Today started with a 9M start to challenge ourselves with the climb up to the Col de Soudet(15k climb). After a quick stop to stuff our pockets with more food we headed out of Oloron through Arette and started up a wide canyon. Some random French guy joined our group probably seeking a company and protection from the building wind. This wind along with dark clouds had us all wondering what we riding into.
The canyon began to narrow and the climb started at a nice 3% grade but, soon hit 9% which really woke up the legs. However, that was that was nothing compared to the 15% wall that smacked us upside the head. After just doing everything to keep turning over the pedals the canyon opened up and we did some nice gentle switch backs averaging a flat 8%. Hanging out on the switch backs where cows, goats and super muscular cows (they seem to like graze on the steepest slopes they can find). The next 5k were a steady 10% which really wore on the legs and mind. The remainder was a nice 5% allowing to spin the pain away before arriving at the Col.
Only a few pics at the top due to a stiff, cool wind and we were off for a super fun descent down a narrow mountain road
(about as wide as one American lane for both lanes and zero shoulder.) One the way down there is a famous church built in the 11 century. We stopped and took photos and had coffee and Cokes next door.
We finished down the valley and took a unknown route out of Tardet-Sorholus up to the Col de Sustray. The descent of this Col was probably the treat of the ride. It was through farm country that reminded the area around Monterey, CA. (The top pic is from this area looking back at the Col de Soudet) We finished our loop to Oloron.
GPS Data
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