Days 2 & 3

Couldn't get a signal last night hence no blog . However it was a very wet day with some challenging climbs as we made our way through the foothills of the Pyrenees. We were joined part of the way by a French cyclist, Philippe, who kept us company until midday and provided us with lots of advice on the Aubisque and Tourmalet climbs, having done both himself.
We arrived at Beost about 4pm to find that we had booked a Youth Hostel and we were expected to have sleeping bags and towels. Towels we had. Sleeping bags were noticeable by their absence. However the lady in charge was very understanding and provided towels from her house and enough blankets to keep us all warm!!
A few of us took the opportunity to drive up the Aubisque to see what Monday's first challenge was going to be like. Driving it was enough to make us want to go back home. When we got to the top we found that the descent down the other side was closed to cars although bikes were allowed. There was concern about snow and rockslides!!
When we returned to Beost our ashen faces were enough to put the fear of God amongst everyone else. An early night was agreed with an early start, with the first group off at 7.

Monday, and the rain was coming down cats and dogs as we set off. The climb took some 1 hour and others up to 2 hours, but we all made it. It was freezing cold and wet as we took over the log fire in the summit cafe.

After an hour we knew we had to get on with the ride despite the appalling weather. And with the road closed we knew we had to cover 15km without support as the vans made their way back down and around the Aubisque to meet up with us on the other side. Fingers were frozen, teeth were chattering, and it was almost impossible to hold the handlebars let alone grab the brakes. However we all made it safely in a number of groups. It was too cold to hang around so we made our was to Argeles Bezost only to find out that the Tourmalet was closed!! To get to our next night's accommodation we had to cycle to Lourdes and back up to the Tourmalet from the other side. Fortunately the Tourmalet was open on the East side. Or should I say unfortunately! We now had a 16 km climb to La Mongie. The final group made it about 7.30pm having been on the road 12 hours. The relief was overwhelming, especially when we found that we had a really nice hotel!!!

By 10.30 everyone was in bed dreaming of the challenge of the Aspin and the Peyresourde facing us tomorrow.