12.12.2025
The Pyrenees, defining the border between France and Spain, is a mighty and untamed mountain range. This region delivers an incredibly rewarding and technically diverse mountain biking experience, a place where dramatic landscapes meet rich cultural history.
Discovering the Pyrenees
I’ve travelled to mountain ranges all over the world, but visiting the Pyrenees for the first time recently reminded me that true adventure doesn’t always require a long journey—sometimes it’s waiting right there in your own “proverbial” backyard.
The Pyrenees is a mighty, untamed mountain range, defining the border between France and Spain, and it just delivered one of the most rewarding and technically diverse mountain biking experiences I’ve ever had.
When we first dreamt up our new enduro focused mountain biking trip through the Spanish Pyrenees, I knew it was going to be something special. But even after all the research and collaboration we put into building this trip, nothing could have fully prepared me for how wildly beautiful—and unexpectedly humbling—this ride would be. We crafted this trip as a once-in-a-lifetime enduro journey, blending big, rewarding days on the bike with well-earned luxury in world-class historic and cultural accommodations. I must admit after my recent visit I can see that all the hard work has paid off beautifully!
Chasing singletracks through the Pyrenees
After a “short” but scenic four-hour shuttle up into the mountains, the road began to wind through steep mountain valleys as bright sunlight spilled over the ridgelines and the unmistakable scent of pine forest filled the air. Arriving in Cerler, our base for the first few nights, I couldn’t help but feel the buzz of anticipation—the kind of quiet mountain energy that keeps you up the first night, wondering what tomorrow’s ride would bring.
The trip begins in the high and rugged High Pyrenees, where the air is crisp, the conifer forests are dense, and the singletrack demands immediate focus. Day one was all about warming up, finding flow, and having fun on playful trails, savoring the thrill of connecting with new and exciting terrain. Each trail had its own character and style, and after every descent we’d load into the uplift van, eager for the next line on the list. As we climbed the gravel roads, our guide would paint a picture of what lay ahead—its story, its quirks, its rhythm—fueling our stoke until we were back in the saddle, charging into the next descent.
To the moon and back
Midweek, we turned up the dial. After a hearty Spanish breakfast, a cup or two of coffee, and our lunch packed in our bags, we hopped into the shuttle that would carry us high onto Sierra Negra—the largest and most striking mountain overlooking the Benasque Valley. From the drop-off point, we unloaded our bikes and began the day’s mission: the ascent to the summit. It was a true quest, a mix of riding and hike-a-bike, until we reached our high point of 2,700 meters. From the top, the view was nothing short of cinematic: the Aneto Massif to the north, the rugged Maladeta beyond, and the moonlike terrain beneath us sculpted in black shale. This peak had to be earned, but the payoff was absolutely worth it.
The descent that followed was no ordinary ride—it was hours of pure enduro bliss through smooth moonlike broken shale landscapes, switchbacks, and forested rollers. Every turn brought speed, flow, and a reminder of why gravity and two wheels go together so perfectly. By the time we rolled into Cerler at day’s end, our legs were spent, grins wide, and we were more than ready for a well-earned cold beer.
The land of two worlds - Into the Heart of Aínsa
What makes the Pyrenees a world-class enduro destination is the dramatic shift in terrain. We weren’t just riding a single mountain range—we were crossing two distinct geological zones. As the week unfolded, so did the landscape, transitioning from jagged alpine peaks to the sun-drenched, desert-like trails of Aínsa. The real revelation came as we descended into the middle ranges toward the famed Aínsa region. Here, the trails transform completely, offering a legendary mix of dry, flowing, desert-like singletrack. It’s the kind of fast, swooping trail that makes your arms burn and your lungs scream with joy.
Here, the landscape humbles you, makes you feel small—and in that smallness, you move deeper into the terrain, not just physically, but mentally. The trails here, shaped by centuries of passage, seem to whisper stories of old villages, forgotten paths, and the quiet magic woven into this land over time. One of the most surreal moments was riding through the abandoned village of Morcat, with its crumbling 11th-century church looming quietly under a big blue Spanish sky.
As if the rides themselves weren’t enough, each evening brought the experience full circle with our stay at truly unique and remarkable accommodations. After full days on the trails, we would relax at the Monasterio de Boltaña, a 17th-century monastery transformed into a luxurious five-star hotel, featuring a full spa to soothe tired muscles and refresh for the next day’s ride.
Reflections from the saddle
Riding the Pyrenees isn’t just about the spectacular trails—it’s about the soul of the place. We passed through ancient mountain villages where traditions remain strong, moving quietly alongside the timeless rhythm of local life. All around us, the landscape told stories of centuries past—rugged peaks, sun-washed valleys, and forests that have stood for generations, shaping both the land and the lives of those who call it home.
Looking back, what truly elevated this journey beyond the spectacular trails was the rich landscape and culture woven into every kilometer. The experience was made profoundly better by the thoughtfulness and hospitality of all the locals we met along the way. Whether it was a brief chat in an ancient village or a moment shared over a meal, their kindness made us feel deeply connected to this historic mountain range.
I must also give significant credit to our local mountain biking team. Their professionalism, expertise, and focus on safety were incredibly impressive, turning what is inherently a technical and high-risk sport into a smoothly organized, secure, and purely enjoyable experience. Knowing we were guided by such competent and passionate individuals allowed us to fully commit to the challenge of the trails—from the high-alpine shale of Sierra Negra down to the dry, fast singletrack of Aínsa. This combination of world-class riding, profound cultural immersion, and flawless local support is what truly made the Spanish Pyrenees feel like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
-Mike
