One last ride today before handing back the bike and heading off to Provence tomorrow. I got up before the sun this morning to ensure I was back in good time to help with the packing and cleaning the gite before our departure.
It was good to get going early as the roads were empty, getting to Bagneres-de-Luchon just after 7am. I started the ride up to the ski station of Supergbagneres as the sun was rising and the light was slowing filling the valley. Along with the empty quiet roads, this made for very serene surroundings in which to ride. The road was excellent with many great vistas, and with 5km to go I left the trees behind and could see the very impressive hotel at the top. The climb kicked up steeply towards the end, reminding you why it has it's HC rating.
The quietness on the climb today gave me time and head space to reflect happily upon the last three weeks and all the riding I had done,16 cols over 10 rides, sometimes through cool clouds and sometimes in the scorching sun. The Pyrenees had exceeded all my expectations with the cols providing me with the physical challenge I was chasing, while not being so impossibly difficult that I was unable to achieve my goals. I now have an even stronger appreciation and admiration for the professionals, past and present, and their accomplishments during each Tour. The countryside had also been spectacular, with unforgettable views and lanscapes that is even better in reality than those helicopter shots you see during the Tour. My favourite ride is hard to choose, however it may be the first one I did which was the climb up the Col du Soulor then on to the Col d'Absique. As well as being special for being the first cols I had the privilege of riding, the views were outstanding and the road was amazing, with steep cliffs and tunnels through the mountain. The chaos at the top of the Col du Tourmalet was also very memorable, and with it the feeling of having completed my own personal Tour goal. Today's climb up to Superbagneres was also beautiful and it was a great way to say goodbye to the Pyrenees. I will definitely leave the Pyrenees with fond lifelong memories.
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