Pyrenees Sea to Sea Bike Tour

Today you’ll ride from the foothills into the mighty Pyrenees. Begin with a climb up the Col de Burdincurutcheta, a popular bird migration viewpoint leading into the fall months. As you summit this first climb, keep your eyes peeled for wood pigeons, honey buzzards, and cranes. You’ll ride through the largest broadleaf forest in Europe, en route to Col d’Iraty and your first "hors catégorie" climb, Col de Soudet. You'll be surrounded by vast gorges and quaint pastoral villages where sheep cheese production is the main source of work and income. Enjoy lunch at the café of your choice today, giving you flexibility to ride at your own pace along the Route du Fromage and explore this remote Basque country. You’ll reconvene with the rest of the group for dinner at your hotel deep in the Vallée d’Aspe.

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From your hotel you'll ride down the Vallée d’Aspe this morning to cross over to the Vallée d’Ossau, as you continue your journey into the Hautes-Pyrénées. If you're lucky, as you climb through the old beechwood forests to Col de Marie-Blanque you may see one of the six recently reintroduced brown bears. Later you'll also pass the Neoclassical spa town of Eaux-Bonnes which offers an ideal place to stop for lunch before the next two historic and challenging climbs. This afternoon, you’ll tackle two legendary ascents—Col d’Aubisque and Col du Soulor. You’ll climb Aubisque from the ‘hard’ side which starts out relatively easy until after the Cascade de Valentin where you’ll be confronted by thigh-burning 13% grades. If the riding doesn't take your breath away, then the stunning views on a clear day certainly will! Later on, enjoy a long descent to the hotel near Argelès-Gazost, to swap stories with your new cycling friends over a well-earned gourmet French feast.

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Prepare for climbing today on the biggest day of elevation gain on the trip! You’ll climb Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and Col de Peyresourde, three of the five climbs that have been regularly featured in the Tour de France, where many have tried but only the strongest survived. You’ll begin your day with a warm-up in the Gorge de Luz, en route to Col du Tourmalet, the highest pass traversable by a vehicle and home of the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. After an exhilarating descent, climb again to the cow-grazing peak of Col d’Aspin and swoop down to Arreau, the former capital of ancient Aragon. Arreau enjoys an almost rainless micro-climate in the shadow of these large mountains. You have the freedom to challenge these peaks at your own pace, stopping for lunch in any of these mountain villages when you choose. The final climb is more gradual up to Col de Peyresourde, before zipping down into Bagnères-de-Luchon for a hearty meal and a cozy bed.

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It's a rest day today - and an opportunity to relax, recuperate, and charge your batteries for the rest of the trip. Relax in Bagnères-de-Luchon as you soak your aches and pains away at a mountain spa and maybe take a visit to the "thermes" and warm-up your muscles in the Vaporarium—a one-of-a-kind natural underground steam bath. Work out any kinks with an indulgent massage and then enjoy the swimming pool and spend the afternoon at your leisure. The area offers other activities for an afternoon of fun—rafting, kayaking, caving, climbing, and hiking are just a few of the options. If you're interested there's also the opportunity to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the region as you "parapente" back down the mountain! Whatever you decide, this is your day to do as little - or as much - as you want. (Please note that some of these extra activities require advance reservations and are not included in the trip price.)

Today you'll say "au revoir" to France and "hola" as you head into Spain! You’ll enter the Val d’Aran from atop the wooded Col du Portillon. This valley is on the French side of the Pyrenean watershed but - under Spanish rule - was cut-off from the outside world for centuries. Your biggest challenge of the day is Puerto de la Bonaigua: a Category 1 climb and the highest mountain you’ll climb in Spain. A barren and broad landscape stretches before you as you wind your way down the valley to one of the premier whitewater rafting spots in Europe, La Noguera Pallaresa. You’ll end the day in the luckiest town in Spain, Sort ("luck" in Catalan). Sort attracts Spaniards from all over the country, who buy their lottery tickets here in hopes of becoming the next "El Gordo" winner. Tonight you’ll regroup in town with your traveling companions to enjoy some typical Catalan cuisine and "tapas."

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Enjoy your last big day of climbing on your trans-Pyrenees journey today. Starting with a Category 1 pass, a regular climb of the Vuelta a España—Coll de Cantó. You'll then drop down to La Seu d’Urgell, where you may choose to have lunch along the river where the canoeing events of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics were held. Continue pedaling along quiet, beautiful roads in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, a 250-square mile park which is too steep for skiing or agriculture and makes a perfect playground for thrill-seeking hikers and climbers. Alongside the roads you'll also often see goat-like chamois precariously perched or maybe locals out foraging for mushrooms. End your day in Gósol, a remote town where Pablo Picasso once famously traveled in search of fresh inspiration. Tonight you'll savor a hearty dinner at a small local bistro in the town center before turning in for a refreshing alpine rest.

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Dive into the day and explore the many sights you pass on your ride through this intriguing and unique region of the Pyrenees. First up is the Pedraforca, a dramatic limestone outcropping reminiscent of the Matterhorn in Switzerland. The seemingly endless limestone façade is slowly replaced by organic volcanic hills as you make your way to Olot, a town at the heart of a region rich with natural beauty. Enjoy lunch along the way in Sant Joan de las Abadesses and stroll among the many historic remains including a Benedictine monastery and reconstructed 12th century bridge. Tonight relax and rest up before your final ride of the journey tomorrow, and your first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea!

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Today the last exhilarating ride of your epic trans-Pyrenees adventure lies before you - so savor every moment! You’ll start by crossing La Vall d’en Bas, which hosted a 2005 Vuelta a España stage start, and cruise through the training ground that many professional cyclists use to jump-start their season. One last relatively small climb stands between you and your long awaited view of the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Your ride ends with a spectacular finale, winding along the rugged, beautiful Costa Brava (the brave coast) to your hotel nestled right on the beach. Here, you'll ceremoniously conclude your ride by again dipping your tire and your toes in the sea. While overlooking the clear blue waters with your fellow riding companions, you’ll toast to your conquest of the magnificent Pyrenees with a traditional glass of “cava” from your hotel’s terrace while enjoying a farewell dinner overlooking the water as the sun sets behind the mighty jagged peaks you’ve just traveled.

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This last morning is yours to do as you please. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil Mediterranean Sea, or take a walk along the sandy beach and enjoy the spray of the surf. You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the hotel before shuttling to the Girona Train Station to continue on your next adventure.