Yearly Archives: 2019

Are you thinking about taking a vacation? Do you plan a motorcycle outing somewhere original? Do you like nature in its purest state?

Traveling by motorcycle is a sensation hardly comparable to other more conventional means of transport. For road lovers, the effect of driving a motorcycle on back roads is hard to describe with words. Smells, colors, the breeze on our body or the light that enters through the visor of our helmet, are pleasures that only bikers can experience first-hand.

For this reason, today we want to encourage you to prepare your vacations and get into one of the most popular roads for bikers in Europe, the Pyrenees.

Prepare your trip to Pyrenees by motorcycle!

The main objective that you should consider when planning your motorcycle trip to the Pyrenees is to rest and clear your mind for a few days. To be able to enjoy the endless routes that you will find in the Pyrenees, you must be proactive and plan ahead certain aspects to avoid setbacks.

Check your motorcycle

Before starting any motorcycle route, you must know the state of the parts and gears of your vehicle. When was the last time you changed the wheels? Are they in a position to make distances? And the chain of transmission? How are the oil levels?

Our recommendation is that you visit a workshop because it is a journey in which you will travel long distances and in which the most important thing is to have fun and avoid setbacks as much as possible to drive safely.

Documentation in order

Whenever you take the motorcycle you must carry all the necessary and mandatory documentation duly updated. Even more so if we find ourselves touring the Pyrenees by motorcycle.

Many of the routes that you will find in the area of the Pyrenees pass around the border with France and Andorra, so carrying the documentation becomes essential.

Physical state

Traveling by motorcycle, our body adopts postures that can be uncomfortable after hours and kilometers of road. Therefore, our recommendation is to make stops every hour or an hour and a half at most to relax the body and do some stretching to decongest certain areas of the body.

Weight distribution

Finally, in terms of luggage, we must bear in mind that a motorcycle is not like a vehicle and that, therefore, the distribution of the weight is very important. Make a good distribution of luggage will give us the stability to avoid frights or feeling of imbalance when taking curves.

Enjoy your trip through Pyrenees by motorcycle!

There are many ways to travel, but nothing like traveling by motorcycle route.

When you are looking for motorcycle route, the freedom of movement, the facility to discover places and the proximity of everything that surrounds us, are not comparable to the sensations offered by other means of transport.

If you are a lover of the road and speed, you have surely considered the possibility of making a motorcycle route. That is why today we are going to talk about the Trans-Pyrenean route. A combination of nature, landscapes, and history seasoned with many protected natural spaces and charming places that you will surely remember all your life.

The Trans-Pyrenean route, also known as GR11, goes from Girona to Biarritz, a total of 800 kilometers that will allow you to get to know the Pyrenees mountain range, located between Spain, Andorra, and France. And see the Cantabrian Sea to the West and the Mediterranean Sea to the East.

As you can imagine, you will go through many villages, so today we leave you with a list of those who have to visit no matter what:

Andorra La Vella

Andorra La Vella is an ideal place to go shopping. Do not hesitate to walk through its streets and enjoy its shops. Also, it is an excellent opportunity to buy those products that we have forgotten to put in our suitcase.

If you visit this place especially in spring, we recommend you to visit the Valira River, where you can walk along its banks under the branches of cherry blossoms. Remember to visit Dalí’s Bland Clock, a sculpture that measures almost 5 meters high and weighs 1400 kilos. It belonged to the personal secretary of Dalí who lived in Andorra la Bella and finally donated it to the city.

Vielha

It is one of the most charming towns in the Spanish Pyrenees. The roofs of the houses are made of slate, and wherever you look, you will find yourself surrounded by mountains. Undoubtedly, all this makes it an almost obligatory stop if you are doing the Trans-Pyrenean route.

If you travel with time, we recommend you to make some of the hiking routes that are in the area to see first-hand the nature that surrounds this place or visit the Museo del Valle, where you can see from typical objects to old photos of the area.

Biarritz

It is a beautiful coastal town full of history; it was a very touristy town of French high society in the times of Louis XIV. It is the perfect stop to enjoy a few days of sun, beach and a lot of rest in your motorcycle route.

The Casino of the city, located in the center of it, is the art deco symbol of the city. In addition to being a casino, inside you can also find a theater, a pool and a restaurant.

Hondarribia

Hondarribia is a small fishing village of Gipuzkoa famous for its traditional pintxos. We recommend that you go through the bars tasting the specialties that each one offers, a very good way to taste the gastronomy of the area.

When you travel by motorcycle you always have to exercise extreme caution since we are more vulnerable than with other means of transport, even more so if we are making a journey through the Pyrenees by motorcycle.

Today we bring you a series of biker tips to enjoy driving, always keeping in mind certain safe behaviors.

Safety tips for driving a motorcycle through  Pyrenees

1.      Position your body aerodynamically

When you drive at high speed you will notice that the force of the wind exerts greater force and friction on your body and helmet.

By making a slight movement bringing our body forward in a relaxed way, without forcing too much or having to touch the bike’s tank, you will gain in comfort. This posture allows the flow of air to circulate in a more aerodynamic manner, avoiding greater fatigue and muscle pain.

Traveling by motorcycle through the Pyrenees you will find high mountain roads that are more exposed to the wind, so the position of the body and the
essential protection to drive safely will be the key.

2.      The counter-handle

This technique used to take curves and to tilt more or less in the line will facilitate driving. We recommend that for safety if you have not done it before, practice on long straights at medium speed, about 50 km/hour.

Place the palms of the hands on the handlebars and force the handlebar with the right hand so that it moves slightly to the right. You will notice immediately that the bike responds by turning to the opposite side, your left.

Practice to familiarize yourself with the sensation and you can apply it to your Pyrenees motorcycle route.

3.      The use of footrests

A technique to provide further traction and safety to the bike when taking curves is to give more strength or support to the footrest of force in the curve. If it is a right-hand curve, we will press the left footrest to steer the bike more firmly on the curve.

On the roads of the Pyrenees, we can find changing climates, and without realizing it, you can form a small storm in a few minutes. Applying this wet road technique can help us avoid mishaps.

4.      Cross a tunnel

At certain times of the day, depending on the position of the sun, we must take precautions on the bike when entering a tunnel.

For a moment, right at the entrance, we can be left without visibility, so our advice is to moderate your speed. If you drive around town, you can take as a reference the drivers of the cars to drive with more caution until the view gets used to the amount of light.

You know, being on a motorcycle route through the Pyrenees you should be cautious and careful, knowing this kind of easily applicable techniques, can help you safely enjoy your motorcycle journey.

Motorcycle Routes is for lovers of mountain bike trips, there are special places that trap for its breathtaking landscapes and mythical roads. One of those routes is in the Pyrenees.

Among the thousands of routes through the Pyrenees that you can take, today we want to tell you about this obligatory crossing for any mountain biker looking for plans for this summer.

Route through the Pyrenees between Tourmalet and Ordesa

This mythical route between the French and Spanish Pyrenees crosses world-renowned places such as the Col du Tourmalet port, the emblematic mountain pass of the Tour de France. In addition, this circular route crosses towns that date back to the Middle Ages as Pont de Suert and Aínsa, near the Ordesa y Monte lost national park.

We start this summer route between Tourmalet and Ordesa in the beautiful village of Sort where we can spend the night before embarking on our Pyrenean journey. Taking the C-13, which later, without changing direction will become the C-28 we will arrive to Vielha where we can make a well-deserved rest.

Leaving Vielha for the same C-28 we will look for the N-230 until we reach Bossost, very close to the border with France. From here, taking the D618A we will reach Banyeres de Luchon, known for its ski resort and thermal station.

From this town and taking the D618 we will drive 25 kilometers to Genos. From here, a very interesting stretch begins for lovers of curves, taking the D25 and then turning to the D225 and following the signs to Bourisp.

From this town, we will start one of the longest stretches of the route following the steps of cycling and entering the port of Col du Tourmalet by the D113 and then direction Lartigue to the point of stop to admire the views.

After admiring this impressive place, we will take the D918 until we reach Luz Saint Sauveur where you can visit the Castle of Santa María of the X century. From Luz, on the D921 we will drive to Argeles Gazost through the so-called Ruta de Luz.

Next, we will have to look for the road towards Formigal that crosses Arrens Marsous by the D934. Once we cross the border back to Spain, a hard but impressive stretch begins for lovers of motorcycles. Taking the A136 from Formigal and later the Trans-Pyrenean N-260 we will get to Biescas in Huesca.

From Biescas we pass through Sarvise and taking the HU-6314 road towards Valle de Pineta we will arrive at Aínsa, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

From Aínsa we take road 260 and the A1605 until we get to Pont de Suert (Lérida). After recovering strength in this magnificent town we will continue by the Trans-Pyrenean 260 for 29 kilometers to Pobla de Segur.

Finally, our route will end in Sort, from where we had left towards France.

Do you want to go? Ask us!

One of the most spectacular routes through the Pyrenees that you will find is waiting for you!

Once the decision of the trip that we will make on a motorcycle and the dates on which we will get on wheels is made, a planning process begins in which we will try not to leave anything essential that we need in our trip.

If you have decided to drive routes through the Catalan Pyrenees by motorbike, the best way to plan everything we will take is to anticipate the needs that may arise.

Catalan Pyrenees, is divided into 2 areas and 11 regions, which limits in the eastern part by the Mediterranean Sea, north by the Pyrenees and west by the counties of the Autonomous Community of Aragon. Therefore, we speak of a changing terrain, with very different temperatures and with the possibility of rain or snow, which requires detailed planning depending on the area through which we make the route.

Next, we talk about the protection we consider is essential to make routes through the Pyrenees by motorcycle.

• Reflective vest: We want to start with this element that we consider essential for a motorcycle trip since it is a high visibility garment that can save our lives. Whether we have a mishap or if we have to stop in a place with poor visibility, the reflective vest is essential to avoid scares. In addition, both in winter and in spring, when it gets dark so soon, wearing this garment is very important.
• Gloves: Both for our safety and comfort, gloves are an essential protection every time we take the bike and even more if we do it in the Catalan Pyrenees. If you have enough space, our advice is that you wear more than one pair of gloves adapted to different weather conditions such as rain, cold or warmer temperatures.
• Change of clothes and underwear: We know that space is small and that any extra kilo can make us travel uncomfortable. But in this type of motorcycle trips, it is more than advisable to take one for each day of travel for our comfort and comfort.
• Motorcycle boots: Boots or boots are an essential element of protection on motorcycle routes because they protect the foot and ankle from inclement weather and, in the event of an accident, protect from twisting and abrasions better than any footwear.
• Motorcycle jacket: There are plenty of different models with greater or lesser capacity to regulate the temperature, but our advice is to always be Gore-Tex. And, of course, they will always carry the regulatory protections on elbows and shoulders.

The routes through the Catalan Pyrenees stand out for their immense natural beauty and their comfortable roads full of curves for lovers of motorcycles. If you have decided to make a trip to one of its impressive natural parks or cozy towns, these essentials that we have spoken to you today will come from pearls.

From Portbou to Hondarribia, for 850 kilometers, you will find a route suitable for lovers of motorcycles and mountain roads that will fascinate you. This route, which crosses the Pyrenees mountain range from coast to coast, is perfect for all types of motorcycles as the asphalt is good and allows easy driving.

On this occasion, we will focus on the routes and places that you can find in the area of Catalunya as it is worth it for its great natural beauty and authentic mountain flavors.

Before undertaking this adventure, you should know that it is one of the most beautiful and spectacular motorcycle routes in Catalunya that can be done in Europe. Therefore, from Pyrenees on Motorbike we want your experience to be complemented with good places to stop to rest or eat so that your memory of the trip is forever.

Where to sleep during your motorcycle routes in Catalunya

If you want to start the motorcycle route in Catalunya along the coast, one of the towns where you can do the first night before the route is the town of Portbou. Here you can make a night to start your road very early towards Figueras and Besalú.

The beautiful coastal town has hotels near the sea where you can rest well. We recommend the Comodoro Hotel, Hostal Costa Blava or the Nouvilas Apartments, among others.

In Sort, famous for its whitewater river, you will find a charming hotel called the Hotel Les Brases where you can rest after a long kilometer and where to dine typical mountain dishes.

Finally, in Pont de Suert, a beautiful and cozy village near Aigües Tortes, you have authentic farmhouses in the Catalan Pyrenees such as Casa Joanot or Ca del Roi.

Authentic flavors of the Catalan Pyrenees

The typical cuisine of the Catalan Pyrenees, in addition to its meats, is based on mushrooms and cheeses from the area. They are authentic flavors with which to recover strength after a motorcycle route. Below we recommend some villages where you can taste authentic flavors of the Catalan Pyrenees.

f you are near Ripoll, do not miss visiting La Barricona, a rustic farmhouse where you can eat typical dishes of the area and craft beer.

Not far from Ripoll and driving in the direction of Berga, you can make a stop on your route to eat at Camping Puigcercós. Your dishes will surprise you!

Another place that may interest you to eat if you are near Baqueira Beret is the Vall d’Aran, once there, ask for a restaurant where they serve authentic Aranese pot. You will warm up fast!

Crossing the Pyrenees along its southern slope, we find an 800-kilometer road that links the Cantabrian and Mediterranean seas. This route is known as the Trans-Pyrenean Route and is considered one of the ten best motorcycle routes in the world.

Throughout this route, bikers will find some of the most spectacular nature reserves in Europe. The mountains, its majestic forests, picturesque villages, rivers and viewpoints from which to admire the wildest nature; they make up the landscape by which they get to drive and enjoy.

The Trans-Pyrenees Adventure

The Trans-Pyrenean Motorcycle Route is an adventure impossible to forget. Crossing the Pyrenees on a motorcycle surrounded by so much wild beauty is a unique experience.

Therefore, we propose this tour that we have split into ten stages through which you’ll cross the Iberian Peninsula and move from the warm and calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the cold and wild waters of the Cantabrian Sea.

We started the adventure in Portbou, located in the Alto Ampurdá region, and we went to Ripoll by the N260 road. Crossing this village, we will head towards Campdevánol and then, taking the B-402, we’ll go towards the Pobla de Lillet, Bellver de Cerdanya and La Seu d’Urgell.

The end of this second stage will end in the beautiful town of Sort where you can enjoy typical cuisine of the Catalan Pyrenees.

Crossing the Sort bridge, we’ll drive our bike towards Tremp and, continuing straight on the N260, we’ll arrive at Pobla de Segur. From here, we’ll take the exit towards Pont de Suert. Once there, we search for Vielha and Castejon de Sos road.

In the fourth stage, taking the mythical Route 260 from Castejon de Sos we’ll head towards Benasque and, once we get to this picturesque town we’ll take a detour to Ainsa.

From Ainsa, we’ll travel to Biescas in the fifth stage of this Trans-Pyrenean Route, arriving in the equator this motorcycle adventure.

From Biescas to Jaca and in Jaca taking exit 424 towards Pamplona until you reach Anso. From Anso, we’ll have to get to Espinal taking first the NA 137 and the NA-140.

In the next stage from Espinal, we’ll drive to Eugi, where on its final stretch of road we can admire a beautiful reservoir next to the town.

One of the last stages of the Trans-Pyrenean Route links Eugi with Lesaca driving on the N-121 A.

Finally, we reach the final stage of the journey between two seas leaving Lesaca, seeking to join the GI-3420 road and look for the detours that will take us to our destination, Irún city of the Basque Country that borders France.

The national highway N-260 that unites the municipalities of Portbou, located in the northeastern part of the region of the High Ampurdá, and Sabiñánigo, situated in the Province of Hueca, is not any stranger for the fans to the motorcycling.

This emblematic route, also known as the Pyrenean Axis, has a length of about 500 kilometers and goes through beautiful villages such as Figueras, Olot, Ripoll, Puigcerda, Seu de Urgell, Sort, Puebla de Segur, Pont de Suert, Ainsa, Boltaña and Fiscal.

Something wonderful to see

On Route 260, each curve is like peering into a viewpoint. The orography accompanies the road throughout its journey.

From the beginning of this route, nature invades the landscape to brighten the view of the biker who enters its curves. Also, its charming stone villages where time seems to have stopped and traces of Romanesque architecture are visible will enchant you.

This motorcycle route in the Pyrenees runs along a quiet road without much traffic, which has been completed not long ago in some of its sections. Making it a real pleasure to drive the motorcycle.

Circular route through the national 260

In Pyrenees on Motorbike, we have developed a circular proposal of the legendary Route 260 that will leave you with an exquisite taste in your mouth.

This motorcycle route in the Pyrenees crossing the wilder and more natural pre-Pyrenean area begins its first stage in the town of Sort. This town, besides being famous for its lottery administration “La Bruixa d’Or”, is protected by majestic mountains. From its Castle of the Counts of Pallars you can enjoy spectacular views of the Cerros de la Costa Negra.

La Seu d’Urgell, also known as the capital of cheese, and Puigcerdá, where Romanesque art is present throughout the town, are two of the towns you can visit.

These well-known towns in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, are followed by La Molina, Ribas de Freser, Lladurs, Tremp or La Pobla del Segur, which is one of our last stretches of this motorcycle route in the Pyrenees before returning to our starting point in Sort.

For those who love mountain routes by motorcycle, Route 260 more than meets travel expectations for all senses. In addition to enjoying a quiet road with spectacular views, this national N-260 runs through villages where it is worth making a stop.

In the Catalan Pyrenees, you will find some unique mountain and coastal roads to enjoy each of their curves. It’s one of the most unique areas of Spain where you can enjoy a clear path on a motorbike. Also, in many of the stretches, you’ll be accompanied by the beautiful views of mountain rivers that meander along the road. In other times, the wonderful roads by the sea will leave you speechless.

The good condition of its roads and curves delights the bikers that every day make a motorcycle route through the Pyrenees. Accompanied by the mountains, the exuberant Pyrenean nature and the splendid blue sea you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramas and pure and clean air.

Mountain and coastal landscapes that you shouldn’t miss on a motorcycle

If you are going to drive a motorcycle route through the Pyrenees, whatever your level of driving, this area of the Peninsula allows you to choose from a wide variety of routes. All of them with the same common denominator: the majestic Catalan Pyrenees mountain range accompanying you during your journeys.

Lleida Pyrenees

One of the first places that you shouldn’t miss if you go by motorcycle route through the Pyrenees are the surroundings of the Aigüestortes National Park. We start the tour in the charming village of Sort taking the C-13 and passing through towns such as Rialp, Espot or Baqueira.

Montseny Natural Park

Just 120 kilometers from Barcelona, taking the C-32 road, we find this beautiful natural park with beautiful curves for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Banyoles Lake

If we change much of the geographical area, we find the singular place of the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa. We recommend you to start the journey from Gerona, taking the C-66 road. Driving north, you’ll have to take the A-26 until you reach Olot and if you still want more kilometers, continue a little further until you reach Ripoll.

Alto Ampurdá

On the Costa Brava, you’ll find some of the most incredible beaches you’ll ever see. In the Alt Empordà Region, there are roads and picturesque villages where you can enjoy a motorcycle through the easternmost part of the Catalan Pyrenees. Taking the well-known route 260, we’ll arrive at emblematic places such as Cadaqués, Roses or L’Escala.

Discover the magic of the Pyrenees aboard a motorcycle!