Day 20 - Argeles-Gazost, 29 miles

I wasn't sure what to do today but after waking up and opening the shutters to another perfectly blue sky it had to be another day riding in the Pyrenees.

Fully fuelled after breakfast I decided to head up the Route de Luz that cuts through a deep gorge steadily climbing as you follow the river full of rapids. More stunning scenery on both sides opens up once you reach the small town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur where two valleys meet. From here you can continue to the famous Col du Tourmalet but with the climb still closed due to the snow I will have to come back for this one!

After a cycle round and a long lunch I descended back down the gorge to base and despite a more relaxed day than yesterday it would be rude not to spend an hour in Argeles-Gazost thermal spa! No board shorts allowed though so a pair of speedos purchased from the front desk it was. Not much left to the imagination in them things!

Can't wait to come back on the carbon and really take on these mountains. Pyrenees I will see you soon. Bring on the Alps!Read more