October 2025 I started the 1st edition Pyrenaica – now already turned into the Pyrenean Rally. It lead us from a small town above Girona on the East Coast of Spain to the West Coast. I signed up longing for a multi day adventure in a terrain I had never explored before. Unfit, stressed, and with heavy mechanicals in the days ahead of the race I felt proud and happy to make it to the start. I planned to ride the route in 7 days, and saw finishing with a smile as the only thing that mattered.
Day 1, leaving at 06:00, it was easy to fall in the trap of starting fast, but I kept my cool. Having made that mistake in bikepacking events before. I ate lunch at a restaurant, had a double and late dinner at a hotel, slept well. Positioned at 90% in the field, the first 6 participants already scratched.
The second day was tough. The total route was 1.000km with 25.000m climbing, and my bike was 23,5kg. So even with my 7 days plan it would take +- 140km and 3.500m per day. As the day went on, I started to grow some grit. Not only was I ‘holding on’ I was feeling better, knew I was eating well, and saw many other riding and sleeping at intervals I thought they woulnd keep up.
If anyone want to know how this event developed into a very empowering experience, than tell me in the comments. I ended up finishing 9th, smiling, and rejuvenated, even after such the though 4 day experiences.
Looking forward for another in 2026.
by LPPM
3 Comments
My partner and I are heading up that way from Portugal currently! Is it possible to take the Pyrenacia route from Spain to France outside of the event? Was there any problems at high altitude with snow etc at this time of year? Very keen to check out that part of the world!
Sounds like a great route, would love to ride it as a casual slow ride!
Looks insane! What front chainring are you running?