On the Road – Distance: 109km I 68miles I Elevation: 3454m I 11332ft

NOTE: DUE TO MY STUPIDITY OR FATIGUE,  I FORGOT TO TURN ONY STRAVA AND RELIVE APP UNTIL 18 KM INTO THE RIDE ….OOPSIES!

A day to savour as we took on three iconic col’s on our way to the quaint town of Bagneres de Luchon. After a relatively steady start to the day our first challenge was the mighty Col du Tourmalet (2115m) which has been included in the Tour de France more than any other pass, and is aptly nicknamed ‘The Elder Statesman’.  At 19km in length and with an average grade of 7% this climb would undoubtedly warm me up for the day ahead! Following a coffee at the top we then enjoyed a well-deserved descent before taking on the climb up to Col d’Aspin (1489m). This climb, dubbed ‘Pyrennean Perfection, through pine woods was generally shaded all the way to the top . After its descent and lunch in Arreau we then took on the final climb of the day up to the ‘Fields of Green’, the Col de Peyresourde (1569m), which at over 15km is a fitting end to an epic day.

We just climbed 3 genuine Tour de France climbs.

Each day I will be adding some historical references if you want to learn a little bit about Hannibal
Field Notes – Crossing the Pyrenees

No one is sure where Hannibal crossed this mountain chain. Most feel it was either via the coast or slightly inland. We know it was uneventful and it is even possible he split his army up to make the best use of resources, so he could have travelled over a few of the passes in this area. When Hannibal crossed the Pyrenees he was greeted by Gallic tribes eager to test his mettle. Hannibal convinced the tribes to let him pass and his tactic was to stay away from the coast to ensure the Romans didn’t hear of his coming so he could maintain the element of surprise. We are heading into the hills of Languedoc and classic wine country.

Today’s Destination – Bagneres-de-Luchon

Bagneres has existed as a town for 2000 years. In 76 BCE Pompey, returning from a policing expedition in Spain (where he founded the city of Pamplona named after him), stopped in the area and founded the new city of Lugdunum Convenarum, the future Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. One of his soldiers who suffered from a skin disease immersed himself in the thermal waters of Luchon and its “Onésiens” baths where he discovered their thermal properties. After 21 days (the traditional and still current duration of a cure) he came out completely healed!
In 25 BC Tiberius Claude dug three pools and developed thermal baths. The baths had a modest motto: “Balneum Lixonense post Neapolitense primum” (the Luchon baths are the best after those of Naples) which is still today the motto of the town. Julius Caesar also spoke of the region in his “Commentaries”.