My first ride in the Pyrenees - Luz Ardiden
05-05-08, 01:14 PM
#26
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Thanks for the tip, botto, I will give it a crack. I really want to get the Tourmalet in too. It's a couple of hours' drive to Luz Saint Sauveur for me so it is definitely a makable trip for the day or weekend...
05-05-08, 01:44 PM
#27
Time for a change.
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Yes, it was a very special day for me. Not a long ride at all, less than 30 miles altogether, but the climb was really challenging. Plus it's that indescribable profound feeling of cycling the hills of the greats - I think Armstrong was the last to win a stage on Luz Ardiden in 2003.
Thanks for the comments.
Thanks for the comments.
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05-05-08, 02:14 PM
#28
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Great photos. While you were doing Luz Ardiden, I was cranking up Col de Pailheres, not too far away. Beautiful weekend for it!
While you were doing Luz Ardiden, I was cranking up Col de Pailheres, not too far away. Beautiful weekend for it!
05-05-08, 02:30 PM
#30
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Wow, I knew I was really lucky with the weather, though a lot of forecast-analysing went into the planning of the trip for me - the advantage of being flexible I guess - but what a difference the weather makes.
Botto, is that on Luz Ardiden? Looks very familiar, but then again it would I suppose! Same valley I'm guessing?
Botto, is that on Luz Ardiden? Looks very familiar, but then again it would I suppose! Same valley I'm guessing?
05-05-08, 02:32 PM
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Wow, I knew I was really lucky with the weather, though a lot of forecast-analysing went into the planning of the trip for me - the advantage of being flexible I guess - but what a difference the weather makes.
Botto, is that on Luz Ardiden? Looks very familiar, but then again it would I suppose! Same valley I'm guessing?
Botto, is that on Luz Ardiden? Looks very familiar, but then again it would I suppose! Same valley I'm guessing?
05-05-08, 02:55 PM
#32
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Yes, the locals mentioned that the weather has been very warm for the time of year. There was still snow at the top of Pailheres, but not much below about 1500 meters.
05-05-08, 03:24 PM
#33
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Yeah, that's right. As I drove in, there was a lot of snow on the northern- and eastern-most mountains but much less near the valley we were in. Memories of that certainly got me through a lot of today at work!
05-24-08, 04:46 PM
#34
Spin Meister
Beautiful - lots of great climbs in California, where I live, but the the European scenery is incredibly picturesque.
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05-24-08, 06:29 PM
#35
Used to be a climber..
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So does actually climbing it put it into perspective as to when Lance basically sprinted up the ****er?
05-24-08, 08:53 PM
#36
pan y agua
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I haven't ridden Luz Ardiden, but I have ridden a number of HC climbs in the Pyranees and the Alps, as well as Hogpen and Brasstown.
Hogpen would be a Cat 1. If you count Jacks Gap as the lead up to Brasstown, and depending on psotioning in the race, Brasstown would be a Cat 1 or possibly HC.
Brasstown is steeper than the traditional HC climbs of the TDF, but not as long.
All that said, you can't match the history, of the TDF, and the allure tha comes from that, as well asthe striking scenery. But North Georgia is well above putt putt.
05-25-08, 01:35 AM
#37
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In response to guitar wizard, yes, it really does put it into perspective. I watched the video when I got in after the ride and just could not imagine how those guys can do what they do. I found a massive new respect for pro cycling after that day.
05-25-08, 05:01 AM
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Next time try the Aubisque, but mind the descent.
He had a weight advantage tho', he'd only just turned 11. But what pleased him most, was that no-one overtook him during the entire climb.
Kids - doncherjusthatem
05-25-08, 02:54 PM
#39
pan y agua
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Next time try the Aubisque, but mind the descent.
04-15-09, 07:01 AM
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Still like seeing this thread
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04-22-09, 06:00 PM
#42
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Many thanks.
Me too
I'll be heading back soon for a reprise. What a place.
Me too
I'll be heading back soon for a reprise. What a place.
04-22-09, 06:10 PM
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Very nice! I'm jealous that you're close enough to make a few weekend trips. Congrats on going back soon.
I was in France in 2005 and rode up the Port de Pailheres in July to catch a Tour stage. It was amazing. The day I rode it was 37c. So hot. Climbs like these really put things in perspective if you havent done them before. All cyclists should find a way to do one someday. I hope to go back next year.
I was in France in 2005 and rode up the Port de Pailheres in July to catch a Tour stage. It was amazing. The day I rode it was 37c. So hot. Climbs like these really put things in perspective if you havent done them before. All cyclists should find a way to do one someday. I hope to go back next year.
04-22-09, 06:20 PM
#45
well hello there
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Definitely bump worthy.
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