As we have been hinting for the past few months, Bielsa Trocs will be one of the MTB destinations whose amazing trails will be part of Trans-Nomad in 2024.
Bielsa Trocs is a newly opened MTB area (it debuted as a destination in 2023) promoted by the Bielsa City Council, with the expertise and advice from Altitude Rides in the design and opening of its trail network: the latest MTB paradise in the Pyrenees. This wild enduro space perfectly complements the historical cycle mountaineering routes developed in the region by Zona Zero Pirineos, which have now become must-ride classics, not only for nearly every Trans-Nomad route but for any high mountain biking enthusiast.
In this post, we we have count Miguel Ángel Noguero and Javier Paúles from the Bielsa City Council, and Pablo Irigoyen from Altitude Rides, to give us insight into this incredible mountain biking destination before the major cycle-mountaineering event of the year.
The Destination Philosophy
From our conversations with Javier and Pablo, one idea quickly becomes clear: “the trail network should only expand as long as what is open can be maintained in perfect condition.” Bielsa Trocs firmly believes that quality should always prevail over quantity when it comes to the routes. With six routes currently open and another six on the horizon, which will be opened as physical and human resources allow for proper maintenance, the current space already boasts enough quality and extent to leave any cyclist planning a long weekend in the area highly satisfied.
Regarding the types of trails, the destination mixes the recovery of old, forgotten trails with the creation of new ones. Pablo Irigoyen, the trail designer, is clear that the latter option is preferred as it “guarantees higher quality” and safety for athletes. This doesn’t mean the route offering isn’t varied enough to suit any type of cyclist, provided they have significant mountain biking experience, as all Bielsa Trocs routes share a notable level of difficulty.
The Style of Bielsa Trocs Routes
Javier Paúles acknowledges that Bielsa Trocs still needs to design and open a more accessible route to democratize the destination. However, he also knows that Pablo, Dani, and Jorge from Altitude Rides “work hard to create interesting and challenging trails” that also have the least environmental impact, “avoiding the use of external elements like wooden berms as much as possible, integrating the trails into the landscape in the best way possible.”
“The City Council trusts our judgment, and eventually, we design the routes somewhat to our liking, ensuring there’s a bit of everything and that they differ from each other as much as possible; steeper or less so, with more or fewer curves, faster or slower,” says Pablo. “Some people prefer one style over another, and since we test and use the routes ourselves, we try to design them to be as close as possible to what we would like to find, adapting as best as we can to the mountain’s various possibilities,” he adds.
In this regard, when new trails are created, they strive for continuity and grouping by sectors that include two or three descents each, as seen, for example, in the Espierba Sector or Montinier, where the team is currently working. When identifying new sectors for trail openings, Bielsa Trocs considers the type of vegetation, paying special attention to the density of the boxwood, the slope inclination, and above all, the quality of the soil, which helps ensure the best possible outcome. Pablo dreams of “one day being able to open some routes with mechanical means, as the forests in Bielsa are very steep, which would facilitate the creation of routes suitable for all levels,” similar to the neighboring Fabian, on the other side of the border.
The Welcoming Town of Bielsa
Another aspect Bielsa Trocs prioritizes is ensuring the routes are close to the town so that riders can “easily head into town for a beer, rest in a hotel, or buy anything they need,” and, of course, soak in the culture and life of the valley. Bielsa Trocs has found a way to develop and de-seasonalize controlled, high-quality tourism while maintaining its motto of “Wild Pyrenees.” This initiative also provides the local youth with an additional motivation, a sector of the population that the majority of Pyrenean valleys have wisely kept an eye on for years.
Regarding synergies with neighboring destinations, Miguel Noguero highlights the importance of Bielsa Trocs perfectly complementing the MTB offerings across the border, with the descents of Fabian, Ens, and Val Louron (where several EWS events have been held), and the new descent at the Piau-Engaly station.
In a region where the terrain and climate dictate every step and decision of locals and visitors, the often contrasting weather conditions on either side of the border make the existence of Bielsa Trocs and other MTB areas significantly expand the possibilities for riding in the area within a few kilometers radius.
Indeed, the first batch of Bielsa Trocs trails was born thanks to the POCTEFA-DUSAL project, a cross-border initiative that promotes the cooperation of these territories for controlled economic development based on the opportunities the region offers.
Bielsa Trocs and Trans-Nomad
When we asked Miguel what it means for Bielsa Trocs and the Bielsa Valley to be an essential part of this Trans-Nomad, he is clear: “If we have been chosen as a destination for one of the most important cycle-mountaineering events in Europe, it is because they see it as perfectly suitable. For us, it is also a recognition of our work to host an event of this caliber, and of course, we are delighted to collaborate.”
He also mentions the capacity of the town and valley of Bielsa to host the more than 150 people, including participants and organizers, who will take part in the event in early October 2024. “Not only do we have the public and private means and spaces to host the Trans-Nomad, but participants will be riding in front of a unique environment, recognized by UNESCO, such as the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, and they will do so on very high-quality routes.”
We cannot yet reveal more details about the Bielsa Trocs routes that will be part of this Trans-Nomad, but you know that thanks to the collaboration of our main sponsor, Orbea, and their Trail Tales project, we will open some new sections in the MTB destination that will remain as a legacy of this edition of Trans-Nomad. We are confident their maintenance will be ensured by the impeccable work of Bielsa Trocs.
