Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the Spanish-french border, and then a stunning climb to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery overviewing the coast. It is 676 km long and includes all 3 Catalan-speaking countries: Spain, France, and Andorra. The route includes many important climbs in the area such as Coll d'Ares, La Quillane, Puymorens, Envalira, Collada de Toses, or Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. The highest point is Coll d'Envalira, at 2407 mts height, in fact, the highest pass in the whole Pyrenees range of mountains. The total elevation of the trip is over 9700 mts. Possible start at Ripoll, we climb Coll d’Ares then to Prats de Mollo, towards Pertús, La Jonquera to Roses and then heading north to France until Collioure and Bompàs (home of the club who suggested the tour). Then to Rivesaltes, Sournia, Prades, Sant Miquel de Cuixa, Sant Marti del Canigo, Vilafranca de Conflent. Climb to Coll de la Quillane. Mont Louis, Llac de las Bouillouses. then you have to climb to Puymorens and Port d’Envalira. Descent to Andorra and back to Catalonia then Collada de Toses and back to Ripoll. Nevertheless, there is also some additional climb that should be mentioned and included if you have time enough on a trip like this. Let me suggest one of my favorite climbs in the whole Pyrenees, which is Port de Pailheres. When to do the trip This trip is possible in summer, and also late spring or early autumn. It is also possible to do
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the
Today we climbed one of the nicest climbs all over the Pyrenees: Port de Pailheres, at 2001 mts height. More than 15 km to get to the top of this amazing climb, which has been included in the Tour de France route in several editions. The last 4 km of the climb are just superb with steep parts and fantastic views. At the top it is very usual to see some wild horses around. The road sign with height is in a small building on top. The steepest side (and the one used by Tour de France) is from Mijanes, then descending to Ax Les Thermes, most of the times to finish in Plateau de Beille or even at Ax 3 Domains (Plateau de Bonascre). There are a couple of loops we strongly recommend. First one the loop including Port de Pailheres and Col du Pradel, with 83 km and 2700 mts elevation, and another loop with Col de Chioula and Port de Pailheres with very similar numbers. Amazing rides both of them in the heart of the Pyrenees with very scarce traffic and stunning landscapes. Pailheres in the Pyrenees should be on your trip if you ever cycle along the Pyrenees, and especially if you ever do the Transpyrenees cycling route!
Today we climbed one of the nicest climbs all over the Pyrenees: Port de Pailheres, at 2001 mts height. More than 15 km to get to the top of this amazing climb, which has been included in the Tour de France route in several editions. The last 4 km of the climb are just superb
Group picture at the top of Coll Formic!! Today this group of strong riders coming from #Switzerland started a trip along the #Pyrenees. Our turn to show them that big #mountains in Europe is not just about the #Alps! #roadcycling #biketrip #biketours #roadbike
Group picture at the top of Coll Formic!! Today this group of strong riders coming from #Switzerland started a trip along the #Pyrenees. Our turn to show them that big #mountains in Europe is not just about the #Alps! #roadcycling #biketrip #biketours #roadbike
This is the most famous climb in cycling world. No doubt. It is not the most difficult climb, nor the most steep. It is not the highest. Not even has the best scenery. Not sure other climbs have more history. It is the combination of it all, that makes Tourmalet so special. Year after year Le Tour de France pays tribute to this special climb and host hundreds of thousands people watching cyclists struggling to get to the top As a cycling fan, once you get to the top, you must make a picture beside "Le Geant du Tourmalet", the silver statue of a cyclist (said to be Octave Lapize, first cyclist to cross the col in 1910 Tour de France). This statue is removed during winter, and is kept in Gedre, beside Bagneres de Bigorre. Only beginning of each June, the giant comes back to its place, in an every time more popular congregation of cyclists, joining the geant in its way back. You should also stop at the mythical bar to eat something or drink a coke, but also to watch the old pictures on the walls, the old bikes hanging up there and smelling the cycling history. You must also enter the souvenirs shop and buy some shirt, pin or small gadget that after many years will make you remind you were there. Join our Barcelona Tourmalet trip next summer! More details here: https://roadcycling.barcelona/tours/barcelona-tourmalet/
This is the most famous climb in cycling world. No doubt. It is not the most difficult climb, nor the most steep. It is not the highest. Not even has the best scenery. Not sure other climbs have more history. It is the combination of it all, that makes Tourmalet so special. Year after year
