After our adventures from yesterday in the heat, we made a vow to hydrate and eat! It was a bit cooler today (35 degrees) and we left by 7am. Our plan was to tackle Col du Tourmalet (2115m) from our town in Argeles-Gazost. The first 20 or so kilometres are a steady, constant uphill with much of it beside an amazing fast-flowing river. But eventually the real hill starts.
Tourmalet is a brute of a climb and rightly revered. On a day like today, just 2 days before Le Tour passes through, there were hundreds, probably thousands, of cyclists attempting the climb. Some two hours later we made it to the top. I had the better form on the lower slopes, but Ben definitely bested me on the upper parts of the climb. Regardless, we made it.
It was another picture-perfect day, and this time we beat the worst of the heat. Halfway down, we stopped at a small patisserie for some refreshments. I had my first "Religeous Chocolat" during our stay. It wan't the best I've ever had, but, it will do for a start.
Even though the temperatures were not in the 40s today, we reckoned 35 deserved a dip in the river. The river was largely melted snow, so it was a great antidote to the heat.
The afternoon has been filled with blogging at the bar! What will tomorrow bring? More hills and more suffering!
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