Day 24 St Gaudens-Pla D'Adept

This was going to be a big day in the mountains, The Col Du Tourmalet. Headed off for the climb from Bagneres-de-Bigorre to the summit @ 2115 mts. We know this is a tough one by the statistics for the route. A steady 3-5% gradient all the way out to the base, another beautiful day, and magnificent countryside. The official base of the climb is 17 klm from the top which starts in Saint-Marie de Campan. It's 9% plus all the way to the top, relentless and no false flats or relief, just up! up! up!.

Saint-Marie de Campan..the start

As if you do not know this is an enjoyable but tough ride. On French mountains they all have signs every Klm which indicate how far from the top, the current elevation and the gradient for the next Klm.

Trees for most of the early climbing, no clear view ahead of the top, keeping a steady tempo with two higher gears in reserve in case I need to spin the legs later. Lots of people a steady stream of traffic all the way up but not threatening and motorhomes taking every available spot.The TDF Riders are not climbing till the next day. People have been on the mountain for days.

Not many switchbacks, just up and around the contours of the mountain. Hit the first of many snow shelters that cover the road, we're just focusing on the gear ratio, tempo and heart rate, a steady 165 bpm. As we come through another snow cover over the road, I hear a voice call out "Come on Ripon," blimey who knows me out here on the Tourmalet, wow! it's Joe and Eleanor from Yorkshire who we had met earlier on Echallon. What a lovely surprise. Stop have a chat then Eleanor asks us if we would like some lunch, sure would after climbing for 12 klm and 5 klm to go this is an excellent opportunity to have a break.

Joe & Eleanor

Yorkshire hospitality what can I say, time for lunch.........

After a welcome beak and lunch it's time to keep rolling 10% all the way now, this next stage goes through the village of La Mongie, but wait there is still another 4 klm to the top, how disheartening. But the trees are behind us now and the views are wonderful and the pass at the top is in the distance. The observatory at the top is 2877 mtr (Pic Du Midi Bigorre). The crowds are huge so that in itself makes you keep going as they shout Allai! Allai! Allai! so you don't want to disappoint.I may have to pull out that reserve gear Peter! There isn't any I have already used it! Just pretend to the crowd your cruising.

Reach the pass at Tourmalet and you are not disappointed, the views on the western side towards Luz-Saint Sauveur shows many swithbacks near the summit and long runs on the edge of the mountain, I will be back to ride from this direction next time. A similar gradient but 2 klm longer hmmmm! You are only about 10 klm from Spain at this pass.

Under the statue of Octave Lapize

Time for refreshments, although there is a small pub at this point we decide to sample a hot dog and a small can of coke...10Euro $16, nearly choked, thank goodness I didn't ask for onions!

Peter crossing the line.....

For the skiers this would be a great venue in the winter, La Mongie is a bustling village. Time to roll back down, mountain cattle sauntering across the road, Swiss bells can be heard around the valley, ski lifts silent. A quick hello , goodbye to Joe and Eleanor, whose other family members have arrived for the race.

Once we are through the vehicles and crowds on the mountain we make a fast getaway back to Bagneres-de-Bigorre, then it's time to move onto Lourdes where we have booked a night in a hotel. Lourdes is close so the trip is short. We arrive early evening. Bon Soiree. McDonald's on the right as you enter town, point noted for WiFi communication and a McFlurry, then a short distance to the Helios Hotel.

A walk down town a few ales and a food. This is a very inviting town. This is famous pilgrimage market town at the foot of the Pyrenees, where the apparition of Our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Apart from the tacky tourist shops it is beautiful, interesting and full of history.