Two days arround the Pyrenees

[bandiso]

Hello my GW friends!
I turned 52 last wednesday so I managed for a solitaire weekend tour in the Pyrennes (border Spain/France).
My wife didn't agree with that, but as she scares to ride a bike... a whole weekend just for me
and the bike! Great!
This is a 600 miles trip in the most twisted roads in the mountains, crossing 12 peaks from 4.500 to 7.000 ft hight,
some of them well known for the "Tour de France" fans: "Col du Turmalet", "Col d'Aspin", "Col d'Aubisque"...
Weather forecast was not optimistc so I put my raincoat into the saddlebag in the hope for no rain and leave home
on Saturday at 8 in the morning with new tires, oil and filters ready for my first long trip alone.



After 96 milles, this was the first peak to cross.(5.900 ft) Here are the Beauty & the Beast:




The second one after another 60 milles (5.659 ft):


Cloudy at the horizon...


A nice lake before atempting the last peak in Spain:


And here looking at the clouds at the top of the mountain were I have to arrive:


Finally at the top(6.798 ft): cloudy and foggy but NO RAIN! This is the last in Spain.


Now I'm in France, at the top of "Col d'Aspin" (4.888 ft)


From here, about 100 milles to reach the Hotel riding in the fog in a wet and dangerous road.
Arrived about 9:30pm after 300 milles. Enough for an old bottom...

SUNDAY

In front of the hotel ready to go at 8:00 am. Sunny but cold...just 35


and begining the mythcal "Col du Turmalet" 6.938 ft, the highest road in the Pyrenees.




And at the top: sunny but cold...


Road to follow from the peak:


Curious monument to the cyclist in the "Col d'Aubisque"


I meet to french guys riding oldies: a 350 and a 400 CB twins from the beginigs
of the '70. Great picture, isn't it?


and unfortunatelly, the end: at home again.


As said, this was my first solo trip, but SURE not the last. It was an amazing experience
and more, riding my old Goldwing that more she rides, smoother she runs.

Some numbers:
TOTAL MILLES: 612
SPEED AVERARAGE:30 milles/Hour (excluding long stops)
MPG: 33,6
HIGHEST PEAK: 6.938 ft

And for me, this picture reflects what this trip meant to me. I'm really happy with this pic.


Well, that's all. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for reading.

[BearWing]

GREAT ride, and brilliant pictures! I wish I had been there!

My wife and I have been thinking about retiring to my favourite town in Spain, Ronda. Do you know it?

For those of you that haven't had the good fortune to go there (until you drop in on me, someday, I hope), it's a beautiful town built on a narrow mountain ridge.

[Dangeruss]

Nice ride and great pictures, thanks for sharing.

[Brant]

Thanks for posting the pics of your ride, looks fabulous.

[Sagebrush]

I love pictures of riding through the mountains and don't care where they are. Great write up Bandiso looking forward to more in the future.

[trevor42]

Que bueno, Bandido!
As one residing in the Great Plains, I am quite jealous of anyone that gets to ride in the mountains.
And you're correct, the picture with the two CBs is fantastic.

[Bert]

Beautiful ride and beautiful pictures...thanks.

[OhioBill]

You really know how to compose a picture. Great job.

[KYpondman]

Great pics and trip.
Thanks,
Claude

[tirejoe]

Great pictures, thanks for your rr.

[HOTT]

Beautiful! Nice trip. Your photos are great.
Your wing looks perfect in your shots.
Thanks for sharing.

[gearhead4207]

awsome pics want to go ride in france and spain my wife even said she would go

[bandiso]

Thanks for your comments. North of Spain is really a beautifull place to stay and ride!!
From the Pyrennes to the sea, just a short ride.
I'll be glad to be your guide if you plan to visit Spain, and as said in my signature,
Rioja wine and "tapas" for free!