Pyrenees Switchback Challenge

PYRENEES SWITCHBACK CHALLENGE

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge is the latest in our Switchback Challenge series, all of which are designed to maximize time riding amazing mountain passes while minimizing hotel changes. This 7-day Club Class tour is for experienced riders who are passionate about twisty mountain passes and who want to experience some of the best motorcycling roads in the world.

This Adventure will use two base hotels: the first is in culturally-rich and dynamic Barcelona, known for its architecture, Spanish cuisine, and nightlife. Three nights here is a highlight of this tour and should be especially pleasing to non-riding companions.

The second base hotel is in the small city of La Seu d’Urgell from which we will take daily loops into the Spanish and French Pyrenees mountains. These amazing roads will paint a smile on every rider’s face! There is so much to see in this beautiful part of the world. We will pass through Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world tucked between Spain and France. A “café au lait” replaces “café con leche” as we cross the border into France to experience the French version of riding in the Pyrenees.

On our last riding day as we return to Barcelona, we will ride along the breathtaking coast of Costa Brava. A fitting end to a fantastic tour!

Highlights of this Adventure Include:

• Barcelona, the capital of Cataluña
• The historic city of La Seu d’Urgell
• A scenic loop through Andorra
• Some of the best motorcycle roads in the Pyrenees
• Riding through historic villages and remote national parks

At a Glance Your Pyrenees Switchback Challenge

Day 1 – Arrival in Barcelona

Welcome to beautiful, cosmopolitan Barcelona, one of the most dynamic cities in Spain, known for its art and architecture. We will pick you up at the airport to transport you to our first base hotel. Those arriving early can enjoy some of the city sights, perhaps take a stroll along La Rambla and sample tapas. In the late afternoon, we will meet for the motorcycle handover, a brief kickoff meeting, and our welcome dinner featuring Spanish cuisine.

Day 2 – BARCELONA’S BACKCOUNTRY ~ 155-175 MILES

On our first riding day, we will do a loop north of Barcelona. We will pass through the pilgrimage city of Manresa with its Basilica de Santa Maria de la Seu. Although we are not yet in the high mountains, the twisty roads will foretell what awaits us in the coming days.

Day 3 – INTO THE PYRENEES ~ 145-155 MILES

Today we ride to the sawed mountain of Montserrat, with the narrow, winding mountain roads leading to our base hotel for the next three nights.

Day 4 – RIDING OPTIONS ABOUND ~ 175 MILES

As we head west, we will experience sinuous roads that lead from the valley, twisting and curling up to the 6,500-foot mountain range. We can take shortcuts and add on additional loops to make this day an original and unique experience. Wherever we turn, never-ending twisty mountain roads connect medieval villages like Sort and Tremp, where we can take short breaks before we dive back into this rider’s paradise.

Day 5 – THREE FLAGS DAY ~ 235 MILES

Today we cross the border to Andorra, a tiny and independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Another pass road takes us into France, where we continue our ride along the northern slopes of the French Pyrenees, until two more pass roads bring us back into Spain. The ride through the Aigüestortes (winding streams) National Park with 8,500-foot mountains is a scenic highlight.

Day 6 – COSTA BRAVA TO BARCELONA ~ 200 MILES

As we head east toward the Mediterranean coast, we will have the option to ride the tiniest mountain roads or take a faster route that allows time to visit Girona, a popular sightseeing destination known for its cathedral and historic fortifications. The afternoon will be dedicated to the famous Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastal road. Once back in Barcelona, we will enjoy our final dinner together as we celebrate our spectacular week in the Pyrenees.

Day 7 – DEPARTURE FROM BARCELONA

After breakfast, we will arrange your transport to the airport for your flight home.

TOTAL MILES: ~ 925 MILES