Debbie Pyrenees Velo

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Hello, I’m Debra!

(But you can call me Debbie).

Age: 60 | Location: Vallée d’Ossau, Pyrénées, France

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The Tool Kit: Road Bike, Camera, and a Concept2 Ergometer

 

Chasing adventures in the Pyrenees, one pedal stroke (and row) at a time.

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In 2015, I relocated to the French Pyrenees and picked up a road bike for the very first time. What started as a move evolved into a decade-long obsession with cycling through mist-shrouded peaks, notoriously steep foothills, and legendary cols.

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Today, I’ve climbed over 570,000 meters of vertical gain directly from my front door near Laruns. I am grateful every single day to have icons like the Aubisque, Pourtalet, Marie-Blanque, and Soulor as my backyard. For me, the spectacular views never get old—from dramatic snow-capped peaks and rushing snow-melt rivers to the essential French patisserie stops with jaw-dropping vistas.

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This blog isn’t just a collection of GPX files. As a local cycling Ambassador, I design routes that prioritise safety, flow, and the authentic rhythm of the high passes—from navigating pastoral sheep protocols to finding hidden water sources.

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My journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. After a severe crash that forced me to reevaluate everything, I chose resilience over fear. I’m also a student of the lens, capturing the raw chaos and beauty of these mountains through photography.

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Looking for a fresh challenge to complement the bike, I strapped into a Concept2 indoor rower at the end of January 2025. To put it mildly, it’s a fierce love-hate relationship. The erg is an absolute beast—super tough, uncompromising, and completely blind to how beautiful the mountains are outside. But I love the mental and physical grit it demands. It has become the perfect training partner to my life in the peaks.

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Whether you feel "late to the party" in endurance sports, are recovering from past injuries, or are planning your dream cycling trip, you are welcome here. I am living proof that it's never too late to start from scratch, build power, and chase down new milestones.

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In the Pyrenees, the only essential gear is resilience. Let’s embrace the climb together—the view is always better when you've earned it.

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Bonne visite à toi!

Debbie :)

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