Cycling Heaven.....

Well, we made it down south to Luz St. Sauveur in the Pyrenees yesterday (Sat, Sept 22) to start the riding part of our trip.  And today we went out and did one of the epic climbs of the Tour de France, the "Tourmalet".  It first appeared in the Tour in 1910 (unpaved) and often returns these days, including this past July.

We left Paris yesterday after a great few days with Caryn's aunt and cousins treating us to great food and company.  Now we are with Bay Area cycling friends for a week of riding.  It was very warm today (80-85), but they say it may SNOW at elevation in a few days.  That's only about 10 miles upt the road!  We'd better get our riding in.  It's back to Paris next Saturday (Sept 29) for about 6 more days.  I've been taking tons of pics and here are just a few for now.

Au revoir!

Mike with Aunt Annik and cousin Sophie at Montmartre

Loving "Smart Cars" in Paris

Cousin Emmaunelle, Aunt Annik, Caryn and Mike in Paris

Readying the bikes for the first ride up the Tourmalet
(in front of rental house in Luz St. Sauveur)

View from window of Mike and Caryn's rented apt (1 km up the road from friends)

Garrett and Mike 1/2 way up the Tourmalet climb

Jeff (front) and Caryn (rear) climbing last 2km of Tourmalet

View looking back down from (almost) top of Tourmalet

Mike at top of Tourmalet (with Tour de France memorial)

Post-Tourmalet meal