Tourmalet trounce

We heard Tourmalet was a fiercely challenging climb and that many a Tour de France has been decided on it. Well, climbing is believing, apparently. We saved this monster pass for last on accident, and it lived up to its reputation yesterday.

I didn’t take many photos since my energy was going towards getting myself and my heavy but trusty touring bike up the hill. Here are a few images:

John on last switchback before summit of Tourmalet

The view down the other side of the pass--in the Tour they climb both approaches, sometimes in one day! — The view down the other side of the pass–in the Tour they climb both approaches, sometimes in one day!

Pedaling backwards in time, the day before Tourmalet, we tackled the Col d’Aspin,another Tour mainstay, but a much gentler climb.

Encouragement for the pros is still visible as the amateurs ride by

After descending Col D'Aspin, we crossed this sweet, pastoral valley to the next climb, Col d'Hourquette D'Ancizan — After descending Col D’Aspin, we crossed this sweet, pastoral valley to the next climb, Col d’Hourquette D’Ancizan

Watch video clip

Morning light on Col d'Aspin — Morning light on Col d’Aspin