Rode with the cows today (Col de Spandelles)


We got off to a late start today, kind of hoping the rain that had suddenly intruded into the forecast would magically go away. Plus a fair number of things to do regarding laundry and planning. Kevin was getting annoyed that we were running out of day, but this is France, where it doesn’t get dark until 10pm, so like, what’s the hurry?

The original ride was looking a bit too ambitious so we scaled back a bit with the idea that rain was coming back. And of course had to stop before beginning the ride to pick up some long fingered gloves (something else in the luggage yet to be delivered).

We rode the Col de Spandelles, a route that roughly parallels the Soulor/Aubisque but if far less traveled. Pretty nice route but would be nicer if the mid-section didn’t have a fair amount of gravel, and from exactly 1k to the top? LOTS of gravel. So much gravel we were very concerned about our tires becoming damaged! Even thought about turning back, but after not finishing yesterday’s ride to the top, nothing was going to stop today. Not even the rain and fog and cold and gravel.

Or cows, as you can see in the video! Quite the ride overall. Definitely one to remember, and isn’t that the point? Tomorrow is our first rendezvous with the Tour de France. Train from here to St Gaudens, where the race finishes, and we ride the course backward up to the final climb. Hoping the rain won’t be quite as likely as the forecast says! But today got us used to the concept.






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