Across the Pyrenees. Day 2 (Col de Soulor)

Across the Pyrenees

Day 2

Montory to Arrens

Day 2 started early with one long climb planned towards the end of the day. But before cycling got underway it was petit dejeuner and time to check out the croissant at the L’Auberge de l’Etable hotel. It looked promising as it was the first with any form of curve but it was over cooked on the outside and under on the inside so not a winner.

First Croissant with any shape

With that important part of the day complete pedals were down at 8:00 for another long stint in the saddle. Right out of the hotel we were straight into a short rise and that was order of the day for the first section as the road went up and down for many miles but with  a distinct lack of cafes.

One of many ups in the morning

We then went to Asasp-Arros which it was important we got to as soon as possible.

Important to get there as soon as possible

From there we started climbing through the valley to the beginning of today’s big Col (Col de Soulor 12 km, 9% av, 900m ascent). Even this was tough as the weather warmed up but the scenery was lovely and we had our first site of snow covered mountains.

On the gentle slopes to Col de Soulor

After the hors d’oeuvre it was time for the main course. Originally we had planned to climb the col d’Aubisque, which is the last climb scheduled on this years tour, but there had been a landslide so it was shut meaning that us, and possibly the tour, did this Col instead.

Setting off up the climb proper

After a steep start for the first km then the next 11 km were at a fairly steady 7% and I was up in just over the hour.

Half way up the climb

Knowing that Andrew is slower on the way up than me (as I often like to point out) you might be wondering how the above photo was taken. I may have given the impression it was just the two of us doing this ride but I have to confess we are 2 of 11 (I didn’t know the other 9 before the trip) plus two guides supporting us in vehicles. So they kindly took that snap, plus this one of me in action as well.

More climbing action

Once at the top it was time for a well earned rest and, more importantly, to test the cafe and croissant.

Todays summit cafe

But after all that effort there was no croissant, only waffle available. Spookily though, it was better than any of the croissant I have had to date.

Excellent waffle and hot chocolate to celebrate earning maximum KOM points

There was just time for the top of the col photo, and to read a “short” novel, before Andrew arrived. We were both disappointed with the cafe and it only got a 5.4. I’ll warn the TdF peloton in case they do have to come this way in the end.

Photo at the top Col Du Soulor

The day finished with a very long and easy downhill to the hotel.

Descent to the hotel

Tomorrow is the big one as we climb the Col du Tourmalet which is both the first one ever ridden in the TdF in the Pyrenees and also most climbed col in the history of the tour. It is 19 km, 7.4% av, 13% max and 1400m ascent so ride sounds good but let’s hope the cafe and croissants up their game.

Day 2 Route

Cafe ratings

Hotel du Fronton, Itaxassou. 5.8

Cafe Du Souloe 5.4

Croissant ratings

Venue	Freshness	Frenchness	Flavour	score
Heathrow	4	3	10.9	17.9
Bellevue hotel	5	4	12.7	21.7
Krakada patisserie, Itxassou	7	7.8	4.1	28.9
L’Auberge de l’Etable, Montory	7.5	7.3	13	27.8
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15

Stats

	Miles	Av Speed (MPH)	Time on Bike (H:M)	Metres climbed
Day 1	81.9	15	5:27	1751
Day 2	71.5	13.37	5:20	2010
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Overall	152.4	14.1	10:47	3761