Tour de Mir gravel ride

We start this adventure in the fortified village of Prats de Mollo, riding through narrow cobbled streets in the shadow of the hill fort above. Before long you're into the climb and it's a big one - 700 metres of elevation gained in one go over 15km. We wind up through chestnut and pine forests on a wide fireroad - gear ratios in excess of 1:1 will really make your climb easier. From below we can see our destination on the ridge; the 13th century signal tower called La Tour de Mir. The tower dates from when Catalunya was part of the kingdom of Mallorca, and it was built to survey the border. Smoke or fire signals were used to pass messages along the network of watchtowers.

Your first indication you have climbed a long way is that the landscape changes; we leave the forest and approach the tree line with wide open views. You might see the odd mushroom picker or itinerant shepherd on this ancient trail that runs parallel to the Spanish border. The tower is an excellent place to break for a picnic lunch. Take in the view all the way to the sea by climbing the tower up to the viewing deck on top. Here you are above the eagles as they circle the tower on warm thermals. Just after the tower you pass near the 'bear trap' from the Middle Ages. This 5 metre deep circular stone pit was covered in branches, with a bait of fresh meat laid out to catch both bears and wolves. A very different time from today's Pyrenees...

Next comes the reward for all your climbing, a spectacular descent of 800 vertical meters. There is an optional tarmac descent if your bike or body isn't feeling up to more off road. We cross the 'Cami de la Retirada', a trail taken by hundreds of thousands of Republican exiles at the end of the Spanish Civil War. This area exudes history and there are plenty of information boards and monuments sharing these stories with passing cyclists. Mid-way on the gravel descent you can visit the Notre Dame du Coral, a 17th century hermitage nestled in the forest offering meals and a bed for the night.

When you arrive back on tarmac at the village of Llamanere, you must stop for a photo. This is the most Southerly village in continental France, with only 50 inhabitants. Here you can eat at the traditional village restaurant or visit the open air 'mini museum' about the village's iron mining past.The last 25km are on rolling tarmac alongside the river Tech. Here you can turn left back to Prats de Mollo for a coffee in the ancient ramparts, or turn right for a return to the Pyrenees Cycling Club farmhouse and a well-deserved drink by the pool. A punchy mixed-surface ride for the climbers. Don't be deceived by the 'only' 52km, you will feel every one of those kilometres!