Hourquette et Col d'Aspin

Not a very good night's sleep

 

 Today's ride is designed to take in new country, and I learn afterwards the chance to see wild bears!! We start by the gentle roll downhill to the main road and turn right up the valley towards Tourmalet and Col d'Aspin. As we pass the right hand turn to Tourmalet, we seek out the forge where Eugene Christophe famously fixed his forks, but alas there is little evidence of the location, despite the statue from yesterday with Eugene valourously holding them aloft.

For another bloogy and different pictures go here and read Supermodel's excellent blog

So we climb south steadily and unrelentingly upward.  This hotel is for sale. It needs work.

Strangely my legs feel good today, back is fine, neck is a bit stiff given all the hours

Is there a market for a Fawlty Towers themed restaurant hotel in the French Pyrenees?  The French have no word for niche.

Heading to Payolle we turn right, regroup and commence the climb up Hourquette D'Ancizan. Marvellous!

What a beast! and a horse in the foreground

Wildcountry yet only five kilometres or less from the next main town and highway (line of sight).

Then a really technical descent to regroup once more before rolling into Arreau for a croque monsieur for myself and cafe

Leaving Arreau, we turn left for Col d'Aspin and almost immediately the first drops of rain are felt. I see SM, BB, OGF reach for rainjackets. In the Dolomites I needed a raincoat to keep warm, not so today, the rain is little more than how wet I was climbing yesterday so I stay with jersey and effort and keep climbing.

It is a truly beautiful climb and in the cool weather, light rain and distant thunderstorms it does feel wonderful to be able to be here doing these things with mates. I know I am immensely privileged to do this and I intend to enjoy every moment.

We regroup at the top, don rainjackets and commence the wet descent, SM convinces me to keep going at Payolle so we crank it out to Beaudean and turn right, remove the raincoats and climb back to digs

Back at RamonJuan we arrive around 14.30, the TV isnt working, no news on Le Tour de France, so everyone has a nanna nap.
Later we drive in BdB for some cycling provisions and I secure a new jersey.

Another magnificent meal from Christophe Chaevean, photos to be added

Other news today, De Erecteur and her sister are in the country, they arrived in Paris from London today, her apartment is above a show store, typical.

We will meet again in Madrid. Cant wait!