uphill, always uphill. By sinuous little roads that twist between jungles of ferns, beech and chestnut trees. Ascend strenuously to rocky heights, between carpets of snow and lichen. Reach the summit, look at the horizon and discover that there are always more mountains, higher and higher. This is the Pyrenean cycle tourism, a continuous up and down challenge. A roller coaster that empties and fills you, bends and rewards you, strengthens and excites you. An adventure in which nothing is predictable and anything can change in the course of an hour. A journey that demands traveling lightweight. Only then will we be able to decide absolutely everything. ”
A CLASSIC AMONG CLASSICS
Designated as ‘Route des Cols‘ (Route of the Mountain Ports), this popular route of cycling ploughs through the French Pyrenees along more than 1.000 km in a trip that makes you feel like a true pioneer of cycling.
In any of its multiple versions, the Trans-Pyrenean is the cycle tourism journey by antonomasia. On this occasion, the original plan contemplates spending 5 days pedaling along mountain roads in the south of France, always looking for the most solitary. Those with a curved layout and old patched asphalt. The names of the legendary ports of the Tour de France resound in the head: Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, Aubisque …
Each day we will complete a stage of between 80 and 100 km, with one or more mountain passes. We will sleep in comfortable accommodations where we will recover strength every night and we will stock up in the morning. The assistance van will transport our luggage and prepare a light picnic at noon. The van will also be used if necessary to assist the participants.
Duration: 6 days
Meeting point in Viella. Presentation of the members of the group and the assistance team. Setting up bicycles. Brief explanatory meeting about the details of the next day’s route and free time to stroll through the town.
The journey through the Mythical Ports of the Pyrenees begins with a spectacular day that is ideal to test the muscles of the legs and, of course, to give pleasure to the eyes. From Vielha, we will cycle along the most bucolic and quiet roads of the Val d’Aran, to cross the border by the legendary Col du Portillon, the way to the thermal town of Bagneres de Luchon. The second challenge of the day is the famous Col du Peyresourde, through which we will reach the Haut Pyrénées region, where the authentic colossi of the Pyrenees await us.
The expected date arrives with the Pyrenees greats. We will depart early to overcome the Aspin and link with the main dish of the day, the legendary Col du Tourmalet, a pilgrimage point for cyclists from all over the planet. The stage concludes with a long, deserved and exciting descent.
Culmination of the passage through the central Pyrenees, in one of the most beautiful stages of the whole crossing. Ascension of Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque, enjoying the impressive stretch that connects them on high, to complete an epic journey with Col de Marie Blanque.
Shortest step on the undulating terrain of rounded mountains. The ports are lower, although they still reserve a beautiful surprise, a port with great character: the Ahusquy. A tour to enjoy cycling on roads between leafy forests and picturesque villages.
Last step, with two smaller ports through the bucolic landscape of infinite greens of French Basque Country. Award stage beginning in the strategic citadel of St Jean Pied de Port and ending at the beaches of San Jean de Luz. We will complete the crossing with a symbolic ceremony of union between the two seas. Afterwards, celebration dinner and presentation of finisher diplomas.
Travel to the starting point with the selected transport. We will transport the participants to Barcelona for their return. The transport of bikes is included.
Transportation of participants and bikes
Lodging and breakfasts
Picnic lunches
Dinners
Activity insurance
Trip Guide
(in guided modality)
Assistance and maintenance of bikes
Photographic report
GUIDED ROUTES
Guided Route
SELF GUIDED ROUTES
Self-Guided Route
* Prices include sales tax.
* Prices for groups of 8 participants. For groups of fewer participants consult us.
If you like this route, book it now and pedal with us!
- Fill in the form or call us at +34 617 473 501
- Once your petition has been received it will be answered in 24 hr. (working days).
- A quotation will then be sent to make the deposit payment.
- 30 days before your trip begins the remaining amount must be paid.
- Accepted forms of payment: credit card through our website, bank transfer or Paypal.