Pyrennes - Atlantic to the Med

danm99

Anyone ridden this route? looking to do it this summer.

MichaelW

The classic route is the Raid Pyrennee done within the prescribed time (100hrs?).
The RP does take in many of the essential climbs but there are places that it emphasises speed over scenic routes so don't feel compelled to follow the exact route or time.
Some climbs are best done in one direction rather than the other. Generally switchbacks are best climbed and long straight roads are best descended but you can't always chose.
I rode around the Eastern section, just exploring at my own pace. There are plenty of campsites, the local food is excellent and worth leaving the cooking gear at home.

danm99

Thanks for the advice. What direction do people generally ride it then east to west or west to east?

mrc1

West to east is the regular direction - great fun!

polkadotcycling

You can do the RAID Pyrenean in either direction, we've done the east to west direction. The first day is quite easy on the climbing, but a long day in the saddle, the second day takes you over some of the monuments of the pyrenees including the Aubisque & Tourmalet. From this direction it's up the side of the Tourmalet that is used less by the Tour, but equally a great climb, the third day is more Tour greats; Aspin, Peyresaude and the Col d'Aspet and then on the fourth day it's the Col de Porte and Puiymeron. The final day is then predominantly down hill with fast straight roads to begin with and then lovely windy roads along the coast to Cebere. The RAID Pyrenean is the sister RAID to the RAID Alpine - Geneva to Nice (Thonon les Bains to Antibes - officially).

danm99

Cheers for the info. Looking forward to it, will need to get some training in, going to be on tourers! Its part of a bigger ride so should have a week in the saddle under our belts already.....nothing like getting fit for a ride. . on the ride!