UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT
28 June – 2 July, 2026
UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT
28 June – 2 July, 2026
days
LA DONOSTI TOURMALET
TOTAL ASCENT
TOTAL DESCENT
BikePacking la donosti tourmalet
La Donosti Tourmalet is a bikepacking journey that links the Basque coast with the heart of the Pyrenees, finishing at one of the most legendary mountain passes in cycling history: the Col du Tourmalet.
This is not a guided tour; it’s an event for bikepacking enthusiasts.
Starting from Donostia–San Sebastián, this adventure crosses borders, landscapes, and cultures, blending
Atlantic coastlines, rolling countryside, and high mountain terrain combine to create a compact yet powerful experience.
A route designed for riders who seek challenge, freedom, and meaning beyond the numbers.
An Experience, Not a Race
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An unsupported, non-competitive bikepacking journey focused on meaning, not metrics.
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Ride at your own pace, on your own terms — every decision on the road is yours.
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No timing, no rankings, no pressure.
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Just the road ahead, shaped by sea, mountains, and distance, and the quiet strength of moving forward.
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We design the route and coordinate the logistics; the experience remains personal, self-driven, and free.
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The final climb to the Tourmalet is not guaranteed — it is earned.
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This is not about speed. It is about commitment, resilience, and the reward that comes only through effort.
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Itinerary
We’ll begin in Donostia–San Sebastián, where the opening day is dedicated to arrivals, bike preparation, route briefing, and meeting all participants. This essential start allows everyone to settle in, align expectations, and prepare mentally and physically before heading into the Pyrenees, riding toward the high mountain challenge of the Tourmalet.
LA DONOSTI TOURMALET
Click on the image for more information about each day
ARRIVAL DAY
IN DONOSTIA - SAN SEBASTIAN
00 M ALTITUDE
Meet the rest of the team, and settle in before we kick things off with a full briefing about the itinerary at the Hotel.
A day for bike assembly, gear setup and enjoy the vibes of the city.
STAGE 1
DONOSTIA - BAYONNE
76,8 km | + 1.749 m | - 1.746 m
A demanding opening stage linking the Basque coast to inland terrain. The route features rolling coastal roads, short but punchy climbs, and quiet cross-border passages between Spain and France. A balanced mix of ascents and descents that rewards steady pacing and sets the rhythm for the stages ahead.
STAGE 2
BAYONNE - ORTHEZ
104 km | +1108 m | −1028 m
A longer transitional stage moving away from the Atlantic influence into the rolling countryside of southwestern France. The route follows quiet secondary roads and river valleys, with sustained but manageable climbs and flowing descents. Less abrupt than the opening stage, it encourages a steady rhythm and efficient pacing while covering significant distance toward the Pyrenean interior.
STAGE 3
ORTHEZ - LOURDES
70 km | +1184 m | −659 m
A shorter but more climbing-focused stage as the route begins its true approach toward the Pyrenees. Rolling terrain gives way to longer, sustained ascents through rural landscapes and foothill roads. With less overall descent, this stage demands controlled pacing and marks a clear shift from transitional riding to mountain-oriented terrain.
STAGE 4
LOURDES - COL DU TOURMALET - LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR
71 km | +1975 m | −1863 m
A demanding mountain stage deep in the Pyrenees, defined by sustained climbs, high-gradient sections, and long technical descents. The terrain becomes fully alpine, requiring disciplined pacing and efficient energy management. This stage represents the core physical challenge of the route and sets the conditions for the final high-mountain objective.
Evening: Transfer by bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur back to Donostia.
The oficial jersey of the event
UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED CONCEPT
La Donosti Tourmalet follows an unsupported but coordinated format.
• Riders manage their own food, stops and pacing during the ride.
• We provide route planning, GPX files and logistical coordination.
• A support bus is arranged only for the return transfer.
This experience is designed for cyclists with a solid endurance base who
enjoy long days on the bike and are motivated by personal challenge rather
than competition.
You don’t need to be fast, but you do need to be committed.
Climbs, fatigue and effort are part of the story.
Services
PRICE – What’s Included
- Official GPX tracks with refueling points, cafés, restaurants, and useful stops
- Starter pack with rider number and essential materials
- Official La Donosti – Tourmalet event jersey
- 5 nights accommodation with breakfast (rural houses or hotels)
- Pre-event meeting and ride briefing
- Finish area celebration
- Return bus transfer (July 2nd) – Luz-Saint-Sauveur → Donostia
- Secure luggage storage until return to Donostia
- Final dinner at a traditional Basque cider house in San Sebastián (July 2nd)
NOT INCLUDED:
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International flights & visa
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Travel insurance
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Any meals not listed as included
Travel & Support Local Development
At The Gravelpackers, we believe that meaningful travel goes beyond the adventure itself. That’s why each of our trips is designed not only to offer unforgettable experiences, but also to contribute directly to the communities we visit. We work hand-in-hand with local partners, stay in family-run guesthouses, and collaborate with grassroots initiatives to ensure a positive impact on the ground.
10% of the profits from each event are dedicated to funding local development and/or charitable projects. Whether it’s supporting access to education, preserving cultural heritage, or contributing to causes that support underserved communities, our goal is to give back to the people and places that make our journeys so special.
Join us on a bikepacking adventure that not only challenges you physically, but also enriches the lives of others.
Travel with purpose – travel responsibly.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Check our FAQs section
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE COST
standard TICKET:
775 €
SAN SEBASTIEN – BAYONNE – ORTHEZ – LOURDES – COL DU TOURMALET – LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR – SAN SEBASTIEN
Contact us
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re excited to share this incredible journey with you!