Pyrennes - Atlantic to the Med

danm99
danm99 Posts: 22
edited May 2012 in Tour & expedition
Anyone ridden this route? looking to do it this summer.
Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle

Comments

  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    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
    danm99 Posts: 22
    Thanks for the advice. What direction do people generally ride it then east to west or west to east?
    Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle
  • mrc1
    mrc1 Posts: 852
    West to east is the regular direction - great fun!
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  • polkadotcycling
    polkadotcycling Posts: 14
    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).
    There is nothing like the incredible feeling of summiting a Tour climb with blue skies all around and the sun on your back.
  • danm99
    danm99 Posts: 22
    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!
    Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle

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