September 6-14, 2026
Trans- Pyrenees Challenge (Spain & France)
Embark on an epic, fully-supported cycling odyssey across the majestic Pyrenees. Legendary mountain passes and diverse, breathtaking landscapes all on a memorable coast-to-coast journey from Girona to San Sebastian.
About the Ride
Journey the Pyrenees: A Legendary Coast-to-Coast Cycling Adventure!
September 6-14, 2026
Girona to San Sebastian
Embark on the ride of a lifetime with the Climate Ride Trans-Pyrenees Challenge, an epic 8-day cycling odyssey from the historic streets of Girona to the stunning shores of San Sebastian. This isn’t just a bike tour; it’s a true test of spirit and endurance, taking you across the heart of the majestic Pyrenees mountain range. Prepare for breathtaking vistas, iconic climbs (think Tour de France and La Vuelta), and the unparalleled satisfaction of conquering one of Europe’s most formidable and beautiful cycling terrains. Check out the ride options below!
Positive Planet Impact
Event Details
Full Event Story
Your Trans-Pyrenees Adventure Awaits!
This meticulously planned journey invites you to pedal through diverse landscapes, from rolling Catalan hills to the high alpine passes that have defined cycling history. Each day presents a new challenge and spectacular rewards, supported by an expert team every pedal stroke of the way.
Your Pyrenees adventure begins in the historic city of Girona, a cyclist’s paradise known for its beautifully preserved medieval quarters, ancient city walls offering panoramic views, and the colorful houses lining the Onyar River—all set against a backdrop of rolling Catalan hills. After days of challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery, your journey culminates in the stunning coastal city of San Sebastian, a jewel of the Basque Country. Famous for its crescent-shaped La Concha beach, a vibrant Old Town (Parte Vieja) brimming with world-renowned pintxos bars, and elegant Belle Époque architecture, San Sebastian offers the perfect celebratory end to an epic ride, where the mountains meet the Cantabrian Sea.
Ride Highlights:
- Coast to Coast Epic: Journey from the Mediterranean warmth of Girona, across the spine of the Pyrenees, dipping into France, and culminating in the culinary haven of San Sebastian on the Atlantic coast.
- Conquer Legendary Climbs: Test your legs against cycling’s most revered ascents, including the mighty Tourmalet, Aubisque, Peyresourde, Aspin, Col de Portillon, and Bonaigua, among many others.
- Spectacular Scenery: Immerse yourself in dramatic mountain landscapes, lush valleys, charming villages, and breathtaking coastal views.
- Fully Supported Experience: Focus on the ride while we take care of the rest. Enjoy expert cycling guides, vehicle support, luggage transfers, carefully selected hotel accommodations, and full board including energizing ride nutrition, breakfasts, lunches, and most evening meals.
- Challenge Yourself: With daily distances ranging from 69km to 134km and significant climbing (including one day with 3,400m of ascent!), this tour is designed for passionate cyclists seeking a rewarding challenge. An alternative, less mountainous route is available on the toughest day. And, we highly recommend renting an e-bike if you want to take the challenge down a notch.
- Camaraderie & Lasting Memories: Share this incredible journey with a group of like-minded individuals, forging friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Is This Ride For You?
Please see our detailed description in the FAQ below of the three types of cyclists that this tour is suitable for. The Trans-Pyrenees Challenge is designed for experienced road cyclists comfortable with multi-day tours involving significant distances and challenging climbs. You should have a good fitness level and be prepared for long days in the saddle. If you are an intermediate cyclist, but don’t want to miss out on this grand adventure, rent an e-bike or take the shorter option! If you dream of tackling iconic Tour de France climbs and experiencing the raw beauty of the Pyrenees, this adventure is calling your name.
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Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Arrival Day (Sept 6)
Arrival Day in Girona. Optional 40 km (25 mi) warm-up ride. (Accommodation not included tonight, recommendation provided.)
We start our adventure in beautiful Girona. If you are renting a bike, you can pick up your bike can anytime from 9am-2pm (see your ride guide for details). Our guides will make sure you’re comfortable on the bike. At 2pm we’ll depart on an optional 40km ride. You’ll get a taste of Girona’s charm, pedaling through its historic streets and getting a feel for the gentle Catalan countryside lanes that surround this cycling haven.
We’ll meet up for dinner this evening, or you can dine & rest on your own timeline, before the big ride begins!
Accommodation recommendation: Hotel Carlemany (please book here or nearby)
Day 1
GIRONA TO POBLA DE LILLET
113 km/2,500 m (70 mi/8200 ft)
Short Option: 90 km, 1,800 m (shuttle from Campdevanol)
Canes, Merolla
Leaving Girona by 9am, you’ll transition from rolling hills into the forested foothills of the Pyrenees, tackling the tree-lined ascents of Canes and Merolla as you journey towards the mountains.
Accommodation: Hostal Cal Pericas
Day 2
DAY 2: POBLA DE LILLET TO SORT
134 km/2,700 m (83 mi/8860ft)
Short Option: 83 km, 1,500 m (shuttle from La Seu d Urgell)
Creueta, Cantó
Today, the high mountains embrace you as you climb the stunning Coll de la Creueta with its expansive views over rugged peaks and deep valleys, before descending towards the Noguera Pallaresa river valley and the town of Sort.
Accommodation: Hotel Pessets
Day 3
SORT TO BAGNERES DU LUCHON
106 km/2,200 m (66 mi/7215 ft)
Short Option: 88 km, 1,700 m (shuttle from Bossost)
Bonaigua, Portillon
You’ll ascend the high alpine pass of Port de la Bonaigua, witnessing panoramic views across the Catalan Pyrenees, before descending into the lush Aran Valley and crossing into France via the forested Col du Portillon.
Accommodation: Le Castel d’Alti
Day 4
LUCHON TO SAINT SAVIN
110 km/3,400 m (68 mi/11,154 ft)
Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet
Easier Option: 117 km/1,400 m (73 mi/4590 ft) to go around the mountains!
Prepare for an iconic day cycling through the heart of the French Pyrenees, conquering the legendary trio of Col de Peyresourde with its classic switchbacks, the pastoral Col d’Aspin, and the mighty, often snow-capped, Col du Tourmalet with its breathtaking high-mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Les Rochers
Day 5
SAINT SAVIN TO OLORON SAINT MARIE
86 km/1,700 m (53 mi/5570 ft)
Soulour, Aubisque
You’ll ride amidst dramatic limestone cliffs and verdant pastures as you tackle the stunning duo of Col du Soulor and the majestic Col d’Aubisque, famous for its balcony road carved into the mountainside offering spectacular views.
Accommodation: Alysson Hotel
Day 6
OLORON TO SAINT JEAN PIED DU PORT
69 km/1,400 m (43 mi/4595 ft)
Inharpu
Today, you’ll experience the rolling green hills and charming villages of the French Basque Country, with its distinctive architecture, as you climb the quieter Col d’Inharpu.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Pyrenees
Day 7
SAINT JEAN TO SAN SEBASTIAN
126 km/2,100 m (78 mi/6890 ft)
Ispeguy, Arkiskil
After km 75, it’s downhill to San Sebastian!
Your final day takes you across the border back into Spain, over the panoramic Col d’Ispeguy and the forested Col d’Arkiskil, before descending through the lush Basque hills to the sparkling coastline and beautiful beaches of San Sebastian.
Accommodation: Sercotel Europa
Day 8
DEPARTURE DAY!
Farewell, riders! Please plan your onward travel from San Sebastian.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Arriving & Departing (Important Information)
Arriving
On Sept 6, please arrive at our meeting spot (see ride guide) in Girona, Spain by 2pm.
Departing
On Sept 14, the tour finishes after breakfast. Please plan your travel onward.
What kind of bike do I need?
We recommend road bikes. You can bring your own, or high end road bikes are conveniently available to rent through our outfitter and will be there for you at the start and then returned at the end. How convenient!
Road Bike Hire – from €320 (Wilier Garda (Shimano 105) or Wilier Filante SL (Shimano 105 di2).
E-Road Bike Hire – from €550
What level is this ride? Can I do it?
We designed this ride to fit three levels of cycling:
- The Unabridged Challenge: For the Dedicated Road Cyclist. If you’re an advanced rider who has put in the training miles and is eager to conquer every kilometer and every legendary climb on a regular road bike, this is your ultimate Trans-Pyrenees experience. This ride is designed for experienced road cyclists who are comfortable with multi-day tours featuring significant distances and challenging ascents. Your advanced fitness and preparation for long days in the saddle will be rewarded with an unforgettable sense of accomplishment as you tick off iconic Tour de France climbs and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Pyrenees. This adventure is truly worthy of your dedication.
- The Supported Adventurer: Epic Riding with Tailored Daily Options Are you a strong intermediate+ cyclist who loves a grand challenge but appreciates a shorter option? This path allows you to experience the heart of the Pyrenees with expert support. Working with our guides, you can opt for shorter daily routes which may include pre-planned van shuttles to ensure you get the best of the Pyrenean magic while managing your energy across this demanding tour. Because this is a significant ride with long days, any shuttles will be arranged in advance to ensure seamless support for the entire group, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.
- The E-Bike Explorer: Conquer the Mountains with an Extra Boost. Are you an intermediate cyclist dreaming of witnessing the majesty of the Pyrenees, tackling iconic climbs, and sharing this grand adventure with your friends, but perhaps time for extensive training has been limited? An e-bike is your key to unlocking this incredible journey! You can fully immerse yourself in the experience, keep pace, and enjoy every breathtaking vista alongside your fellow riders without missing a moment of the camaraderie or the stunning scenery. If experiencing the raw beauty of the Pyrenees and ascending legendary Tour de France climbs is calling your name, an e-bike makes this spectacular adventure wonderfully achievable.
**This trip is not designed for beginner cyclists even on an e-bike. Please check out some of our other offerings!
What is included? Not included?
Included:
- Accommodations (starting with hotel on Sept 7) and all meals (B, L, D) except dinner on Sept 6 in Girona and lunch on Day 3
- Ride nutrition (all the snacks!)
- Expert guides (bilingual) and route support
- Amazing camaraderie and life-changing cycling, of course!
- Ocean swims (swimportunities)
- The joy and satisfaction that your are helping support vital non-profit work
Not Included:
- All air tickets with airport taxes, trains, etc.
- Any pre- or post-trip accommodations
- Bike (road) — you can bring your own bike or you can rent a bike from our local outfitter. Road Bike Hire – from €320. E-Bike Hire – from €550.
- If you prefer your own room or we are unable to pair you with another rider, the single room supplement is €799
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance (required for international trips)
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages during meals outside tour inclusion
- Any optional tour
- Tips for guide, driver, hotels’ porters (in your ride guide we will indicate recommended tips)
What are the travel documents/passports required for traveling to Spain?
You will need a valid U.S. or E.U.passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country please check your country’s regulations.
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
Can I use my U.S. debit or credit card?
Yes, credit cards and debit cards are accepted in towns and tourist areas. But don’t expect to use your credit card everywhere. When we are in smaller villages you may want local currency to purchase incidentals.
Fundraising Beneficiaries
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including helping to underwrite the Green Fondo events, our community scholarships for young sustainability leaders, and our Environmental Justice Action Grants. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 | 3/6/2026 |
| $2,900 | 5/6/2026 |
| $5,800 | 7/6/2026 |
Transfer Deadline: There are no transfers for this event. Donations are non-refundable.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
