TRANSHUMANCE: PYRENEES-ARIEGE-ANDORRA BIKEPACKING
Our cross-border expedition from the Ariege foothills up to the Pyrenean high pastures – a hut-to-hut bikepacking journey in the tracks of local shepherds…
Tour Difficulty Rating
Location
Ariege-Pyrenees
# Nights
4/5
Distance
335KM
GROUP SIZE
7-14
Join
£970 (€1140)
The inaugural ‘Transhumance’ expedition sees us journey from the floodplains and farmland on the northern fringes of the Ariège, through the region’s rolling foothills and ancient forests before climbing up to the high pastures of the Haute Ariège and the majestic Pyrénées…
Via ancient gravel passes, we’ll tick off a series of high Pyrenean cols; crossing borders into Spain and then Andorra before descending from the mountains back to our lovely farmhouse base via the gorgeous Vallée de Soulcem.
TRANSHUMANCE [v.]
the leading of livestock to the high mountains for the summer months. In the Ariege, this has been historically cows for cheesemaking, where the farms are generally too small to support an entire herd all year round. The ascent typically happens early June each year, once the snow has gone, and can last for a few days.
First Edition:
11 June – 15 June 2024
Meet:
Gaudiès, France
…for our Pannier Expeditions to ride, we need to reach the minimum group size, at least sixty days before the start date. Post booking, we’ll keep you informed as to numbers until we can confirm the expedition can go ahead. Please don’t book travel until then.
“TRANSITION”
97KM
A days’ intro loop ride discovering the local quiet lanes, old railway lines, pristine valleys, medieval villages, rivers and mountain streams of Ariege.
Accommodation: Zero Neuf B&B
Food: Lunch, Dinner
[Note. there is an option to arrive and stay at Zero Neuf the night before – a few of us will be there and eating dinner so do join. Please add to your booking if you’d like to]
“FRONTIER ONE”
70KM
1900M+
…climbing high to Port D’Aula via the Col de Pause, hike-a-bike into Spain, sweeping gravel tracks, waterfalls, lakes and mind blowing vistas.
Accommodation: Mountain Refuge
Food: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
“FRONTIER TWO”
65KM
2300M+
…wild landscapes, remote mountain villages, high mountain passes (Coll de Cabus) and a picture postcard refuge.
Accommodation: Mountain Refuge
Food: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
“FRONTIER THREE”
100KM
1200M+
…up and out of Andorra via the Port de Rat, dropping into the magnificent Vallée de Soulcem, lake swims, ice cream stops and a return to civilisation in Foix
Accommodation: Zero Neuf B&B
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FIN
DEPART
Morning relax at Zero Neuf, before heading home … or continuing on your own trip
Food: Breakfast
>> Bikepacking Bike
>> Bikepacking Bags
>> Mountain Refuge Kit (sleeping bag, liner)
Mike Tucker (Zero Neuf, Ariege-Pyrenees)
Stef Amato (Pannier)
Pannier Expeditions always mean bikepacking with the best local guides in each destination – we’re huge advocates for local, inside knowledge and ways. For the Pyrenees Expedition, our host is Mike Tucker and the Zero Neuf team. He lives in Ariege with his family, and is doing great things to promote local tourism in the region.
>> 4.5 hosted days in Ariege and the Pyrenees Mountains
>> All accommodation, including two nights at Zero Neuf, and two nights in Mountain Refuges
>> All food and drink on tour, minus out-of-pocket expenses like fancy drinks
>> Pannier.cc tourer pack
>> Travel to/from Ariege
>> Any required visas or vaccinations
>> Travel insurance – required up to 2500M+
>> Bikepacking Bike
>> Bags / Kit Hire
>> Out-of-pocket expenses
*Please see Trip FAQ/Field Notes for more info, and note about booking travel before a tour is guaranteed*
>> RIDE
!>> TRAIN
Why not enjoy the Sleeper Train from Paris?
Nearest Major Station: Toulouse (km ride/transfer)
Nearest Station: Pamiers>> DRIVE
Parking available at Zero Neuf for the duration of the trip>> FLY
Nearest Airports: Toulouse / Girona / Andorra
PHOTOS
Tomas Montes (@arrieredupeloton)
Join Us
FAQ / Field Notes
Transhumance, Ariege-Pyrenees Expedition
Joining instructions >>
This expedition starts and ends at Zero Neuf in Ariege. A joining itinerary will be sent out to all tourers at least 4 weeks before the tour start date.
You’ll need to be there by early-ish morning on the first day to meet the Pannier team and group before setting off for an intro days’ loop ride. There is the option to stay at Zero Neuf the night before if you’d like to do that – please add this at booking stage. We haven’t included this night in the itinerary, to allow some flexibility your side.
TRAINS / The nearest station is Pamiers. The team at Zero Neuf are happy to arrange a transfers from there or Toulouse station, if you need/want. Again, please add this at booking stage.
There are several airline carriers offering routes to the region – we recommend checking on Skyscanner (or similar) for available route options from your local centre. If travelling with your bike, please factor in some time at the start of the tour to allow plenty of time to meet the group, and ensure your bike arrives with you. Make sure to sort and book bike-box luggage properly with your carrier 🙂
Please do not book non refundable travel before a tour has been guaranteed to go ahead [see our general FAQs]
Food & Drink >>
The expedition will feature a mix of classic local dishes at Zero Neuf, and some hearty mountain food at the refuges. Lunches will typically be more bikepacking picnic style. Vegetarian and vegan options available, of course.
Accommodation >>
A mix of Farmhouse B&B and Mountain Refuges
What to bring >>
(We’ll go into this in more detail post-booking!)
Adventure bike (see bike details)
Bikepacking bags
Sleeping bag (rated down to -10degs)
A basic personal bike tool kit – inc. patches, tyre lever and tubes / tubeless repair kit
Cycling kit, shoes, helmet, pedals
Spare Derailleur Hanger for your bike is essential
Off the bike clothes – warm layers for mornings and evenings + clothes for travel days
Warm and Waterproof jackets
Gloves
Head torch
Sketchbook
U̶k̶e̶l̶e̶l̶e̶
Bike details >>
The ideal bike for this tour is a big-volume tyre gravel bike, or XC/hardtail mountain bike. The most important thing to consider is the range of gears on your bike. There are some long and tough ascents and having a low range of gears will help you keep riding…
Pannier hosts/guides will be carrying spare parts including chains, gear and break cables, inner tubes and pumps etc. Pannier hosts/guides are experienced mechanics and will be on hand to help build, fix and dismantle bikes if needed. We recommend you bring basic spares that are specific to your bike with you on this tour as once out of Bishkek there are very few bike shops. If you have wheels with strange spokes, specific tools needed or a belt drive bike for example, we’ll need to be able to fix it.
Bike hire will be offered with a local partner; we’ll be in touch with you post-booking to sort sizing and requirements.
Bike boxes and extra equipment can be left at Zero Neuf for the duration of the tour.
General information >>
Visas
We’ll be crossing two borders, so please check your visa status for France, Spain and Andorra.
Vaccinations:
N/A
Passport:
You will need a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the start date of your Expedition (ideally beyond December 2024).
Weather:
A mix. In the foothills, expect 25-degree days. Above 2000M+ be prepared for anything.
Money:
Euros Always carry some cash.
Local Time:
Ariege/Pyrenees is CET
Health and Fitness:
Whilst our daily distances aren’t crazy, this tour is physically demanding and requires a base level of fitness to complete. Please read through the itinerary and make sure you are capable of completing the outlined distances and elevation before signing up.
Please make us aware of any medical conditions or ongoing injuries before traveling with us. This information will be requested before departure as it is vital we know of anything before heading to remote areas.
Allergies and Dietary Requirements:
Please make us aware of any allergies or dietary requirements before traveling with us. This information will be requested before departure as it is vital we know of anything before heading to remote areas.