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Thinking about a road tour in the Pyrenees this summer. Got 4 weeks to play with and probably going to use the bike bus for transport. They drop off at Bayonne, Perpignan, Toulouse and Lourdes.
We'd like to maximise time riding up big hills but also want to spend a few days running up big mountains too. Plan was to ride for a bit then stop for a few days in a place with lots of big mountains for running.
What can folks suggest?
Ta.
I did one trip there, fond memories of Bagnerre de Luchon, Toulouse is nice, it felt like you couldn't fail to find good roads and epic climbs.
No idea on the running front.
Jeez just realised that was 20 years ago! 😮
Cycled Bayonne to Perpignan last year. Used the bike bus both ways - to make the schedule work we travelled by train from Perpignan to Toulouse on the way back to meet the bus (Atlantic route). This schedule gave us time to meander around a little, and ride over most of the big cols - except the Tourmalet, which was closed.
Running wise - try Cauterets. It's unusual for the Pyrenees as it is close to the high peaks, at a junction of valleys, so there is a good choice of hills. There is a bus from the town up to a car park at the bottom of the Marcadau Valley. From here there is enough running to keep you occupied for a week or two!
If you mean off road running there are waymarked mtb and walking trails around Le Mourtis and Superbagneres that you could probably run up . . .you would have to watch out for bikers coming the other way of course.
There is also the GR10 which might make for a decent run, but you would need to do out and back routes or arrange transport at the other end.