Transpyrenean Bike Tour “2 seas”
Cross the Pyrenean mountain range from coast to coast, from the Cantabrian to the Mediterranean Sea, conquering the mythical ports of the Tour de France.
The perfect Pyrenean adventure! Discover the beauty of one of the most famous cycling areas in Europe. We have designed a cycling challenge route that begins in the Basque Country and crosses the Pyrenees from west to east, conquering legendary peaks such as Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Peyresourde, etc. The route, of 905 km, ends with a ceremonial dip in the Mediterranean Sea, in the beautiful coastal city Palamós. After a few days, when we have returned home, we will still happily remember the sound of the cowbells that rattle all over the meadows of the Pyrenees …
DAY 1 Welcome to the Basque Country
The trip starts in Bilbao. At 10 in the morning, reception and greeting at the meeting point (Bilbao airport or designated hotel). Then, we will go to Hondarribia (the journey time is 1 hour). Once at the hotel, and after the check-in is done, we will present the routes and the rest of the activities.
After having prepared the bicycles, we will carry out a first ride in the afternoon to get the legs in shape on a quiet route that will allow us to climb the Jaizkibel, which is the first elevation of the Pyrenean. We will pass by Herrenteria, Irún, and return to the hotel, all through secondary roads.
Distance: 41 km
Elevation: +810 m
Difficulty: easy
DAY 2 - From Hondarribia to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Distance: 90 km
Elevation: +1620 m
Difficulty: medium
After breakfast, we leave towards the direction of Saint Jean de Luz. Today will be an enjoyable route with short climbs through the typical ports of the Basque Country. The first one of the day is the port of San Ignacio of 3 km in length and an average slope of 6%. The next one will be the Otxondo Pass, a port oriented from north to south, 602 m high and almost 10 km long (average slope 5.2%). Once past the border we continue on the N-121-B towards Dantxarinea where the ascent begins, but in a very smooth way. The port, being a border road, is usually quite busy. However, the road is wide and in perfect condition, although without a shoulder.
Phenomenal final section through a leafy beech forest. And finally, before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, we face the Col d’Izpeguy (672 m), 9 km long and an average slope of 6%.
DAY 3 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Cette
Distance: 108 km
Elevation: +3270 m
Difficulty: high
In today’s stage, which runs through the French Basque Country, we will find at km 20 the first slope of a large colossus, although little known: the Arathaburu (1150 m), one of the toughest in the Pyrenees, of 12 km and an average slope of 8%.
The next port is the Bagargui, of 1327 m height, and slopes that vary between 4.5% and a maximum of 11.5%. Magnificent landscape throughout the stage.
DAY 4 From Cette-Eygun to Saint-Sauveur
Distance: 111 km
Elevation: +2380 m
Difficulty: medium / high
Today’s stage takes us to the first classic TDF ascents, in the middle of the central Pyrenees. We leave Cette-Eygun and head towards the Col de Marie Blanque, 1035 m high, with its tough last 4 km. Next, we face the powerful Aubisque, 1709 m, followed by his younger brother, the Col du Soulour of 1540 m. The views over the Soulour cirque are spectacular, you will have to find a safe place to enjoy the views of the cliff. Finally, the Col des Borderes, of 1156 m, short climb, but on a very spectacular path. We will sleep in Luz Saint-Saveur at the foot of another great spectacular climb, but we will talk about that tomorrow…
DAY 5 - From Luz to Saint-Lary-Soulan
Distance: 75 km
Elevation: +2160 m
Difficulty: high
The fifth stage of our journey to the Pyrenees is short, but intense. A few kilometers after our departure, we begin the ascent of the great and famous Tourmalet (2115 m), with 19 km at an average of 7%, and some of 11% and 12%. We conquer it and take a break to enjoy the cycling environment and the majestic landscape. After an exciting descent, we continue to our next challenge, the Col de Aspin, with an altitude of 1489 m and an average slope of 5%. Along the way we will leave behind beautiful mountain villages of the typical central Pyrenees, such as Arreau. Once at the top of the Aspin, we descend and then pedal an easy 15 km, on secondary roads, to our destination of the day, Saint Lary.
Relax, free afternoon and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 6 From Saint Lary to Arties
Distance: 92 km
Elevation: +2400 m
Difficulty: high
After breakfast, we will cycle 20 kilometers to warm up and begin the ascent to the first port of the day, the Peyresourde (1569 m), in the heart of the Pyrenees, with 18 km of ascent and an average slope of 4.6%.
The second port of the day is the Portillon, 1293 m high, 9 km long and 7% to 14% slopes. The border between France and Spain, is one of the usual points in the Tour de France.
We enter the Aran Valley, direction Vielha, and arrive at Arties, a charming mountain village where we have our hotel.
Relax, free afternoon and Aranese dinner at the hotel.
DAY 7 From Arties to La Seu d’Urgell
Distance: 92 km
Elevation: +2400 m
Difficulty: medium
We leave the Aran Valley through the port of Bonaigua, which is located at 2072 m altitude. The descent takes us to the Pallars region, on quiet roads with good asphalt, until Sort, the capital of the region and famous for being the headquarters of multiple international whitewater canoeing championships.
The next port we encounter is the Cantó (1730 m). After a thousand curves on a mountain road we arrive at La Seu d’Urgell, a city where two rivers, the Valira and the Segre, join, which has a river park where the canoeing tests of the Barcelona Olympics 92 were held.
Relax, free afternoon to go around and dinner at the hotel.
DÍA 8 – La Seu d’Urgell – Ripoll
Distance: 116 km
Elevation: +2190 m
Difficulty: medium
Today’s route starts in the Alt Urgell region and takes us to the Bergadà region. It is an area of great beauty, with very quiet roads and some “leg-breakers” sections, typical of pre-Pyrenean mountains. We pass the ports of La Trava, 1491 m high, and La Josa, 1640 m high, and we arrive at Gosol, a small mountain village located at the foot of the Serra del Cadí, where the painter Pablo Picasso spent the spring of the year 1906.
We continue through the pass of Merolla (1100 m) and, a few kilometers later, we find our destination, Ripoll, the capital of Ripollès.
In the afternoon, relax and a must-see: the monastery, a Catalan Romanesque art jewel.
DAY 9 From Ripoll to Palamós
Distance: 141 km
Elevation: +1409 m
Difficulty: medium
Our goal, the Mediterranean Sea, is very close. Today’s stage, the last one, runs along roads with little traffic and with very affordable ports.
The first one is the port of Canes, 1120 m high and a pleasant slope of 3%.
We pedal eastward on a road that weaves up-and-down, quietly, along with lush forests.
Finally, after 9 days of cycling adventure, we arrive in Palamós, the capital of the Baix Empordà, where we will take a well-deserved bath in the Mediterranean Sea, with our head and legs full of happiness.
Relax, free afternoon and farewell dinner at the hotel.
DAY 10 End of the adventure
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport, or to the agreed place, where we put an end to our adventure and our services. See you on our next adventure !!!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Related Posts
