An easier day today as we roll along over the foothills of the Pyrénées. All the climbs are short (1–2.5 km) and not very steep. There was time to enjoy the great landscape, and ponder how many passes we have yet to ride in the mountains on the horizon. After 22 km, we joined the TDF 2000 route in Bagnes-de Bigorre — a regular start or finish location of the tour. Nice!
A good day (18) today of 104 kms that included a category 3 climb at the end of the ride. It was good spin out of the legs before our first real big day of three mountain passes. We had a bit of rain but arrived at our accommodation able to lounge by the pool in the sunshine. It was a day where we just spun the pedals to keep fresh. The day was marred by Sabine having a crash which has left her with cracked ribs. Day 19 is a mountain stage.
Today had a rest day in Lourdes. Lourdes is a beautiful place to rest and revive after our mountain climb.
We hear from guest blogger Bruce Murray as the group get ready for the first big day of hills.
Tours – La Roch-Posay – Montmorillon: leaving the Loire Valley behind and cracking 1000 km!
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