A big day in the Pyrenees

Jess getting stuff organised in the van

the view from the square outside our hotel in Saint Savin. Somewhere out there in the clouds is the Col du Tourmalet!

Mon velo

Mick looking very prepared for a cold start

Aaron goes to fast to feel the cold

Mark's turn to ride today. Hmmm, fresh legs on the Tourmalet. Luck boy!

Mick and Libby chatting before the start

Only got a few hundred meters before the first picture stop

Rolling out of Saint Savin, Aaron and Rob in their Ride & Seek kit

After 2200m of climbing the day before we were served up another 3300m in a total of 110km for the day. Following a lovely valley ride beside a river we hit the bottom of the legendary Col du Tourmalet. A brief regroup for coffee then straight up with each more or less going at their own pace. There were markers at every kilometre for riders detailing the altitude, distance to the summit and the gradient for the next kilometre. Being a magnet for cyclist we saw (and passed) hundreds of other riders from many different nationalities, but arguably the most typical would be a wiry 60-70 year old Frenchman riding without a helmet. Again we regrouped at the summit for a snack and some photos but the cold kept us indoors much of the time where the cafe walls were covered with photos and articles from bygone days of Tour de France deeds. Outside, there was weak sunshine and, as we doomed extra layers for the decent a couple of horses nosed about, licking the trailer and hoping for a biscuit or some other treat.

Coffee break before the first big climb

about halfway up the Tormalet. Sunny but cold. Cow poo cropped out of the shot

In the cafe at the summit, out of the cold. Loads of cycling memorabilia line the walls.

Rob abd Aaron getting to know one of the locals

Yes we all made it. Aaron, Libby, Fran  and Jeff pose at the top.

Next up was 25km of descent to the base of the Col d'Aspin. Nothing like the Tourmalet but not to be dismissed lightly. It was a beautiful ride through forested areas and opening onto farming country where cows, not sheep this time, roamed around grazing, their bells jangling musically all the while. The descent from the Aspin was one of those beautiful sinuous curves that snaked away into the valley below where we were to stop for lunch at the town of Arreau. Baguettes with fresh Pyrenean cheese and ham, pate etc were delicious. Just one final climb for the day, up and over the Col du Peyresourde before descending again into Bagneres de Luchon and our hotel for the night. Another reasonably tough 12km climb with gradients up to 9% near the summit with the rear of another 15km descent into town.

Descent from the Col d'Aspin

Mick and Jef make their way up the final climb of the day, the Col du Peyresourde

A brief pause at the top before descending all the way to the hotel and a well earned beer (if we can stay awake)

More climbing tomorrow with another 2200 metres and 140km, but with a much more gently profile than the previous two days. Second climb is the Porte d'Aspet which tops out at a relatively modest 1000 metres or so. We will pass by the monument to the 1992 Olympic Champion Fabio Casartelli who sadly died in a crash here during the Tour de France. Then follows a long gradual descent and ascent to the foot of the Col du Port at 1183 metres.

We cycle through an area renowned for its neolithic caves and cave paintings. Maybe Hannibal left some graffiti there on his way through but I'm sure we won't get the chance to find out.