22 december, 2022
The Call of the High Ways
The Pyrenees mountains are crissed and crossed with ancient high ways; a network of paths painstakingly cut into the high mountains by generations long gone to support a way of life that is, sadly, also gone.
These high ways offered the fastest routes between villages in isolated valleys, often taking challenging paths over the high mountain passes rather than the longer, safer ways through the valleys.
These trails are steeped in history, and by mapping them we discover stories about old ways of life, ancient alliances and historical patterns of trade.
These trails contain so much human history that as you walk them you can´t help but feel that the trail stamps its mark on you more than you do on it, leaving you with a connection to all those souls who have passed before you.
Rise H10
Our Rise H10 is the perfect companion for these trails. The 540Wh battery opens up more possibilities but the bike remains light enough to carry to the top if needed.
Purpose drives use
During the early 20th century, gradual loss of the rural ways of life resulted in massive depopulation of huge areas of Spain as people sought better lives in the growing cities. Little by little areas became deserted, tiny villages were largely abandoned and houses were left to rot.
The villages which survived were communicated by new roads, supported by the type of massive civil engineering projects which fascist dictators excel at. As a result of these changes, so many trails lost their purposes and when a trail loses its reason for existing it very quickly becomes lost itself.
Just a few crazy guys
This is not a story of invention then, rather it is a story of reinvention. Trails which served a historical use lost their purpose as human geography changed, becoming lost themselves, until they found a new use thanks to a small, passionate group of mountain bikers. These pioneers sought out the old high ways, looking for clues on the ground, on old maps or by talking to the older generations. As local explorer Javier tells us, “we were just a few crazy guys… a few romantics, climbing the mountains carrying our bikes!”
As local explorer Javier tells us, We were just a few crazy guys… a few romantics, climbing the mountains carrying our bikes!
That search for what is on the other side, for that perfect singletrack which nobody has ever ridden before, drove these riders higher and deeper into the mountains. The reality wasn’t always the same as the dream though, and they found that many trails had fallen so far into disrepair that they were either not rideable or were a long way from being fun.
That didn’t stop these 2-wheeled explorers though, and they sought out permission to reopen old trails, and armed with pickaxes, spades and chainsaws they transformed old trails, reopening and reshaping them for mountain biking.
This was my first ride on the Rise H and it really surprised me. It rides a lot like my Occam and is playful enough to push my limits on these high mountain trails.
– Quiri
Passion inspires and New Users Mean New Life
Times have changed and now riding high in the Pyrenees mountains is seen as normal, among the certain parts of the mountain biking community at least.
As more riders use these trails we find that this use improves these paths. The passing of tyres smooths the surface and every rider who stops to remove a rock or cut a branch from the trail helps bring it back to life.
And don’t forget people like Javier, Ángel and Maia who, together with the rest of the people behind these trail projects, dedicate themselves to maintaining, improving, and above all promoting the use of these ancient paths. It is only with users that these trails gain purpose and it is only with purpose that they gain life.
The Legacy
And, as in the distant past, these trails are again starting to bring trade to these tiny Pyrenean villages. A different form of trade for sure but trade none-the-less. As bikers come to ride these trails they bring opportunities for these valleys to diversify their economy and villages which once were full of farmers now house shuttle companies, guides, bike shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
Life shapes the trails and trails shape life. It is the same cycle which has existed for generations. Uses evolve and users change, but even though everything changes, everything remains the same.
Get to know the bikes from Trail Tales
Rise H10
The bike used in these episodes is the Rise H10 in custom MyO colours. The combination of the 540Wh battery, beefy Fox 36 forks and the light weight makes this bike perfect for these long days of exploring on steep mountain trails.
TRAILHEADS
Quiri
Quiri was in a famous Spanish punk band in the 80´s but now gets his kicks exploring the high trails in the Pyrenees. Quiri shares his adventures and the laughs along the way on his well known YouTube chanel.
