Following the Tour de France though the Pyrenees

Panoramique view towards Spain, from Col de Péguère

It was 12th August 2012. The alarm clock went off early in the morning. The sun was not even rising and I knew a long long journey would start if the door bell rings and Tobsen is showing up. First stop: Marburg, to pick up the second Tobi. After having a another breakfast we hit the road again, leaving Germany behind and going across France until approaching Perpignan at 2am the next morning. We checked in and took a long beauty sleep... The next day started late and relaxed. After breakfast we rolled down the beach, but couldn't make it that far. Some broken spokes forced us to stop and see the next bike shop. Tobsen bought a new rear wheel - perfect start - and we had a second try to take a smooth bath in the Mediterranean Sea.

Me at the top of Col de Pailhères, at a hight of 2001 m

Next stop was a tiny village called "Belvianes-et-Cavirac". We checked in at "La Maison Templiere Hotel" and were suprised of the friendly staff. The served 3-course menue was delicious, duck served with fries and crêpe gourmand were my favourites. Bike riding was scheduled as well, Col de Jau, Col du Pradel and Col de Pailhères, just to name a few.

Col d'Agnes, another beast of the Tour de France

Three days later, we were heading west again, approaching Saint-Lizier just after approx. 100km. This time, our apartment was even better, located on the hilltop "Le Domaine du Palais". We found a little restaurant just around the corner and we made it our favourite pub (nobody needs to know that it was the only one in town). We climbed the surrounding mountains the next two day, including the Col de la Core, Col del Portel and Col d'Agnes, before heading more west to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The hotel we found was not as excellent as the previous one, but ok, for staying over night and sleeping only - moderate. The mountains can't be any better. We climbed the Col du Tourmalet from the west side and had a fantastic race downwards with some tourists in their cars and vans. The following day was presenting three first class mountains, the Hourquette d'Ancizan, the Col d'Azet and the Col d'Aspin. Our last stage was leading us to a small village named Louvie-Juzon. The last ride was about to begin, but a tremendeous one - the Col d'Aubisque was awaiting us. Sun and good weather conditions would be too easy - it was more than foogy, with a visibility less than 10 metres, I would say. Not a good finish, but an experience. So, that was it, that was all. The last day was spent taking the car and passing by the Atlantic Ocean, finishing everything off with a little swim.