Day 3

65 Miles a mere 8,000’

Cette-Eygun to St. Savin

What a great day on the bike! Sunny skies all day, amazing vistas, monster climbs. Started by dropping through 2K of switchbacks from the hotel followed by a gradual descent for 20K. Then the first climb up to the Col de Marie-Blanque; only a cat 2 since it is short. Started off easily enough, but the last 4K was all 11-15%; brutal but beautiful. Then a screaming, twisting and turning descent on a perfect road surface. The descents on the first couple days were bumpy, gravelly (with new chip ‘n seal), or poop-laden; in some cases all of the above. Not today!

Next up was the Tour d’France favorite Col d’Aubisque, not as steep (tho some 13% sections), but a long hors categorie 4,000’ climb. All the climbs have signs every kilometer that tell you how far to the top, the altitude at that point and at the top, and the average grade for the next 1K. Note that even if it says 10% as in this case, that could mean a steady 10%, or maybe some 8% and some 12%. Still, it was nice to have as a reference.

At the top:

Another fast drop with a couple unlit tunnels and a lot of tour signs painted on the road. UP next was the very short Col du Soulor. From there we had a final big/fast drop to the hotel. The views were great all day; took a bunch of pics, a couple below. A lot of other riders out all day today also.