Pyrenees Trails

[beddowsm]

Just back from a 9 day trip down riding the trails in the Pyrenees with Al (Tendays) and Ashley (XRV). Fantastic time. 5 days trail riding on a variety of terrain with 2 great riders.

First, thanks to BobOneLeg and Pyn for maps which we used to mark our own copies with. We had plenty of trails to cover and really need a few weeks down there to cover all we had marked up.

Set off from mine at 0745 Friday for the long slog down to Spain. After a 2 hour ride I met Al and his Bongo that would be our home for the jounrey. His DRZ400 was already loaded inside. A quick load of my 950 onto a trailer and we hit the road. An hour and half later we met Ashley and his 950 was loaded onto the trailer next to mine. Then time for the long slog South, rotating drivers every 2-3 hours. We drove none stop and avoided all toll roads. It really was a long journey. Arriving in Sort (Spain) at 16:00 Saturday.

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Sunday was our first trail day and we decided to stay local to Sort. After a shakey start finding the trails (the maps were pretty awkward to read) we found a network of fantastic trails. The second trail of the day turned out to be 40 miles long and took us up to 2,500 meters.

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[beddowsm]

On Monday we loaded the bikes and set off on a 3 day, 2 night (wild camp) trip. No planned route, we just made it up as we went along. The trails were long (30-40 miles) and flowed from one to another. There really is that much terrain down in the mountains.

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We dropped off the mountains at approx 1700 to find fuel and stop up with beers for the evening ahead. Then hit another trail where we planned to ride high and find a wild camp spot for the evening. The trail was pretty technical and it ascended and went on for miles. Then we hit "the Hill of Doom". It looked un-ridable. We walked up it....or scrambled to be more presise. So steep and littered with fist sized rocks. No chance. It was so hard just standing on it. So I opted to go first. Round the first bend and then into a world of trouble. No chance was the 950 going anywhere apart from on the floor. After 20 mins of struggling we turned the bike round and I headed down. Once the other 2 came down Ive no idea why Ashley thought it would be a good idea......but he did, and up he went. Further than me but the ending was the same. Well, not really. Off he came and down the slope he fell. Up again, back on the bike, a bit further and then off.....followed by a scream. Leg was trapped under the bike. I tried shifting the bike but another scream told me it was a bad idea. Al ran up and between us we managed to get the bike off Ashleys leg. Amazingly no injury and the 950 was turned round and down he came. Al let us down by not even having a go.

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[beddowsm]

We had no option, turn round and ride down the trail to find a wild camp spot. And we found a great place for the first night. Tents were pitched, fire wood was found, food was cooked and beers were opened. What a great spot.

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The following day we decamped, tidied up the fire and it would have been hard to know that we even spent the night.

More fantastic trails Tuesday.

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It was pretty leg shaking getting the bike out onto the ledge!

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[beddowsm]

Another nights wild spot was found. Same as the previous night, tents were pitched, firewood was collected, food was cooked and beers were opened.

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Great banter around a campfire, esspecially when beers are involved.

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[beddowsm]

Wednesday was the final day of the wild camp trip so away we went and more trails were riden.

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Ashley baked and decided to cool off.

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We eventually ended up back at the base in Sort and hit the beers. Too many beers were drunk and we all staggered to bed after a great evening. Thursday was a very slow start. I really didnt feel well and no one really fancied a ride until we were all ready. And ready we were by 1400 in the afternoon!. So we hit the mountain for 5 hours of fun. More amazing trails.

Friday was the start of the long journey home. 31 hours after setting off (Toll roads this time) I made it back to Runcorn.

What a trip. Thanks to Al and Ashley for the company, and Al for his Bongo. I really wouldnt have fancied riding down. Not sure my bike would have made it. Need new tyres (they were new when I set off), new chain and sprocket, new gear shifter, new number plate and probably more when I sort my bike out. It got a hammering.

Ashley took loads of video so once its sorted Ill post the best bits.

Cant wait until the next trip lads.

[Paul-S]

Looks great so far Mike

[phil90]

Excellent stuff Mike and glad you (and bike) made it back ok. look forward to the vids.

[Phil]

wow, that looked a fantastic trip. rather jealous!

[Stubbsie]

Another fab report there Mr Beddows, glad you had the currant bun (sun) with you.
My trip last year was rain, fog, fog, fog & rain & rain over the Pyrennes but it was a fab trip.
Fab report, fab pics just the tonic for my trip to Bonnie Scotland next month "Hurrah !"
Nice one Mike & thanks for sharing

[Tramp]

Glad you enjoyed it mike and co..those mountains are kinda special..unlike anything else in Europe..isolated and quite apart from the odd enduro ...