We joined a group of folks and our friends Harlan and Liz Chapman on a two-week bicycle tour/pilgrimage to the French Pyrenees. The tour was organized by The Bicycle Outfitter in Los Altos, California. About thirty of us enjoyed some of the best riding in the world, through lush green pastures, up the grueling climbs and breathtaking descents of the Tour de France. We came, we rode, we ate a lot....over about 400 miles and 40,000 feet of climbing, more or less. Here's a brief description of our itinerary with some ride statistics. All photos by Deb Jensen, Tom Greene and Harlan Chapman.
Tour Itinerary
Day 2: Lescar to Orolon-St. Marie
Day 3: Orolon to Gourette - Col du Marie Blanc, Col d'Aubisque
Day 4: Gourette to Luz-St. Saveur - Col d'Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Hautacam
Days 5, 6: Luz-St. Saveur loop rides and rest days - Luz Ardiden, Lourdes
Day 7: Luz - St. Saveur to Beaudean - Col du Tourmalet
Day 8: Beaudean to Bagneres de Luchon - Col d'Aspin, Col du Peyresourde
Day 9: Luchon rest day (Superbagneres)
Day 10: Luchon to St. Girons - Col du Portillon, Col de Mente, Col de Portet d'Aspet
Day 11: St. Girons to Tarascon - Col du Port
Day 12: Tarascon to Quillan - Col du Marmare, Col du Sept Freres
Day 13: Quillan to Toulouse (bus), Tour Stage 11 at La Mongie
Day 14: Toulouse; bus to Tour Stage 12 at Plateau de Beille