Peloton in Lourdes

Day 9 Sun 12th May St Gaudens to Barèges 120kms
Les Sorbiers


74 miles/119km
Average speed N/R
1800metres of ascent

St Gaudens Hotel de Commerce did not disappoint though there was little evidence of the girls tennis teams that Chris had looked forward to meeting again. Instead the hotel was full of elderly French couples and sweaty cyclists. We had our last proper hotel breakfast before Barèges and it was the same as all the others. A croissant, some French bread, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, (mine was soft) jam, strong coffee and tea, orange juice, yoghurt and fruit salad. Great choice and sensible food but never as satisfying as a full English.
It was a wet start for the first day since Geneva, so we started of in waterproofs. The rain stopped almost immediately but we kept the jackets on because it was pretty cold and there was a strong headwind. We had done less than 30 miles when we reached Lannemazan but we were in need of coffee so diverted to the nearest cafe. A good move as we all felt better afterwards as we descended the côte de Mauvezin to the warmth of Bagnères de Bigore where we had lunch. Bob had not cycled today (the sore knee excuse again) so was available to help Fabien with the picnic lunch. Baked beans and toast as well today! Definite evidence of perfecting the formula, just a pity it is our last day.
The last afternoon was one to remember. The scenery was lush rolling hillside with smooth descents and steady climbs. We did not take long to reach Lourdes and by then it was sunny and warm. Outer layers were discarded as we ascended the Voie Vert to Argelès, and Bob took photos. The Gorge up to Luz was spectacular and everywhere we saw evidence of erosion from above average melt water from the worst winter snows in 45 years. I went up at a relatively fast pace with Rob, but only after Dave C. Ian Hagyard and Dr Dave W had sprinted ahead. Chris and Simon F were in front of even them, as they had started the race for Barèges the moment we entered Lourdes. They made a pact and finished together whilst we regrouped, had drinks and ice cream in Luz and waited for Simon R who had punctured in the middle of the Gorge.
A warm welcome awaited at Les Sorbiers. I made the climb at my own pace and was faster than I have ever been for it before. Frances arrived soon after I did and watched as I dismantled my bike. There was a slightly jaded feel to the evening as we sat around swapping cycling stories and reading cycling magazines. We ate veg soup, Tarteflet and gateaux Basque before Chris served coffee with a small piece of chocolate as a special treat.
Ready for home tomorrow. It has been a great trip with superb cycling, but it will be good to get home.