Route du Gabizos and Col d'Aubisque Motorcycle Route in the Pyrenees

The Route du Gabizos and Route de Laruns are located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, within the Pyrenees mountain range. This road section traverses the Vallée de l'Ouzom and runs adjacent to the river Le Valentin for a significant portion of its length. The road reaches its highest elevation at the Col d'Aubisque mountain pass, which stands at 1,709 meters (5,607 feet). The area is known for its mountainous terrain and multiple viewpoints along the route. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The combined length of the Route du Gabizos and Route de Laruns is approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 4.3 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained pavement suitable for motorcycles. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.9 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Most of the road (about 83%) consists of two lanes, while a small portion (6%) is single-lane. The width varies, with the majority (about 58%) being wide enough for comfortable riding, and smaller sections being narrow or medium width.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 25, 30, and 50 km/h (16, 19, and 31 mph) depending on the section. Approximately 25% of the road passes through inhabited areas, requiring additional caution. The road also includes the Tunnel d'Arbaze and crosses the Pont du Goua, adding variety to the ride.

The highlight of this route is the Col d'Aubisque, a well-known mountain pass in the Pyrenees at 1,709 meters (5,607 feet) elevation. This pass is a frequent feature in cycling and motorcycling tours due to its challenging ascent and panoramic views. The road runs along the river Le Valentin for about 41% of its length, providing scenic waterway adjacency. It also passes through the Vallée de l'Ouzom valley, adding to the diverse landscape encountered on the ride.

Several viewpoints are located along the route, offering riders opportunities to stop and appreciate the surrounding mountain scenery. The road crosses the Pyrenees mountain range, which forms a natural border between France and Spain and is known for its rugged terrain and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The road is open to motorcycles and does not have any known seasonal closures, although weather conditions in the mountains can affect accessibility, especially in winter. There are no tolls or entrance fees currently associated with this route, but riders should verify local conditions before travel as toll policies may change.

For more information about the Col d'Aubisque, visit the Col d'Aubisque Wikipedia page. Details about the Pyrenees mountain range can be found on the Pyrenees Wikipedia page. Information about the river Le Valentin is available on its Wikipedia page.