Let’s bike the Pyrenees, and make a visit to Andorra. This tiny principality offers a variety of road cycling routes, suited to different fitness levels. Some let you roll through valley bottoms; others, well — let’s just say they’re not for the beginning cyclist! For the MTB enthusiast, there is a variety of options, too.

You can bike the Pyrenees by registering in one of the local races; or sign up for a guided tour if you don’t want to worry about logistics. There are tours for MTBs and those in which the entire family can participate.

Refuel in one of Andorra’s bike-friendly cafés or restaurants; and you can stay in a bicycle-friendly hotel.

The Tour de France doesn’t neglect Andorra; but I feel sorry for the riders who can’t enjoy the scenery. They have to keep their eyes and their minds on the race; and if I tried a bicycle tour there,  I’d be so busy struggling with the gradients that I couldn’t enjoy the scenery, either.

Andorra has an average altitude of over one mile. I, for one, would find that hard to cope with, even if I didn’t need my breath to ride a bicycle. If I were to plan a cycling vacation there, a Sparthos Training Mask would be a must!