Western Pyrenees route advice

ford2600

Heading to Biarritz area for weather, 3-4 hiking and have agreed to a few days at beach.

Given close proximity of Pyrenees was thinking of hiring bike heading to Pau region for one day of tough climbing.

About 100-120 km route if lads have suggestions. Doing solo and will have bike in car, so flexible on statrt point but want to keep near enough to coast to keep drive reasonable.

Like to climb, have done a lot of hills this year, not quick just steady.

lennymc

search on here for raid pyrenean, a few of us did this a couple of weeks ago. It was good, great climbing roads.

Caroline_ie

I would drive all the way to in Argelès-Gazost. From there you have Hautacam, Aubisque, Soulor etc all available to you. We did that a couple of years ago while staying at my mum's in Biarritz.

There is something called : CHRONO'CYCLO ARDIDEN-TOURMALET-HAUTACAM. You get the timing bracelet at the tourist office and your time is automatically uploaded to their site. You can time yourself anytime you like.

You could also go see our boards-mate velo peloton at http://www.lanternerougecycling.com/ He's probably he most knowledgable boardsie on the area.

ROK ON

The Aubisque from the West is simply stunning. In verdant forest for 2/3rds of the climb with waterfalls around every corner.
Highly worthwhile.

What Caro said. If you go to Argeles, then be sure to cycle up to Ger and onto the Lesponne Valley via Col de Couret.
Empty roads through hamlets, cycling through forest with streams running on the roadside.
Lots of short climbs with stupid gradients, fantastic descents.
Like another world.

Sean02

You could drive to Oloron Sainte marie or Laurens and ride the Col du Pourtlec 1790mtrs. long gentle gradients but no heavy traffic. Did it 10 days ago.

colm_gti

When are you going? I'll be there for 10 days from next Friday, with my bike....