Rising early for a long day in the saddle, the anticipation of the road ahead. Bikes checked one last time, kit prepared and fuel taken on. This moment of calm is something to cherish, a last deep breath before the challenge begins. The Ruta Negras are a challenging like no other.

The highest mountains to tackle, the deepest recesses of energy to plunder, the fight to the end. The rewards are huge, the unbeatable feeling of conquering Hors Categorie climbs one after another. Day after long day. The Rutas Negras are our most extreme trips yet, the product of over 20 years of experience designing routes across Europe’s most spectacular and demanding terrain. France and Italy boast some of the most vicious and beautiful climbs in the world. They lie in wait, taunting you and tempting you to beat them. And beating them is quite the feeling. Watching the elevation clock up higher and higher, views opening out as summits approach.

A long descent to navigate as your heart rate settles then you go again. All day until you return to the hotel, exhausted and triumphant. Stories are shared over dinner, like war stories or tales of sporting victory. Even the tiredness in your legs couldn’t stop you from going again tomorrow. And every day until they’re all conquered.

We have trips across France and Italy, each taking in the greatest climbs in cycling. Have you got what it takes to complete a Ruta Negra?

Ruta Negra French Alps: June 6 — 20

There are few places which compare with the French Alps when it comes to the mystique, challenge and pure joy of riding a bicycle.

The Tour de France has ensured the Alps are embedded in cycling folklore, thanks to the pain, suffering and glory dished out by all the legendary climbs. But there’s so much more to the French Alps than the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.

With the Ruta Negra French Alps, we’ve designed a unique ride through the Alps, featuring the majority of the classic climbs and lots of lesser-known gems. In addition to legendary climbs like Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Ventoux, Madeleine, Glandon, Izoard & Croix de Fer we’ve included the Col de la Bonette, the highest paved through-road in Europe and the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps.

There’s a daily average of 119km and over 45,000m of climbing over two weeks, this is not a trip for the uninitiated and is on a par with the Ruta Negra Italia.

Ruta Negra Italia: August 8 — 22

An amazing trip concept that will test the most hardcore cyclists. La Ruta Negra is a 15 day cycling challenge whose goal is to conquer as many HC climbs as possible.

The Ruta Negra Italia follows a spectacular, masterfully-designed route that will tackle the toughest peaks in the Italian Alps, including Stelvio, Mortirolo, Gavia, Zoncolan, Monte Grappa, Finestre and many more. This will certainly be the most challenging 2 weeks you’ve ever spent on a bike.

Check out the highlights from Colle del Finestre through to Passo San Marco

Now that your appetite is whetted, can you prove you have you got what it takes to complete a Ruta Negra? 2020 trips are online and available to book now.