Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Horquette d’Ancizan (1564m) and Col d’Aspin (1489m) Loop From Arreau

So, this was probably our most ambitious ride of the year so far. Usually we tend to go up and down a climb, trying not to overdo it so that we can ride pretty much every day (weather permitting). This time, however, we decided to go for a two col loop. Here’s how we got on.

Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Col du Peyresourde from Bagneres du Luchon (1569m)

We’ve tackled the western approach of the Peyresourde from the direction of Arreau a couple of times before, including just a few weeks ago, but on paper this eastern approach was a little bit harder. At 13.7 km with an average gradient of 6.9%, the road rise 944 metres from 630 metres up to the col at 1569 metres. Again, Esther tackled this one by herself while I followed up on the motorhome.

Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Col du Portillon from Bagneres du Luchon (1295m)

We cycled from Bagneres du Luchon up to the French-Spanish border at the Col du Portillon together way back in 2014. This time, however, Esther tackled the climb by herself while I went for a run. Compared to the Port de Bales, Peyresourde and Superbagneres, this is probably the easier of the four climbs directly accessible from Bagneres du Luchon, but only because it is quite a bit shorter.

Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Superbagneres (1780m)

The interesting named ski resort of Superbagneres is just about visible from Bagneres du Luchon 1170 metres below, with a grey hotel just peeking out above the trees at the top of the long ski lift out of town. In fact, it really doesn’t seem that high when you look up. This is a climb I remember hearing the name of when I used to be interested in the Tour de France during the Armstrong era, so I was quite keen to have a go, even though I couldn’t work out exactly where the road went. The densely tree-lined slope surrounding the ski lift didn’t seem to reveal any of the usual tell-tale signs of switchbacks.

Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Port de Bales from Bagneres du Luchon (1755m)

It’s been almost 3 and a half years since we last cycled up to the Port de Bales from the other side (starting at Mauleon-Barrouse) and could recall it as being a long and strenuous climb. So, how did this side from Bagneres du Luchon compare?

Spring Cycling In The Pyrenees - Col Louron Azet Loop from Arreau (1569m)

Retracing our pedal strokes from Arreau, along the D25 towards Genos, so soon after cycing the exact same route on our way to the Col de Peyresourde yesterday might sound tedious. After all, 10 km of uphill drag isn’t usually the most exciting thing in the world…unless of course you’re riding in the Pyrenees beneath a baking sun. As we pootled along we couldn’t help but remark to each other every few kilometres, “I don’t think I could ever get bored of this”. It’s so beautiful, riding towards the snowy giants at the end of the valley with a green field on one side and tree-lined slope on the other.