Trans-Pyrenees mountain biking: everything you need to know
The Trans-Pyrenees Crossing goes from the Cap de Creus a Cabo Higuerfrom Cadaqués to Hondarribia. In total, there are 810 kilometres with a cumulative difference in altitude of over 24,000 metres.The proposed route through the Pyrenees is a continuous up and down. Although everyone knows this route as the Trans-Pyrenees crossing, the route follow the route of the GR-11The route, which links the two towns by crossing the mountain range that marks the border with France, is almost entirely signposted with red and white markings.
Even so, it is worth noting that there are areas where we find alternative passages or routes to the GR-11 trail, so the distance and total elevation gain may vary. These are small changes that will not alter the route to a great extent, changes that you can make in some stages if you have already done the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing before. Another aspect to highlight is that the 65% of the route is on dirt roadsIt is therefore important to be used to riding on this surface and to have a mountain bike to help you complete the route.
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Depending on the source you go to, you will find from 12 or 14 stages to 17 or more days of travel. It is undeniable that you need a good preparation to complete the Trans-Pyrenees MTB raceThe more so if you are going to travel with panniers, but depending on your level on the bike and the time you have available. you can lengthen the stages or shorten them. so that each cyclist can design the route according to his or her abilities. Finally, it should be noted that A good part of the route runs at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, with the added difficulty that this entails..
When to do the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing
Most cyclists do the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing in the summer months, coinciding with the holidays, which gives us a wider margin to complete the route. Although the crossing can be done all year round, it is important to be clear that in spring and summer we will have an a priori more favourable climate than at other times of the year. For example, in autumn and winter the cold can wreak havoc at higher altitudes, not to mention the added difficulty of snow.
We must not forget that we are in a high mountain climate, which is very changeable.and even if you make the crossing in the spring or summer months, you can still make the journey in the summer. in the same stage you can find different climatic situations. Thus, it is common to go from hot in the lower areas, where the thermometer can exceed 30ºC, to cold on the mountain peaks, where the mercury will have plummeted; a stage that starts with sunshine can end in a storm depending on the weather situation. The changeable weather is an additional handicap for completing this journey.
Equipment for the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing
On the one hand, you will have to travel with your luggage, but on the other hand, the bike will also require a certain amount of care and you will have to travel with the necessary equipment. If you're used to doing this type of cycling and travelling with panniers, it won't be a mystery to you; but you will have to travelling with the right clothing for the right time of year. Returning to the climate thread, don't forget your warm clothes (sleeves, leggings and windbreaker or mackintosh included) to cope with the cold you may encounter. Layering is best also when we do the Trans-Pyrenees MTB.
As we said, it also You will need to carry a basic kit of spare parts and tools for your bike.The lighter you travel the better, but a set of Allen keys for adjusting the frame when necessary, a puncture repair kit or even a spare inner tube are essential for a ride like this. The lighter you travel the better, but a set of Allen keys to adjust the frame when necessary, a puncture repair kit or even a spare inner tube are essential for a ride like the Trans-Pyrenees. We will also need the GPS, maps and road book.. We can carry them on our mobile phones, but we don't always have coverage in the mountains.
Where to sleep on the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing
Accommodation is another key aspect of the journey. The Trans-Pyrenees Crossing crosses a large number of towns and villages. so we will choose our accommodation according to the stages. Whether you're travelling alone or in a group, it's a different story. hostels, refuges and hotels or rural houses throughout the tour. An alternative to conventional accommodation is the bikepacking, doing the Trans-Pyrenees CrossingcampingHowever, we will have to carry the tent and the rest of the necessary elements on the bike, increasing the difficulty.
Tips for the Trans-Pyrenees Crossing
There are companies that transport luggage from one point to another.so that you only have to worry about completing the stage. When you arrive at the finish line, you will find your luggage in the indicated accommodation, so we have more freedom with the luggage and we avoid the panniers. They can be a good solution if you've never done such a long ride or don't want to ride with panniers.
As we have said, it is essential to be fit to complete the route. It should be prepared well in advance. If you do it in a group, all members must be of a similar level. or you will not enjoy the crossing as it deserves. Finally, before setting off, it is essential to be clear about the different stages you will do and the route you will take (especially if you take an alternative route), plus a possible rest day. And don't forget the most important thing, enjoy the journey.
