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While sometime
around 1912, Maurice
Bugard, an enthusiastic young bike rider was dreaming or a Pyrenean
trip though the mountains which would link the Atlantic Ocean to the
Mediterranean Sea, he couldn’t guess that 40 years later, his daring
dream would become a reality.
However, after the first world war, he had already worked out
a project, drawn the itinerary, assessed the mileage and calculated
the differences in level – in total, 18 passes staggered over 710
kms for 11,000 meters of climbing. Knowing that the course wasn’t an
easy ride, he tried for a long time to find amongst the cyclists he
used to train every year, the one who would be able to materialize
his idea. Unfortunately, in 1939 the war broke and he plan was
abandoned.
In 1949 Paul Mathis took up Maurice
Bugard’s project again and thanks to the alteration of the Pyrenean
road network, he attempted the first crossing Hendays – Cerbere with
a friend Piege. Unfortunately, because of the scorching sun, they
had to give up. But they didn’t admit defeat, and in June 1950,
Mathis with Miss Betbeder lined up again for the start and managed
to do the crossing from Cerbere to Hendays.
Finally, though the impetus given to Mathis, it was decided
to lay the first foundations of regulations in order to guarantee
the regularity of the event. As early as 1951, although the
regulations hadn’t been set up yet, the two bike riders who were not
native to the region, indicated to the organizing committee their
wish to have a go and delay their attempt was crowned with success.
In the winter of 1951 –
1952, Mathis put the finishing touches to his work. He designed with
great care the badge that he wanted worthy of the event. He also
drew a route maps, devised compulsory checking points, put in extra
sign posts to compensate for the inadequacy of the official road
signs and printed various documents.
In the spring
of 1952, the organization of the “Raid Pyrenean” was ready to
operate (Raid Pyrenean = Pyrenean long distance cycle
trek)
What was the
result of such a job
that demanded painstaking attention to detail? A tremendous success1
The first year there were 56 starters and 38 received ratification.
It goes without saying that each starter must be very fit; however
the long-distance cycle trek is not a inhuman trip reserved for a
few phenomenon’s, but an event within any entrant’s reach provided
that he (or she) can level his (or her) ambition with his (or her)
physical capabilities.
Since its
origin, expression of joy and enthusiasm have reached the
organizers. Those that do not complete the trip, regret their having
failed and add: “I will have another go”. For the others who are
lucky enough to succeed, many resolve to do it again but in the
other way, hoping to be awarded with the beautiful medal in return
for such an exploit.
Apart for its
undeniable sports interest, is the ‘Raid Pyrenean’ Justified by its touristy
appeal? Without a doubt, yes! We won’t describe the scenery here; we
should only point out that along the way, no dead point can be
found. The mind is constantly tempted and the sight fulfilled with
the endless variety of the landscape. For, from the rugged shores of
the Atlantic to the quiet Mediterranean sides, nothing looks like
nothing. Can we dream of more contrast between the verdant mountains
of the ‘Pays Basque’
often crowned with thick clouds and the last foothills of the
‘Alberes’, stones and sun. Therefore, and throughout this
long-distance cycle ride, the mind is always alert, sharpened by the
effort and action, gathering a wealth of wonderful
memories.
My Dear
friends, lovers of bike-trips, get your maps ready and study your
time table. An appropriate training, wise use of your strength,
helped on by will and luck and then you will have the great pleasure
in being awarded the ‘Raid Pyrenean’ badge.
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Hazel Heenan, Noel Masselis, David
Mehaffey, Peader McGreevy, Stephen Wallace and Jill
Heenan |
