Is it possible to cycle the GR11?
No, not at all. The Trans-Pyrenees MTB route goes further south, away from the high mountains along which the GR11 runs.
Furthermore, I must tell you that even if you think it is not impossible, since you can always carry your bike on your back, the passage through National Parks may be prohibited. For example in Ordesa and Monte Perdido. cycling is not allowed "on restricted paths and roads".You would not legally be able to follow the path.
Although the entire route of the Senda Pirenaica Gr 11 is not suitable for cycling, there are parts of it that could be accessible, such as the westernmost or easternmost part.. But in most of the stages you will find impracticable areas.
For example, in the Western Pyrenees, perhaps more than 30% of the route may be accessible, but it alternates sections of path that are not passable with tracks, so that it can be difficult to follow the route. In addition, many paths that seem accessible at first glance can be very steep. The most favourable for cycling could be the first stage (Cabo de Higuer to Bera), the 5th stage between Burguete and Villanueva de Aezcoa and 2/3 of stage 8 between Ochagavía and Isaba. So, as you can see, even in the most accessible part of the Pyrenees it is difficult to follow the GR11 by bike. However, there are good cycling alternatives in this part of the Pyrenees.
Trans-Pyrenees by bike
As I said at the beginning, Trans-Pyrenean routes have been designed to suit the bike.: for mtb, road as well as gravel bike courses. So having these alternatives tailored to the mode you like best, I doubt you'll want to take your bike on a trail only suitable for trekking.
If you need information, there are some books that may be useful for you, such as:
- "The Great Crossing of the Pyrenees in B.T.T. from Sea to Sea".by Fernando Lampre and Miguel Angel Acin
Look on the internet "transpirenaica en btt", for example, you will find pages or tracks with information that can be very useful for you.
And by bike and on skis?
This title may have seemed a bit "facetious", but writing the article I was reminded of this story that we shared some time ago in the news section of the Newsletter (advertising spot: sign up). Three friends, who cross the Central Pyrenees on their gravel bikes and skis in a self-sufficient way.while discovering the deepest and coldest Pyrenees. Here is the video:
Quick guide
GR 11
with everything you need to know before undertaking the Pyrenean Path
