1st to 3rd July to Ste Marie, Luchon and St Girons

Day 4 to Ste Marie de Campan 

(Bagneres de Bigorre)

 41 miles and 5761 feet of climb over the Col du Tourmalet (2115m)

Looking west down the route we had ascended

Iconic, the ride up the Tourmalet;

Our minds, determined by absence of stress, 

Feet pedalling, pedalling thro' fields of hay, 

Views and inclines that sure took our breath.

OK, we just had to have this picture!

Day 5 to Bagneres de Luchon

31 miles and 4909 feet over Col d'Aspin (1489m) and Peyresourde (1560m)

Engineers working on the bikes in the morning!

Peyresourde came after col d'Aspin, 

Roller-coaster ride down to Arreau; 

Climbed up like a bird, down like a Zeppelin, 

Met buses on corners, so narrow!

Lunch on skewers at Arreau, after an amazing descent

Day 6 to St Girons

54 miles and 3838 feet of climb over Col des Ares (797m) and Portet d'Aspet (1069m)

This had some of the steepest sections of the whole trip (24%)

Grey skies and threats of rain in the day 

Leaving Bagneres de Luchon 

Col des Arles and Portet d'Aspet 

Enlivened our progression.

32 degrees in St Girons 

With thunder in the evening 

Alpine flowers and ice cream fun,

 This love of France we're feeling!