Pyrenees extreme 4PE2502
Our Pyrenees Extreme adventure could not have started under better conditions – a full day of brilliant sunshine and perfect riding temperatures accompanied us from the very beginning. We set off from our base at the Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime, spirits high and bikes ready for the road ahead. Our first cultural highlight awaited us in the sacred surroundings of Montserrat, where we visited the Ermita de Santa Cecília and the historic Monestir de Santa Cecília de Montserrat. A truly inspiring way to begin the journey. The ride continued north through sweeping roads until we reached the impressive Castell de Cardona, a fortress steeped in centuries of Catalan history. With its commanding views, it reminded us how perfectly castles were positioned to watch over the land. For lunch, we stopped at Restaurant La Cabana in Berga, where local flavors and a warm welcome gave us fresh energy for the afternoon’s ride. From there, a series of stunning mountain passes delivered the pure riding joy this tour is known for. Our final destination was the serene Monestir de Santa Maria de Bellpuig de les Avellanes, where peace, history, and beautiful surroundings marked the end of an unforgettable first day. Tradition demanded the perfect conclusion: the famous “Boot Beer”, a refreshing toast to celebrate a fantastic start and the adventures yet to come!
Day two of our Pyrenees Extreme adventure brought with it the longest riding stage of the tour: a full 435 kilometers of curves, passes, and pure riding joy. We left Os de Balaguer early in the morning, knowing a long and demanding day was ahead of us. The weather was on our side – almost the entire ride was blessed with brilliant sunshine, making every mountain panorama even more impressive. The route carried us across winding roads, endless hills, and high mountain passes. With every stop, the smiles grew wider – this was exactly the kind of riding we came here for. Only a few kilometers before reaching our destination, the skies began to turn grey, and clouds reminded us that in the Pyrenees, the weather can change quickly. But the timing was on our side: we rolled safely into Pamplona just as the first raindrops began to fall. It was a long day in the saddle, but one that left us all with unforgettable memories – and with anticipation for the adventures still to come.
For some, today was a well-deserved rest day in Pamplona – in fact, only two riders decided to stay behind and enjoy the city at a slower pace. The rest of the group set off enthusiastically, aiming for the Atlantic coast. Unfortunately, heavy rain and persistent showers forced us to turn back before reaching that symbolic destination. But as it turned out, this was far from a disappointment. Pamplona itself had prepared a wonderful surprise: during our visit, the city was celebrating a special anniversary. Instead of chasing the ocean, we found ourselves right in the middle of a lively street parade, full of music, color, and local traditions. What started as a rainy detour became an unforgettable highlight of the tour – proof that sometimes the best memories are made when plans change.
Leaving Pamplona, our adventure carried us across the border into France, climbing steadily into the higher elevations of the Pyrenees. It was a day full of contrasts, both in scenery and in weather. The morning started under grey skies, with mist hanging low over the mountains and the air feeling heavy with the promise of rain. But as we stopped for lunch in the highlands, the clouds broke open and we were welcomed by warm sunshine – the perfect reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the mountains. The afternoon ride delivered sweeping curves, dramatic landscapes, and that unmistakable thrill of riding deeper into the heart of the Pyrenees. Toward the end of the stage, a light mountain drizzle returned, and for safety reasons we decided to skip the last planned mountain pass. Even so, arriving in the charming town of Luz Saint Sauveur felt like a true reward. Surrounded by peaks and alpine charm, it was the perfect place to rest, recharge, and look forward to the adventures still ahead.
After several long riding days, today’s stage was “only” 260 kilometers – which gave us the rare luxury of a slightly later start. At half past eight, we rolled out of Luz Saint Sauveur, ready for what promised to be one of the most memorable days of the entire tour. And what a day it was! Today’s highlights were all about the legendary mountain passes of the Pyrenees, many of them etched in cycling history thanks to the Tour de France: Col du Tourmalet – the highest and most famous pass of the Pyrenees, a true icon. Col d’Aspin – a scenic climb offering wide mountain panoramas. Col de Peyresourde – with its endless curves and breathtaking views. Col de Menté – narrow, intimate, and beautifully remote. And finally, just before the end of the ride, Col de Port, the perfect last challenge before descending into Tarascon. The weather could not have been better: brilliant sunshine for most of the day. Only the last two passes presented us with slightly wet roads, but the light drizzle held off until we had already parked the bikes at our hotel. An amazing riding day is now behind us – the kind of day that makes the Pyrenees Extreme so special. Tomorrow, we’ll cross back into Spain for the final two days of our adventure.
Today we left Tarascon-sur-Ariège and made our way back into Spain. The sky was overcast for most of the day, with heavy clouds following us through the Pyrenees. Luckily, just like on the previous days, we managed to stay ahead of the rain – it only caught up with us a few minutes after we had already arrived at our destination. Our home for the night was a quiet and charming hotel in Maçanet de Cabrenys. Normally a tranquil retreat, its garden terrace came alive this evening – not only with the sound of our motorcycles but above all thanks to a special occasion: we celebrated the birthday of Michael, one of our tour guides. It was the perfect ending to the day: great company, a peaceful setting, and a moment of joy that made this stage truly unforgettable.
Today marked the final stage of our Pyrenees Extreme Tour, as we returned to Barcelona. After days filled with unforgettable mountain passes and breathtaking scenery, we once again enjoyed some of the most spectacular winding roads. Our route took us through the beautiful Montseny Natural Park and the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, where technical curves, lush landscapes, and unique volcanic terrain created the perfect farewell ride. This time, however, we couldn’t escape the weather – a thundercloud caught up with us and gave us a proper shower during the last kilometers before reaching the city. Yet, the atmosphere remained cheerful, as everyone knew they had completed something truly special. The Pyrenees Extreme Tour may be over, but the memories, friendships, and experiences will stay with us forever.