Welcome to France

After one day warming up in the Pyrenees our legs were primed and we were ready for some more serious climbs. Day two would have us cross over into Spain and climb the  famous Col d'Aubisque before finishing in Saint Savin. A hearty breakfast Spanish style was much welcomed as French breakfasts are more likely to be of the continental variety.

Just outside the door of our hotel at Tramacastilla

50m down the road was a drinking fountain. A great place to fill the bidons.

Mark, our driver on the left and Rob before this morning's departure.

500m below the hotel is this fabulous view of the Spanish Pyrenees.

 From Tramacastilla we headed up the Col de la Portalet where the crossing into France took place. Good opportunity for a cup of coffee as it was freezing outside. Then a great winding downhill to the base of the Col d'Aubisque. This was a pretty serious climb. Half way up I had to shed the excessive clothing needed for the previous descent. There were lots of spectacular places to stop for photos, which of course I did. Finally made it to the top for lunch at the very famous Hotel d'Aubisque. Perched on top of the col and surrounded by picturesque valleys with horses and sheep. Now so many cows as I remember from our 2004 visit. A massive plate of omelette, bacon and salad which I could not finish and had to share it. Downhill from the Aubisque was perhaps the best part of the day. Smooth roads, sweeping bends and downhill for 25km. One of the guys behind captured it on a GoPro and it looks spectacular.

Atop the Col de la Portalet with Aaron, Mick and Rob

Coming off the Col de Portalet was very scenic. Mark whizzes past in the sag wagon

Fran (front) and Jess (rear) just below the summit of the Col d'Aubisque

Horses high in the Pyrenees - also just below the Aubisque summit

Fran and Libby in the car park of the Hotel d'Aubisque

Sheep. Lots of sheep. Behind us were one car and about 8 guys on Harleys. They weren't going to budge and the dog saw to it that we didn't get too close.

and just across the road from the hotel these monuments to the tour de France.