Bikepacking the "Hiru Hiriburuak" Capitals of the Basque Country

The Plan

It's Friday and I crave adventure. 

It's time to get all my gear out of storage and take a little exploratory trip to the Basque Country. The availability of time and the physical fitness of each person may be different, but the harshness of the Basque topography is constant.

I have one goal: To unite the three "Hiru Hiriburuak" capitals (Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Donostia-San Sebastián) of the provinces (Bizkaia, Alaba and Guipuzkoa) of Euskadi by gravel bike, creating a route that facilitates tourism in the area and is accessible to all.

It would be a route that people could complete in one go, divide into several stages, or even spread over a number of weekends, taking advantage of the different means of public transport that connect the main cities.

Equipment

The route is 90% off road. My preferred mode of travel is gravel bike. I'm 100% self-sufficient, and my kit is quite ultralight. Bikepacking means I don't have to depend on any facilities and can travel long distances.

My chosen configuration:

• Orbea Terra M20i bicycle - light and capable.
• Shimano GRX DI2 2x1 groupset - delivers precision and efficiency on all terrains.
• Fulcrum Rapis Red 900 DB wheels - robust and reliable.
• 40mm tires - perfect for the tracks (in good condition) without penalizing the asphalt sections.

Necessary kit and material distribution:

• Apidura 17L saddlebag
• Spare clothes
• Sleeping bag
• Stove, gas cylinder, cup

• Apidura 9L handlebar bag
• Large tent
• Hinged Carpet

• Pocket for apidura handlebar accessories 
• Expedition Foods freeze-dried meals
• Power bars

• Apidura 4.5L frame bag 
• Wash kit
• Electronic elements
• Mini padlock

The Result

I travelled 380km in 48 hours and the route was almost finished, my body was tired but my mind was restored.

I leave you with this advice: Organise your time, sometimes just a weekend is enough, for an exploration trip by bike and an escape from routine. Know your environment and its history. 

Pack up and dare!

Ibai Fradejas

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