Col d’Aubisque here we come

It’s on the list to tick so we combine transport with Di and Lindsay and at 0830 we are off in the two cars.

Down the valley, up and over the Hourquette d’Ancizan, turn left at Saint-Marie-de- Campan and up the Tourmalet. Easier in the car, and over the top.  Once we start descending we remember the floods that hit the valley two weeks before the tour. They had wrecked utter devastation to the valley of the Bastan. It had ripped houses and roads away and a major reconstruction is still under way and it is very slow going down with multiple stoplights.

Once out we turn right (with some confusion) and proceed to find our way to the tiny village of St Savin (my designated start point for the ride over the Aubisque.

The backroads are quiet but a little confusing as we skirt around the shoulder before getting on the main valley road. Everyone is hungry and a small shop provides a snack to get everyone up the Soular - the col that you have to cross to ascend the Aubisque.
In fact the Soular is the main climb - 6 - 8.5% gradient with ramps up to about 15%.
(about 7kms from the flat valley)

A couple cafes of course on top of this pass and a slight dip leads to a balcony road cut into and through the cliffs around towards the col d’Aubisque Still 6km more but all easy climbing and Leigh takes his second col of the day.

A little crowded on top with a large English tour doing a west / east crossing of the Pyrenees. But a chance to take some photos of the three big bikes (JR on top) and then lunch. 

The planned route home involved another col but everyone in relaxed mood so it’s decided to simply roll back all the way to the cars.

Leigh scares a motorist on the balcony route back to the Soulor who then stops in the middle of the road for JR and myself. We have to tuck our elbows in on the fly to avoid his wing mirror. He was last seen stationary and unmoving by those at the back - totally traumatized (note : the road is only 1.5 cars wide here)

We roll down the valley in our customary time trial mode before enjoying the quiet back roads back to St Savin and a drive home.

The upper Hourquette is so nice we stop and enjoy the quiet ambiance of the meadows and forest.

Another beautiful day in the Pyrenees