My favorite rides: Arreau-Aspin-Tourmalet
This is an out-and-back route that starts in Arreau, France, crosses over the Col d’Aspin, then climbs to the top of the Col du Tourmalet and turns around back to Arreau.
Dist: 54 mi / 86 km
Ascent: 8400 ft / 2500m
(Note: MapMyRide.com tends to underestimate ascent and steepness of climbs. The longer the ride, the more it underestimates. This is a fairly short route so the estimate is probably reasonably close.)
Pros:
- It’s in the Pyrenees on a roads that have many times been part of the route of the Tour de France.
- Good pavement.
- Good climbs.
- Beautiful rural scenery and picturesque French towns.
- French bicycling road signs which give regular statistics about the upcoming grade.
Cons:
- I can’t think of any negatives about this ride, but it is rural France, so depending on time of day, time of year, etc., it may be difficult to find replenishment on the route. Plan accordingly.
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- Informational sign on Col d’Aspin
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- Arreau from Col d’Aspin
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- Near the summit of Col d’Aspin
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- Near the summit of the Col du Tourmalet
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- View from the Col du Tourmalet
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- Col du Tourmalet summit
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- 2009 TdF riders pass through Gripp, enroute to the Tourmalet
