On Sunday we headed out for another tour stage adventure. We drove over to a neighboring town and met up with the folks that run PyrActif. They had offered to shuttle us and our bikes over to Tourmalet along with their guests. (If you guys want a place to stay in the Pyrenees that is bike-centric, PyrActif is the place to check out!)
We loaded up and drove to a town about 12k from St. Marie Campan – the town that is the start of the climb for the Tourmalet. Even 12k out from the start of the climb – the roads were crowded with cars and people on foot and bikes. You had to be on high alert the whole time for opening car doors – and swerving pedestrians!
View from our perch on Tourmalet
The climb to the top only got crazier and more crowded the further up we went! The sides of the roads were crowded with Basque wearing their trademark orange t-shirts and cheering for all of the passing cyclists. With about 2k to go to the top – the roads were almost impassable they were so clogged with people. It as a real challenge to keep pedaling (up a VERY HARD climb) while worrying about running over a pedestrian (who would probably be intoxicated and wearing a wig and/or a cape and/or a flag as a cape and/or a speedo and/or a viking helmet and/or carrying a musical instrument)!
We all made it to the top – and found a good perch to watch the riders come by. If you watched the live coverage – we were in the last switchback before the top – right by the big pack of Norwegians wearing viking helmets! The riders look so strong when they come by – it is amazing!
Recognize anyone?
the colorful insanity
The descent down the Col was even crazier than the ride up. It was a mass exodus of cars, camper vans, pedestrians and bicycles – all fighting for space on two lanes of road. Talk about a nail biter (not that you could ever let off the brakes!) It was an experience I was glad to put in my rear-view mirror!
On Monday, we took Kelly out for a recovery ride. We pedaled into Spain and climbed the Col de Portillon – only 8k and 7.5% …that counts as recovery, right? The climb took us back into France – we had lunch in Luchon – then headed back to get Kelly packed up to head home. We hope he had as good of a time as we did!
GB split between France and Spain!
did i have a good time? i’ve never had so much fun in my LIFE!!! those hills are steeper than a ladder, but good grief, that was a wonderful time. you two are fun european travel mates!
carry on, citizens!
By: kelly on July 16, 2009
at 4:57 am