Author: Will

Broadly speaking, the famous climbs of the Pyrénées can be split into two categories:
Old mountains routes & Purpose built roads up to newish ski stations.

Today’s ride was one of each type.

Col de Portet d’Aspet is the descent where Fabio Casartelli tragically crashed and died during the 1995 Tour de France. This is the monument to his memory.

I really wanted to cycle this famous climb, but it didn’t fit into the schedule. Unless …. I added it as a second ride on Day 1.

I am in the Pyrénées mountains for the first time ever. For the first ride, I cycled the last two big climbs that will be included in stage 8 of the upcoming 2009 Tour de France – Col de Port and Col d’Agnes. Paradise.

A simple there and back route, up the scenic but not too difficult Col des Montets and Col de la Forclaz.

Oh, no. I am losing one of my domestiques!

Doreen survived her 3 day cycling boot camp in the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors with one final great ride.

I was like a kid in a candy store.

Today’s ride passed at least 10 Cols (mountain passes) – I have photos of 9, missed one sign and got lost off road at a likely 11th. Fun!

Doreen and I are spending the long weekend cycling in the beautiful Le Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors – famous for it’s savage gorges.

Wooohooo! The bigger Alps climbs are starting to open.
A pretty huge day. But fun.