pirenei 2015
(english version on bottom)
COAST TO COAST PYRENEES - 2015
This year is dedicated to a journey with our Vespa to Pyrenees. My two friends of the past Coast to Coast USA and I decide to carry on a new Coast to Coast from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, thought this famous mountain chain. In the following sentences a brief report of our trip, that comes out to be easy to comply and rich of pleasant landscapes.
Journey begins with the ferry transit from Genova to Barcelona; ferry is mainly used by north-african prolific families and passengers directed to Tangeri, next destination after ours in Barcelona. Andorra La Vella is the first significant stop of our ride; this capital is located in a rainy and austere valley and it is characterized by being a free port. Situation not too interesting, so we decide to cross the foggy divide and to reach France. First day is ended in Ax les Thermes, nice mountain village rich of open thermal polls. During the second day, spread drizzles, cast off villages, not very high passes and fresh woods ride with us on the highest mountain roads heading west. In the third day, we ride in the most classic and picturesque Pyrenees landscapes, where many cyclists pedal in the famous climbs of the Tour de France. Also our three Vespas reach Col de Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque, that show us wonderful landscapes. After a quick stop in Lourdes, our Coast to Coast ends in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Basque Country. Fourth day is dedicated to wander around the Atlantic coast, to cross the Spanish border and to visit the nice towns of St Sebastian and Pamplona. Following day, the coming back phase starts; we ride the highest mountain roads heading east. Very good roads, the touching stop to Roncisvalle and always different landscapes characterize this western side of the Pyrenees. Last day, after the impressive stops in Bonaugua area, ends descending towards a hot Barcelona. Let me mention also the following stop at the Museu de la moto in Bassella, where I took my last bike: 1928 Indian Scout 101. Following a visit to Barcelona, we toke again the ferry to Genova.
In conclusion, this journey, easy to be made, comes out to be very pleasant and interesting. Pyrenees are not structured with high picks and passes similar to those of the Alps, but they are still rich of various landscapes, nice villages and picturesque cliffs and gorges.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS
Whether conditions came out to be very favorable, a part few drops of rain.
Roads system, better that in Spain, is very positive: many highways with large and flat lanes, very few ongoing works, very effective sign system, everything very clean.
No failures experienced.
LEGS KM TOTAL KM STOPS
Viareggio - Genova 140 Ferry GE - BA
Barcelona - Ax les Thermes 305 445 Col de Port, Bagners de Lucon e Col d’Aspin
Ax les Thermes - St Marie de Campan 274 719
St Marie de Campan - St Jean de Luz 313 1032 Col de Tourmalet, Lourdes and Col de Aubisque
St Jean de Luz - Pamplona 150 1182 Roncisvalle
Pamplona - Campo 300 1482 Bonaugua pass
Campo - Barcelona 357 1889
Barcelona 25 1914
Genova - Viareggio 140 2054 Ferry BE - GE
Per la descrizione del viaggio vai a pag 131 de
