Again the weather was threatening. The meteoroligists proved to be annoyingly accurate. And even though we got to do the first bit in the dry we were soon putting our rain jackets on. The first climb was the famous Perysourde which really is quite spectacular. The rain even let up for a bit. But by the time we got to the top and had been up to the ski station at Peyragudes (with the steepest aeroplane runway I've seen - I think planes just drop off the cliff) - the weather was bearing its teeth again. The descents at this stage were proving to be more challenging than the ascents. Besides the roads being wet and slick, I was shivering so badly that I was scared I was going to induce a speed wobble and crash. Needless to say my descending became "wooden" (as Lee put it) and I was watching my brakes blocks melt away. I was not having fun!
After being able to warm up briefly over the Col de Lancon we started the second HC climb the Col d Aspin. But again as we got closer to the top the weather turned to shit. And we were buffeted by rain and a wind chill factor that would have sent polar bears running for cover. A brief descent sent us bundu bashing again to get over the Col de Beyrede. A really long descent proved to be the last straw for us all - by the time we got to the village I was shivering uncontrollably. We changed into dry clothes and hid in a coffee shop. Arné keen to display his French skills to the attractive waitrons set about ordering the coffees. But instead of ordering 6 he placed an order for 16. Easy mistake to make - I suppose.
Sick of the weather we decided to pack the bikes into the van and head straight for our overnight stop at Argelle Gazost at the foot of the Hautecam. The plan was to drive there, off load the bikes and then do the Hautecam. But seeing the summit firmly covered by freezing clouds we decided that discretion was the better part of valour and called it a day. Instead we showered and had a few beers at a local cafe. Below the Garmin data for the day.
We stayed in a really quaint French version of Fawlty Towers (in appearance only). The spot is owned by a Chinese gentleman and he spoilt us with a really yummy meal of Almond Trout.
Stage 3 Photos
Stage 3 Photos
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