I’ve been to the Alps in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with my two adult sons to follow Le Tour and had great fun and ridden many alpine climbs.
Last year we went to the Pyrenees to do the same. We stayed in Lourdes and travelled around. We rode the Porte de Bales, Pla d’Adet & Tourmalet.
Just reviewing my ride reports from last year mainly written whilst on the mountain waiting for Le tour to arrive. Temperatures were 27 to 35 degrees in the valley although obvs got cooler with altitude:
Porte de Bales (19km).
It starts off gently at 4 per cent plus some flat sections but then really kicks in. Up to 12 per cent for long sections at a time. After 16km through shaded trees you get above the treeline and its bare for the next 3km. Doesn’t sound far but its a bitch of a climb that seems never ending
Pla d’Adet (10km)
This is a bit like Alpe d’Huez, you are bimbling along on the flat then you go around a roundabout and you hit the first ramp up the col which is immediately 9%. No messing just a brutal climb that you can see up above you traversing the mountain. It’s only 10k compared to yesterdays 19k but makes up for it by being very hard for the first 8k with sections touching 12 per cent.
Tourmalet (17km)
Here we go then. From page 104 of June 26, 2014 cycling weekly re the Tourmalet:…It is one of the hardest climbs in cycling. …the gradient is relentless, not dropping below 8% for ten whole kilometres to the top.
Yup, its all true but Sam and I rode it today. Descent was fun too, wheeeeeeeeee!!!!
Talking of fun descents here’s a vid I shot and edited of the descent of Pla d’adet when we were getting passed by the pro’s (mountain-top finish, no other way down)
[video]https://vimeo.com/115475643[/video]
Or in short, just do it! you will have a great time!