In Pictures: Our First Spanish Pyrenees Gravel Cycling Adventure.

Owen Gue here from The Cycling House. I just got back from riding through the Spanish Pyrenees, where we hosted our first-ever point-to-point mixed-terrain trip. After more than a year of planning, scouting hidden routes, and fine-tuning every detail, this one delivered in every way—remote mountain passes, rugged beauty, and, without exaggeration, some of the best riding we’ve experienced anywhere in Europe.

This trip captured everything we love about The Cycling House. It had that “first-time” magic—unfamiliar climbs, cool little villages, homecooked meals and moments you can’t plan but never forget. Every day struck a nice balance between challenge, adventure, and the kind of off-the-radar charm that keeps our guests talking about it long after the last ride.

2026 dates: Road Itinerary: July 13-19, 2026 | Gravel Itinerary: July 21-27, 2026

Our First Trip In The Spanish Pyrenees

I couldn’t have asked for a better crew to break in this new trip. Everyone showed up ready for adventure, embraced the unknown, and genuinely loved being out there on the bike. We shared the rides, great meals, and those in-between moments—coffee stops, evening laughs, and simply exploring a new place together—that make a trip truly special.

This year’s edition was all about mixed-terrain gravel, but starting in 2026, TCH guests will be able to choose between two itineraries: This original point-to-point gravel adventure or a 100% road route. While I loved the variety of the mixed terrain, the all-road option in this region will be spectacular—smooth pavement, very little traffic, and climbs made for the skinny tires. It’s a dream trip for road riders looking for the perfect balance of challenge and beauty in the Pyrenees.

Ride Highlights

Camprodon Area

We kicked things off in Camprodon, a picturesque mountain town that felt like the perfect home base to start our trip. Camprodon is a sweet little European ski town that has great cafes, restaurants and some shopping. We were based here for 3 nights. From here, we tackled some proper climbs—Vallter 2000, Coll de Pera, and Santa Lucia. Every route had options, but no matter which one you chose, the riding was pure beauty.

Want all the details? Get the full itinerary and ride routes.

Queen Stage in Camprodon – Fontlletera via Coll de Burgares

One of the most remote, rugged, and memorable rides we’ve ever done with TCH. It tested legs and tires across 16 miles of varied gravel and 3,000+ feet of climbing. At the summit, surrounded by mountains in every direction, it was clear this was the heart of the Pyrenees. I love this route and if you’re considering this trip in the future, be ready for a couple miles of “black diamond” gravel riding. A short stretch of “type 2 fun” that makes the rest feel even sweeter. The gravel was all fun and very rideable.

Transfer to La Pobla de Lillet

Instead of piling into a van, we rode from one home base to the next—a scenic day through Castello d’hug and on to La Pobla de Lillet, a smaller, tucked-away mountain village. It offered a quieter, cozier feel than Camprodon and gave us direct access to the stunning Llobregat Valley.

Recovery-ish Day

Our “easy day” still brought adventure. A shorter ride led us to a mountainside refuge for a hearty lunch. It was the one day we got caught in the rain—short-lived, but enough to make that hot meal taste even better. That afternoon, we toured a local cement museum/factory. It might sound like an odd choice, but trust me—it ended up being a really cool tour.

Pedraforca Finale

Our final ride was the perfect send-off: 50 miles, 5,500 feet of climbing, and jaw-dropping views of the iconic Pedraforca peak. We climbed, we descended, and we finished with cold cervezas, swapping stories and reliving the week’s best moments. More than once I heard, “Best ride I’ve ever had!” which filled my cup!

Our Accommodations

Both of our home bases offered exactly what we needed after big days in the saddle: warm hospitality, homemade food, comfortable rooms, and a location that put us right in the middle of the riding action.

Why We Love Our New Pyrenees Trip

Two incredible home bases. We split our time between Camprodon and La Pobla de Lillet—each with its own charm, both perfectly positioned for exploring the best riding in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Your choice: gravel or road. The gravel route offers challenging, varied terrain—sometimes technical, always rewarding. The road option delivers silky-smooth pavement, low-traffic climbs, and the same stunning landscapes, just without the rugged sections.
Local charm at every turn. We hand-pick our restaurants, stay in family-run hotels, and fill the week with authentic food and warm hospitality.
A guide team that knows every corner. We blended our trusted TCH crew with local experts who ride these roads daily—meaning the routes, coffee stops, and photo ops were dialed.
The vibe. Remote, rugged, and full of character. This isn’t a “checklist” trip—it’s a true adventure in a lesser-ridden part of Spain.

Want all the details? Get the full itinerary and ride routes.

Why This Trip Is Special

This one just felt different. It wasn’t only about the climbs or the scenery—it was about discovering something new together. We were riding in places few North American cyclists ever see, sharing in the excitement of exploring as a group.

We’ll be back in 2026—this time with two itineraries: our original point-to-point gravel adventure and a brand-new all-road version. Whether you want the grit and variety of mixed terrain or the smooth flow of pure road riding, you’ll still get that same sense of remote adventure and big days on the bike.

Join Us In 2026!

If you love unforgettable rides, amazing food, and sharing the road (or gravel!) in one of cycling’s most beautiful regions, I’d love for you to join us.

Next year’s dates: Road Itinerary: July 13-19, 2026 | Gravel Itinerary: July 21-27, 2026

We’re keeping these groups small—just 12 spots on each trip—so it’ll feel like riding with friends from day one. Shoot me an email or let’s hop on a call, and we can talk through all the details.

Hope to see you in the Pyrenees,
Owen Gue