The Biescas-Balaitús Picnic is an adventure 'triathlon' there-and-back-again route. It is inspired by the Grand Teaton Picnic and involves 48 km of cycling, 1.6km of swimming, and 20 km of running/hiking while going from the picturesque Pyrenean town of Biescas at 1,105 m to the summit of the Balaitús at 3,144m. The route takes you from the base of the valley past numerous reservoir, mountain lakes, forests and waterfalls in some of the most spectacular scenery the Pyrenees has to offer. The route consists of:
1. Cycling up from the Biescas town square to the Embalse de Sarra (Cycle: 24 km, 691m elevation gain)
2. Swimming across the Embalse de La Sarra (Swim:~800 m)
3. Run/Hike to the summit of the Balaitus via the spectacular Ibones de Ariel (F+ (I, I+)) (Hike/Run: 10.1 km 1,834m elevation gain)
4. Run/Hike from the summit of the Balaitus to the Embalse de La Sarra (Hike/Run: 10.1 km 1,834m elevation loss)
5. Swimming across the Embalse de La Sarra (Swim:~800 m)
6. Cycle down from Embalse de La Sarra to Biescas town square (Cycle: 24 km)
In true picnic fashion you should start and end with all your gear. At the end of the bike ride there are some railings near the reservoir where a bike can be locked up and a saddle bag or panniers can be stashed in the bushes. Following the swim if you walk up the river feeding the reservoir you will find a convenient place to stash your wet-suit and drybag/float near a little concrete building that also marks the start of the trail leading away from the reservoir to the trail-head to the Ibones de Ariel. It is highly recommended that you use a wet-suit for the swim, in mid July the swims across the reservoir in a 4/3 mm surf wet-suit still resulted in shivering by the end. In general water is readily available all the way up to the final lake before the Balaitús summit where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the heart of the Pyrenees. Along the way to the Balaitús before you start the 'Grand Diagonal' you will pass a cave/refuge called the Abrigo Michaud which can serve as a good resting point.
This is an epic way to experience this magical corner of the Pyrenees by traversing this line across the landscape.
Some advice:
- Check the weather before hand, afternoon storms are common in the Pyrenees and would be bad news while on the Balaitús
- Take a look at the level of the Embalse de La Sarra the day before as if it is very high the spill-way can be dangerous
- If you do it in July you may also be lucky enough to be able to finish it off with catching a concert at the Pirineos Sur festival
- Have and EPIC time!
Ps. Taking a summit doughnut is highly recommended!
