The first testing climb

84km, 1802 m

A change of plan today as the pass down from Col d'aubisque is closed. 

So took a different route through the foothills and then south up the valley from Asson.

The village signs are upside down everywhere, expressing the dissatisfaction of rural communities. 

Followed delightful river valleys with rushing brooks and waterfalls and lovely flowers in the banksides. And yes cowbells. 

Then the work began in earnest with Col de Spandelles, a 9 km climb averaging 8%. It was used for the first time in the Tour de France last year so the surface was perfect. 

 Luckily I could follow an old gentleman who set a good slow pace, although we didn't speak until the summit. Some really sharp sections of 12 to 14%. He shook my hand and said 'Bravo' which I was chuffed about. 

It took Pogacar 29 minutes last year,  I needed 1 hrs 35 mins. 

Then a long descent into Argeles Gazost. 

route of two halves

103 km, 689m

About the first 50 km from Bayonne was along the bank of the Adour River using wonder cycle paths and m8nor roads. 

Then the road got a bit more lumpy plus some heavy drizzle. But a highlight was the occasional glimpses of snow on the mountains. 

Lovely river through Oloron and the proprietor of the guest house advised that the descent from Col D' Aubisque is closed by a landslide so I will need to do some route planning before bed!