UKC

Hello everyone,

I’ll be racing the Trans Pyrenees next October and am now planning my route.

One of the complexities I face is the need to bypass the Vielha tunnel (prohibited by the organizer) and the longer ride around it not really an option.

I see 2 alternative paths: does anyone have experience with any of them and could share their difficulty? That would be a hike-a-bike for me hence a less lechnical option would be the one preferred.

thanks in advance!

option 1: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2406315226?ref=itd&share_token=aKbIVCT5nvJR...

option 2: 

https://www.komoot.com/tour/2406326423?ref=itd&share_token=a4HzXdW3yvhg...

I've walked the first part of your option 1 before leaving it at the obvious path to head to the Refugio de Restanca while walking a mix of the GR11 & the HRP. It was 20+ years ago and I mostly remember a wild night camped somewhere near the lakes - strong winds and I woke up to a few cm of fresh snow (was October). I think it was an easy track rather than a path but (maybe) fairly steep in places, I would definitely be pushing rather than cycling from what I remember.

Thanks Doug. Yes, I do not plan to ride it, rather walk with the bike. 

I know the area a bit, mainly from winter ski touring. 

The second option I'd definitely avoid as the area where the route goes W. of the tunnel is quite alpine and rocky.

Thanks for sharing - appreciate it 👍