Where did the week go?

My goodness this week has gone by fast. I think it was yesterday when I was falling asleep at the dinner table due to jet-lag, and now we are packing it in after an incredible week of riding, enjoying old friendships and building new ones. It is midnight now, with an early flight tomorrow, so apologies if this one gets off the rails a bit.

We made our way back to Pau today via the Col de Soulor and then the Col D'Aubisque. Really only the Soulor since the top of the Aubisque is basically in sight from the top of the Soulor, and after a nice hard week or riding some of the most difficult climbs I've ever done, an easier day was welcome. But first, one last gathering in the parking lot to straighten out wheels (mine) and fill up water bottles.

The request from home is for more group photos, and if you count my shadow, this is most everyone.

And in my attempt for artistic balance, you might notice this is the group going home through the same bend in the same charming little town through which we headed out on day one.

In the odd event that you would do a ride like this without knowing the history and meaning behind the roads and climbs, there are little reminders about where you are. I noticed fewer of these little reminders this year than in previous through the Alpes, and it was nice to be reminded of the importance and meaning of the Tour to France. There really isn't anything comparable in the U.S. We were happy last year when the Giants won the World Series. Who knows what team won the Super Bowl last year, but I'm sure that town was pleased. With the Tour, most of France has a chance to take pride and ownership in the World's largest sporting event running through their town squares, the roads they take their kids to school on and ride their bikes on during lovely autumn mornings. It really is special.

(On the way up the Soulor)

(In the middle of a town of maybe 100 people)

(On top of the Aubisque)

The Soulor was definitely my kind of climb, and I was crushing it today, until a flat. I had to have a least one this year, kind of a gradual detox from last year's trip. It just wouldn't be right if I got away free and clear. The bright side is that it happened serendipitously right at this spot with a perfect break in the trees for a shot down the valley, and Lawrence was just behind in the van to jump out and lend a hand.

The Soulor starts through a deeply wooded valley along a river and yet more postcard perfect villages and homes. I suppose one could take all this beauty for granted, but it is hard to do after just a week.

What is more amazing is when you come around a bend in the road about 5 km from the top and the climb opens up completely. From these views . . .

To these . . .

I must include some cows in this posting somewhere just to keep this year's theme alive, and keep Sydney happy at home. These girls looked like there were enjoying the good life just a couple kilometers from the top.

Then all of a sudden, the cows gave way to sheep - and lots of them. Hoards, swarming the roads, cars, and the picnic stop that Lawrence had waiting for us.

(One of them got their head stuck in the trash can lid - David comes to the rescue, and earns his nomination from PETA)

And, of course it wouldn't be a summit without breathtaking views, would it?

(B, Kari, and David enjoying it before heading up to the Aubisque)

Looking back on the ride up the Aubisque is probably more enjoyable than actually riding it. The road is gentle without much climbing at all, but it just hangs on the edge of the mountain face, and is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

(B and Mark get to put another Col in their book)

After a tremendously long descent down the other side of the Aubisque, we ran through this town square (Laurens), and you just think to yourself - "boy, what the French need to learn about is city-design, 'cause they could knock that down and put in a Home Depot." Yup, that is what you think. Wish I had a panoramic camera for this one to capture the people out talking to each other in the cafes and surrounding streets.

With the group fairly well split up by the end of the day, and some ominous storm clouds blowing in (we did get thunder and lightening, but only during dessert tonight) we decided to enjoy some late lunch and hop in the van for a quick ride to the Hotel and a well-deserved shower.

If you could pick a place for lunch, somewhere with what Lawrence reckons to be a many hundreds year old castle overlooking a town, pond, and river - well, that isn't such a bad spot is it?

We even got a little local company, too, to share our bread and cheese.

Au Revoir, see all our loved ones soon.

Did you see that?

We had amazing views today, so I've decided to make this more of a picture day than a word-sy day (plus I'm having issues with the blog uploader!). The weather was great today, starting out clear and we made it to the hotel in Lourdes just as a little rain and storm blew in.

We started out in Arreau and after a nice big warm up of 1 kilometer headed straight up the Col D'Aspin, then descended, turned left and straight up The Tourmalet. The D'Aspin was my kind of climb - it never got ridiculously steep, and I could get a really high speed up. The Tourmalet was a slightly different story. But, everyone felt good today, and the views - amazing.

(Lower slopes of the D'Aspin)

(Looking down on Arreau)

(B starting out up the D'Aspin)

(And, away she goes!)

At the top, we were treated to a little cattle drive. The shepherd (is that what you call them?) was just marching a bunch up the road to a little pasture on top of the col. Since it appears cows are kings in this part of France, no one complained and traffic just stopped and waiting.

(Kari pulling up the rear, so to speak)

(Hey cow, how's your mother? Inside joke with Annie)

(B and Mark coming up to the summit)

From the summit of D'Aspin, you could look across the valley to The Tourmalet. That weather tower isn't exactly where the road goes, we get about a 100 meter or so break. Needless to say that sight is a little daunting. Two of the Canadian boys took it as a challenge and decided to do it twice. Crazy!

Quick shot at the summit sign, refill of water bottles, and on down to The Tourmalet . . . with a quick coffee at the town below.

(I like this one, not for the picture of me, but for the French assassin death look we are getting from the lady behind - watch out!)

The climb up The Tourmalet was gorgeous. It started out nice and easy - even with a little down-hill from time to time - which means it ends nice and hard.

(Lots of little streams running down along the way up)

(About half way up looking down on the valley from where we came)

You start to get a glimmer of hope when you see those buildings thinking that is the top, but that is just the ski town of Mongie. There are the steepest kilometers left once you get through town, actually.

B pushing up the road opposite of the other photo looking at Mongie. Notice the "Andy" painted on the columns - fans of the Schleck boys must have camped out here for the Tour!

With about 3km left to go, you hit this wall. Time to put the head down and count out the pedal strokes.

(Famous cycling statue commemorating the first time The Tourmalet was included in the Tour.)

Mark went full gas for the last few kilometers, followed by B. Col sign pick and back on down, headed home for the night in Lourdes. And oh, what a descent it was off this one!!

(Just a little taste of the way down)

We had a nice regroup at the bottom for drinks, and then an easy spin for about 10km home.

(That is where we came from, way up there)

We ended the day with a little spin around the holy site (and mass commercial market that has rooted itself along with it). Here is the Cathedral and behind it is the fountain that 153 years ago a little girl saw the Virgin.

(We got a few looks for pulling up in front of the gates)

And finally, the view from our hotel - the Lourdes castle.