Day 6 - Luchon to Tarascon

Another big climbing day with 3 cols but what a difference the temperature made to my climbing!

The first was Col des Ares, through beautiful if rather misty and soggy countryside.

Coffee stop was opposite a boulangerie with the largest pain au chocolat I have ever eaten.

The middle Col had the most daunting profile with 9-10% average in the top 5km. Although it hit 17% a couple of times, it climbed through beautiful forest and was surprisingly enjoyable.

It was definitely not picnic weather today so lunch was at a restaurant in Saint Girons after a peloton fast ride on a flattish section. I was actually hungry rather than an overheated mess so this went down very well.

The final Col seemed to go on for too long but it had a relatively benign gradient and I was so happy that I had got to the top of all three cols today.

This horse was very interested in my stash of peanut M&Ms.

It was 9c at the top of the col and a cold, wet descent. The descents have been more fun and picturesque over the previous two riding days but climbing was so much more enjoyable today.

I’ve just eaten a mountain of pizza so hopefully a good recovery ready for another 126km through the foothills of the Pyrenees tomorrow.

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