Stage 7: 105km's - Oloron to Lourdes. First day in the Pyrenees with three Col's climbed...

 

Sun 22 May: Well I guess the good run of weather we have had up here in Spain and France had to change at some time...and this morning it sure did! Great for our first serious day of climbing in the Pyrenees! Woke at 6.30am to find low misty rain and cooler temps. A quick look up at the Pyrenees and out came the cold/wet weather cycling gear. It was drizzling most of the day and not much more than 10-11 deg C. Not an overly long stage at 105 kms again but grab a look above at the elevation download from the Garmin bike computer. Three legendary Tour de France climbs to be conquered today! First after just 25kms, the 1035m Col de Marie Blanque, then at 47kms the amazing 1709m Col de Aubisque and then before the descent down into Lourdes, the 1474m Col du Soulor alhough we did not have that much of it to climb as we passed on to the last of it from the Aubisque side. So just over 5 wet and cold hours in the saddle at an 21.1 kmph average. A hard days riding but also a buzz to be climbing these amazing roads as used in so many Tours de France. And I nailed them all OK as you can see by the pics above. The last pic on the Soulor gives you a good idea of the weather conditions at the time. And as you can see I am largely wrapped up in the arm warmers, spray jacket, leg warmers, winter boottees and on the Aubisque and Soulor in my beloved flouro yellow rain jacket. The climbs were really hard going but I know how to look after myself- small gear, steady tempo and focus on keeping the breathing steady and the heart rate not too high. Also keep well hydrated with powerade electrolyte drinks and a steady consumption of good power riding food. Bananas, fruit biscuits, fruity muesli bars and my now favourite french fig biscuits! Strategy worked well today. Still damn well froze though but expected at these altitudes I guess. So we rolled into a very busy Lourdes at around 2.30pm. Frozen but happy to have done the days ride all OK and ready for a piping hot shower and find a laundrette. Done jobs both and also cleaned the bike again. Lourdes is incredibly busy today - not sure why - maybe it always is but there is a lot of military people here too. Tomorrow is another big day in the saddle. 125 kms with three big famous Cols again! Col de Tourmalet at 2130m - the highest we ride I think, followed by Col de Aspin and the Col de Peresourde. Google them to learn more. Bye for now :-)