Col Du Tourmalet

It is a beautiful sunny afternoon in the Pyreenes. We are enjoying a well deserved cold beer as we just finished cycling the grand daddy of them all the Col Du Tourmalet!!!

12 miles up and 4500ft of elevation gain!

But let me back up two days to Sunday. We left our wonderful little chambers and set our sights on getting to the base of the Col Du Soulor. Well the plan changed slightly. Once we finally made it to the base of the Col we had cycled 30miles but felt good so we decided to go halfway up the Col to a little town that we were told had a nice Gite. So up up up we went. The town was further up than we expected and by the time we finally got there it was only 6milesto the top.So we just kept on going......up up up up. By the time we finished the day we had cycled 55miles and 5750 feet of elevation gain!!!! And all of this with all of our gear. I have to say that climbing the Col was by far the most difficult thing I have EVER done. Bob was amazing as usual but even he said that it was probably the hardest climb he had ever done also.

But the views were amazing!!!! When we had less than 1KM from the top we had a great white Pyreenes dog made us stop so he could bring his heard of sheep across the road. It was truly magical!!!

Yesterday we rode to the town of St Sauveur at the base of the Col Du Tourmalet. This morning we woke to beautiful blue skies! We cycled to the top of the Col without any of our gear. After climbing the Col Du Soulor with all of our gear this climb was pure enjoyment! The entire climb was filled with beauty and the sounds of cow/sheep bells ringing in the surrounding mountains.
It was almost surreal. I felt like I was a character in a walt disney movie. The peace and tranquility that washed over me as I climbed that mountain was like an out of body experience. (is that too much) Sorry but I just don't know how else to describe it!

So that is my take on the previous few days. We will get the pictures downloaded hopefully by tonight. And I'll let Bob continue this entry so he can share his experience;

Bob here, I have to admit that sitting here in the sun in the middle of the Pryenees is as amazing as riding in them. Well, maybe it is the combination of riding them and then enjoying a beer in them that makes it spectacular. This is one of those moments that you dont want to end!! The beauty here is incredible and hard to describe. If youhave watched parts of the Tour De France you definitely get a feel for it.

I feel very lucky right now and I am not taking this day for granted!!

Wishing everyone the best,

Bob and Sherry