Five riders, five very different motorcycles, spectacular mountain scenery, temperatures approaching 40°C, mechanical problems, unexpected diversions and an accident that brought our adventure to a premature end. This is the story of our 2026 ACT Pyrenees trip.
An adventure across the Pyrenees
At the beginning of September 2026, five of us set off for what promised to be one of our most memorable motorcycle adventures of the year: riding the Adventure Country Tracks (ACT) Pyrenees route.
The plan was to cross the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, following a combination of remote off-road trails, mountain tracks and spectacular roads through Spain, France and Andorra.
The official ACT Pyrenees route covers approximately 1,160 kilometres, with around 55% of the distance off-road. It's designed to take adventure riders away from the usual tourist routes and into some of the most spectacular countryside the mountains have to offer.
We had five motorcycles, seven days available for the adventure and a considerable amount of enthusiasm.
What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, as it turned out!
But despite the problems, it was an extraordinary trip, and one that gave us some unforgettable experiences.
Five riders and five very different motorcycles
Our group consisted of Joe, James, Andy, Lee and Dave, with a particularly interesting selection of motorcycles.
Three were from our demonstrator fleet:
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Kove 625X Pro – A middleweight dual sport motorcycle that we were keen to evaluate on demanding terrain.
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Moto Morini AlltrHike 450 – The smallest and lightest of our three demonstrators, and a bike we were particularly interested in testing off-road.
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Moto Morini X-Cape 700 – A larger adventure motorcycle with more of a road-touring emphasis, but still designed to handle unpaved routes.
Alongside these were a KTM 690 Enduro R and a Husqvarna 701 Enduro, both well-established choices for serious trail riding.
The three of us from Ryder Motorcycles – Joe, James and Andy – swapped between the Kove and two Morinis throughout the adventure.
That gave us the opportunity to compare them directly, often on exactly the same stretches of road and trail.
We also had a substantial amount of equipment to evaluate, including Michelin tyres, Carpe Iter navigation systems, luggage and protective riding gear.
This wasn't a laboratory test or a carefully controlled comparison. It was something considerably more useful to us: real motorcycles, loaded for a proper adventure, being ridden hard over long days in genuinely demanding conditions.
And as we were about to discover, the Pyrenees provide plenty of those.
Getting to the start – Pau to the Mediterranean
After transporting the motorcycles south through France, our first full day in the saddle began in Pau.
We were heading east towards El Port de la Selva on the Mediterranean coast, where we'd position ourselves for the start of the ACT route.
We left at approximately 7.30am, with 265 miles ahead of us.
That might not sound particularly demanding by normal touring standards, but this wasn't a straightforward motorway journey.
We experienced mixed weather as we headed into the mountains, crossing our first mountain pass of the trip before continuing towards Perpignan.
As the day progressed, the weather improved and the temperatures began to climb.
The final stretch took us across the border into Spain, through Portbou and along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
It's a fantastic part of the world for motorcycling, with twisting roads, dramatic coastal scenery and wonderful views across the sea.
By the time we arrived at El Port de la Selva, it was around 5.30pm.
Ten hours on the road for 265 miles.
We'd barely started the adventure, and already it was obvious that the coming days weren't going to be short ones.
But the motorcycles were running well, everybody was in good spirits, and we were finally where we'd been looking forward to being for months.
The real ACT adventure was about to begin.
Into the mountains – the ACT begins
The following morning, we headed towards Cap de Creus and the beginning of the ACT Pyrenees route.
From here, the route works its way westwards across the mountain range, using an extraordinary mixture of gravel tracks, rocky trails, narrow mountain roads and remote countryside.
The scenery is constantly changing.
One minute you're riding through woodland, the next you're climbing into open mountain terrain with enormous views across the valleys below.
Some of the tracks are relatively straightforward, allowing you to maintain a comfortable pace and enjoy the scenery.
Others demand considerably more concentration.
Loose stones, ruts, steep climbs and uneven surfaces can quickly turn an apparently simple section into something that requires real effort.
And when you're riding a fully loaded adventure motorcycle, every extra kilogram becomes noticeable.
The differences between our five motorcycles were particularly interesting.
The KTM and Husqvarna were naturally well suited to the more demanding trails, but we were keen to see how the Kove and Morinis would compare.
We weren't looking for excuses or trying to prove that one motorcycle was better than another.
We wanted to understand what each one was genuinely good at.
And the Pyrenees were giving us exactly the opportunity we'd hoped for.
Dust, rocks and 39°C heat
As we worked our way deeper into the mountains, the temperatures climbed dramatically.
At times, we were riding in temperatures reaching 39°C.
That's hot enough when you're sitting beside a swimming pool with a cold drink.
It's considerably less pleasant when you're wearing full protective motorcycle clothing, standing on the footpegs and wrestling an adventure bike along a rocky mountain trail!
The dry conditions also created an enormous amount of dust.
Riding in a group meant allowing enough distance between motorcycles to see where you were going, particularly on the faster gravel sections.
The trails themselves varied enormously.
Some were fast and flowing, while others were much more technical, with loose rocks and steep gradients requiring careful throttle and clutch control.
It was physically demanding riding, particularly over the course of a long day.
And this was where we began to appreciate just how different the three demonstrator motorcycles were.
The little Moto Morini AlltrHike 450 was proving particularly enjoyable off-road.
Its manageable size and relatively light weight made it easier to handle on the more difficult sections, and all three of us found ourselves increasingly impressed with it.
The larger X-Cape 700 was more at home on the faster roads and flowing sections, where its road manners and comfort were a real advantage.
The Kove 625X Pro offered another interesting perspective, with its own balance of performance and off-road ability.
We came away with some very definite opinions about all three motorcycles, which we'll cover in our separate bike comparison article.
But one thing was already clear: these weren't motorcycles that needed to be treated gently.
They were being properly tested.
When the route doesn't go to plan
One of the biggest lessons from the trip was that following an established adventure route doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to ride every section.
We encountered trail closures, diversions and unexpected obstacles that forced us to rethink our plans.
On one occasion, a digger completely blocked the route.
There was no sensible way through, so we had to find an alternative.
On another day, a closure resulted in a substantial road diversion, costing us time and forcing us to miss a planned off-road section.
This is where good navigation equipment becomes particularly important.
We were using Carpe Iter Caretta navigation tablets with DMD2, and the ability to find alternative routes and reconnect with the planned track proved invaluable.
Rather than endlessly searching for a way around a closure, we could identify a suitable alternative and work towards the next accessible part of the route.
At one point, it felt almost like having a cheat code!
It didn't eliminate the frustration of missing a good trail, but it made dealing with the unexpected considerably easier.
And it reinforced something we've learned from years of motorcycle touring: flexibility is essential.
There's little point stubbornly sticking to a plan when the circumstances have changed.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is find another way.
Mechanical challenges in the mountains
With five motorcycles covering long distances in extreme heat and demanding terrain, it was perhaps inevitable that we'd encounter some mechanical problems.
The Husqvarna 701 developed a particularly frustrating clutch issue.
As the temperatures climbed, the clutch began giving trouble, and the problem occurred repeatedly.
It wasn't exactly ideal when we were tackling steep and rocky trails.
Eventually, the solution involved changing the clutch fluid in a hotel car park in Andorra.
Not quite the evening entertainment we'd planned, but a good reminder of why some mechanical knowledge and a few basic tools are worth carrying on a trip like this.
Fortunately, the work resolved the problem and allowed us to continue.
We also suffered damage to a rear tyre, with a substantial cut that required attention.
Our Michelin Anakee Wild tyres had otherwise been performing impressively across the mixture of roads and trails, but sharp rocks can cause problems regardless of the tyre you're using.
These are the sorts of incidents that can be frustrating at the time but become part of the story afterwards.
And when you're travelling with a group of experienced motorcyclists, there's usually somebody who can help work out a solution.
Andorra – incredible scenery and a hotel car park workshop
One of the highlights of the trip was riding through Andorra and the surrounding mountains.
The scenery was magnificent.
Huge mountain views, twisting roads, remote tracks and a landscape that seemed to change every time we rounded another bend.
We experienced everything from fast, dusty trails to smooth mountain roads that would have been fantastic on almost any motorcycle.
It was also an opportunity to enjoy the differences between the bikes.
On the tighter and more technical trails, the smaller motorcycles had obvious advantages.
On the faster mountain roads, the larger adventure bikes came into their own.
There were plenty of occasions when we stopped simply to admire the surroundings.
Even when you're concentrating on the riding, it's impossible not to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Pyrenees.
And then, of course, there was the clutch repair in the hotel car park.
Because apparently no proper motorcycle adventure is complete without somebody having to work on a bike when they should be enjoying a cold beer!
Arinsal to Villanova – 185 miles of adventure
Our third day on the ACT route took us from Arinsal towards Villanova, covering approximately 185 miles.
It was another long day combining fast, dusty trails, spectacular mountain roads and some enormous views.
The conditions remained demanding, but the riding was fantastic.
We were becoming increasingly familiar with the motorcycles and more comfortable with their different characteristics.
The AlltrHike continued to impress us on the off-road sections, while the larger machines were particularly enjoyable when the route opened up.
There was also a memorable incident involving Andy and a cattle grid.
While negotiating it, his foot went through the grid, resulting in his first drop of the trip.
Not exactly a conventional way to fall off a motorcycle!
Fortunately, it became another of those incidents that would be talked about afterwards.
And after another exhausting day, we arrived at our hotel looking forward to a meal and a relaxing evening.
Unfortunately, the hotel didn't have a restaurant.
So, despite having spent the entire day riding motorcycles, we had to get back on them and head into town to find something to eat.
Sometimes the biggest challenge of an adventure isn't the mountain trails.
It's finding dinner!
The fourth ACT day – and everything changes
Our fourth day on the ACT route began with more spectacular riding, but also another significant diversion.
A confirmed trail closure forced us onto a lengthy alternative road route, meaning we missed one of the planned off-road sections.
Once again, our navigation equipment proved invaluable in helping us find a practical way forward.
Despite the frustration, we continued westwards towards Jaca in Spain.
Then came the moment that changed the entire trip.
James was riding the Kove 625X Pro when he had an accident on loose stone.
His airbag deployed during the crash, but it was immediately apparent that he'd hurt himself.
We suspected he'd broken his collarbone.
Despite the pain, James managed to ride back to our support van.
At that point, the priorities changed completely.
We'd travelled a long way and put a great deal of effort into organising the trip, but continuing the ACT route was no longer important.
Getting James home safely was.
We made the decision to abandon the remainder of our planned adventure and return to the UK.
It was a disappointing end to what had been an extraordinary few days of riding, but there was no question about what needed to happen.
The long journey home
With James injured, we began the journey back towards Calais.
Lee left the hotel at approximately 6am, while the van departed at around 8am.
We reached the Eurotunnel at approximately 5pm before beginning the overnight drive home.
Andy handled most of the driving, with Joe taking over for the final stint.
After an exhausting journey, we finally arrived home at around 5.45am.
James subsequently underwent a CT scan at Maidstone Hospital, covering his neck down to below his pelvis.
The results confirmed that his collarbone had broken in two places, leaving it in three pieces.
He'd also suffered severe bruising around his lower right back and hip.
Thankfully, the scan showed no other injuries.
Surgery was expected to be necessary, and further assessment was arranged through the fracture clinic.
Although it was obviously a serious and painful injury, we were enormously relieved that the outcome hadn't been worse.
Motorcycle adventures involve risks, particularly when riding demanding off-road terrain.
Protective equipment cannot prevent every injury, but James's accident gave us plenty to think about regarding riding gear, airbag systems and the importance of being properly equipped.
We'll discuss those experiences in our separate article about riding equipment and protection.
Meanwhile, Dave reaches the Atlantic!
Although the rest of us had to abandon the route, Dave decided to continue west.
With the off-road adventure effectively over for our group, he followed the road sections towards San Sebastián and the Atlantic coast.
And he made it!
While we were making our way back to the UK, Dave successfully reached the western end of the Pyrenees.
So at least one of our group completed the journey from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, even if it wasn't quite the ACT crossing we'd originally planned.
A great achievement, and a fitting conclusion to his adventure.
For the rest of us, however, the ACT Pyrenees remained unfinished business.
What did we learn from the adventure?
Quite a lot!
First, the Pyrenees are an absolutely incredible destination for adventure motorcycling.
The variety of riding is extraordinary. In a single day, you can experience smooth mountain roads, remote gravel tracks, rocky climbs, woodland trails and enormous panoramic views.
It's a place that rewards preparation, flexibility and a willingness to deal with the unexpected.
Second, distances can be deceptive.
A 150-mile day on challenging off-road terrain can be far more demanding than a 400-mile day on the road.
Add extreme heat, dust, mechanical problems, navigation changes and the occasional unexpected obstacle, and the hours disappear very quickly.
Third, choosing the right motorcycle makes a difference, but there's no single perfect machine for every situation.
Our five motorcycles all had different strengths.
The KTM and Husqvarna were well suited to serious off-road riding, while the Kove and Moto Morini models gave us the opportunity to evaluate a broader range of adventure motorcycles.
The little AlltrHike 450 was a particular favourite when the going became difficult, while the X-Cape 700 demonstrated why a larger adventure motorcycle can be such a pleasure on the faster road sections.
We also learned a great deal about the equipment we'd brought along.
The Michelin tyres, Carpe Iter navigation systems, luggage and riding gear all received a proper workout.
Some things performed exceptionally well.
Others highlighted areas where we'd make different choices next time.
Those findings deserve their own detailed articles rather than a few passing comments here.
And finally, we were reminded that no adventure is worth taking unnecessary risks for.
Sometimes the sensible decision is to stop.
Unfinished business
We set out to ride the ACT Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, crossing some of Europe's most spectacular mountain terrain.
We experienced extraordinary scenery, fantastic riding, temperatures approaching 40°C, mechanical problems, unexpected diversions and plenty of laughs.
We also returned with an injured rider, a damaged motorcycle and a route that we hadn't managed to complete.
Was it the adventure we'd planned?
Not entirely.
Was it an adventure we'll remember?
Absolutely.
Despite everything, the trip reinforced why we enjoy adventure motorcycling so much.
It's not simply about reaching a destination.
It's about the places you visit, the challenges you overcome, the motorcycles you ride and the people you share the experience with.
And sometimes, it's about accepting that things haven't gone to plan.
Would we go back and finish the ACT Pyrenees? Without hesitation.
We've got unfinished business in those mountains.
And we'll be back.
More from our ACT Pyrenees adventure
This trip also provided an opportunity to test a wide range of motorcycles and equipment in demanding real-world conditions.
Our accompanying articles explore the results in greater detail:
The Bikes and Michelin Tyres – A comparison of the Kove 625X Pro, Moto Morini AlltrHike 450 and X-Cape 700, together with our experiences using Michelin adventure tyres.
Carpe Iter Caretta and DMD2 Navigation – How our navigation systems performed across the Pyrenees, including route changes, screen visibility and practical day-to-day use.
Kriega vs Mosko Moto Luggage – Our experiences with different luggage systems during a demanding multi-day motorcycle adventure.
Adventure Riding Gear and Protection – The clothing, equipment and protective systems we used, including the lessons from James's accident.