UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT
6-11 September, 2026
UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT
6-11 September, 2026
days
LauBuru Trail
TOTAL ASCENT
TOTAL DESCENT
LAUBURU TRAIL
Lauburu Trail is a 100% unsupported bikepacking experience.
A circular journey through the Basque Country and parts of Navarre.
Each rider manages their own pace, strategy, daily distance, food, and rest.
The route is designed to be:
• Accessible and inclusive
• Open to experienced bikepackers and newcomers alike
• Non-competitive and pressure-free
• Deeply connected to the territory
Participants are encouraged to experience the Basque Country slowly, respectfully, and independently, in the spirit of the great international bikepacking events.
THIS IS THE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE BEEN
LOOKING FOR IF:
- You want to experience the Basque Country by bike.
- You are craving mountains, coast, and real elevation.
- You want to ride across Euskadi with a small community.
- You are seeking challenge, freedom, and authenticity.
- You don’t want a guided tour — you want your own adventure.
Itinerary
We’ll start in Donostia and ride across Euskadi,
crossing through Iruña, Gasteiz, Bilbo, and Elorrio,
before returning to the Atlantic where it all began.
LAUBURU TRAIL
Click on the image for more information about each day
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN DONOSTIA - SAN SEBASTIAN
Meet the rest of the team and settle in before we kick off with a full briefing on the itinerary at the accommodation.
A day for bike assembly, gear setup, and enjoying the city's vibes.
Day 2
DONOSTIA - IRUÑA
108 km | +1850 m | -1412 m
An unforgettable ride from Astigarraga to the historic streets of Iruña — crossing lush green valleys, quiet mountain passes, and timeless rural villages.
From the Basque countryside to the heart of Navarra, this stage blends nature, culture, and pure cycling rhythm.
Day 3
IRUÑA - GASTEIZ
125 km | +1779 m | -1713 m
Continuing from Iruña, the ride flows toward Gasteiz through open plains, quiet farmland, and wide Basque horizons.
A steady, rhythmic stage across gentle mountain passes, where distance unfolds smoothly and carries you deeper into the heart of the inland landscapes.
Day 4
GASTEIZ - BILBO
85 km | +1325 m | -1781 m
From the green calm of Gasteiz, the road bends north toward Bilbo — climbing into forested hills, crossing rugged ridgelines, and weaving through hidden valleys of Euskadi.
The final approach descends toward the vibrant pulse of the city, where industry meets culture, and the river guides you home.
A stage of elevation, character, and powerful arrival.
Day 5
BILBO - ELORRIO
56 km | +856 m | -689 m
Leaving behind the vibrant pulse of Bilbo, the route turns inland toward Elorrio — climbing into lush valleys and quiet mountain roads framed by rugged limestone peaks.
The rhythm becomes more intimate, more rural, as traditional Basque farmhouses appear between forests and open pastures.
A stage of transition, heritage, and timeless landscapes.
Day 6
ELORRIO - DONOSTIA
97 km | +2186 m| -2337 m
The final stage from Elorrio to Donostia is the most demanding of all — crossing mountain passes and relentless climbs through the wild Basque interior.
Massive elevation, long ascents, and a powerful final push before the Atlantic reappears.
A brutal, beautiful finale back to the sea.
The oficial jersey of the event
UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED CONCEPT
Our concept for Lauburu Trail follows the same spirit: total freedom on the bike, with thoughtful coordination working quietly in the background.
Riders set their own pace, choose their effort, manage their stops, and shape each day according to their strategy. It is a true, unsupported experience — raw, personal, and deeply connected to the Basque landscape.
But unsupported does not mean alone.
Behind the scenes, our team structures the framework that makes the journey possible: carefully designed routes across Euskadi’s mountains and valleys, clear stage destinations, accommodation guidance in each town, live tracking, checkpoints, and safety coordination. You decide how you ride — we make sure the path is ready.
Lauburu Trail is about balance:
self-reliance on the road, solid organization in the background.
Pure Basque adventure, shaped by you.
Services
What’s Included in Lauburu Trail
Official GPX Tracks
Access to the complete official route in .gpx format, including carefully marked pinpoints for refueling spots, bars, cafés, restaurants, and other key services along the way.
Starter Pack
Your rider number and essential materials to begin the adventure fully prepared.
Official Lauburu Trail Jersey
A commemorative jersey from the first edition, featuring a unique design inspired by Basque identity and crafted with premium technical materials.
6 Nights Accommodation + Breakfast
We take care of your stay so you can focus entirely on the ride. Six nights in carefully selected rural houses or hotels, all including breakfast.
Pre-Event Meeting & Briefing
A detailed session before departure covering recommended gear, stage planning strategy, safety protocols, and self-supported riding guidelines.
Finish Area Experience
A dedicated arrival space to complete your journey, reconnect with fellow riders, and celebrate what you’ve accomplished.
Luggage Storage
Secure storage in Donostia for any luggage you choose not to carry during the ride, available until your return.
Closing Dinner at a Traditional Cider House (11 September)
We conclude the adventure with a shared dinner at an authentic Basque cider house in San Sebastián — a relaxed and genuine celebration of the journey, the effort, and the stories created along the way.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Flights, travel insurance & Visa
• The entrance fee to tourist sites.
• Other food not mentioned 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
885€
Bringing your own mtb/gravel & bikepacking gear
Donostia / San Sebastián – Iruña / Pamplona – Gasteiz / Vitoria-Gasteiz – Bilbo / Bilbao – Elorrio – Donostia / San Sebastián
Contact us
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re excited to share this incredible journey with you!