<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Valley of the Cols]]></title><description><![CDATA[Debbie's Pyrenees cycling adventures in the French Pyrenees. Now offer Cycling Experiences. Contact for details debbiekennedy.cycling@gmail.com]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/cyclinginspiration</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:50:16 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Col d'Aubisque, 1,709 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[This ride is a classic in the Pyrenees, showcasing two legendary Tour de France climbs: the Aubisque (approaching from the west, starting in Laruns) and the Soulor. Riders will experience breathtaking scenery, including the thrilling balcony section of the Cirque du Litor between the two passes. It's no secret that I love cycling and the Pyrenees. I am a passionate cyclist who finds inspiration in cycling and nature. Read along to experience where and why I ride. Col d'Aubisque (1709m)West...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/a-is-for-aubisque</link><guid isPermaLink="false">614075d2f9f9c40016a16c41</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:53:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_914c4f315e984566a485816c3912817f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Framing the Ride: How to Choose the Right Camera Gear for Cycling Photography]]></title><description><![CDATA[Majestic giant bicycles are set against the breathtaking mountains of Col d'Aubisque, embodying the essence of cycling in the Pyrenees. On the road or navigating singletrack, every gram matters. However, if photography is important to you, achieving the perfect balance between ride quality and image quality is a continual challenge. Whether we're documenting route highlights for Debbie Pyrenees Velo or creating content as a Ride with GPS ambassador, my choice of camera is entirely determined...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/framing-the-ride-how-to-choose-the-right-camera-gear-for-cycling-photography</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a672888388acffd1e3a7ad1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:21:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_8eb9276ae9d7495f947c397bda3cf8d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Two Golden Hours: Chasing the Cool Light in the Pyrenean Summer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Road cycling in the Pyrenees offers one of the most surreal experiences on two wheels, especially when you find yourself climbing above a thick blanket of cloud inversion. Ascending through the dense, damp mist only to burst out into brilliant sunshine at the summit reveals a breathtaking "sea of clouds" trapped in the valleys below. However, this striking phenomenon is a direct result of the region's notoriously rapid weather changes; a clear morning can instantly morph into a cold, blind...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/two-golden-hours-chasing-the-cool-light-in-the-pyrenean-summer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4fe76ecb673b1177c6a372</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_da014277a1b8433e859a86416ee4d074~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Surviving the Heat Dome– Hard-Won Lessons from a Decade of Pyrenean Summer Riding]]></title><description><![CDATA[Vibrant thistles bloom amid the lush greenery of Col du Pourtalet, offering a cool refuge at 1,800 meters during the Pyrenees heatwave, marking the natural border between France and Spain. There is a specific brand of summer heat that settles into the Béarn. It’s not just the temperature on the Garmin; it’s the way the sun reflects off the exposed limestone rock faces of the high cols, the complete absence of shade once you climb above the tree line, and the heavy, stagnant air in the deep...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/surviving-the-cauldron-hard-won-lessons-from-a-decade-of-pyrenean-summer-riding</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a50d1f5661479e527e1503c</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:58:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_4e921320643e45388b21b8afb33c4306~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pyrenees Insider Guide: A Local Cyclist’s Guide to Watching the Tour de France In Person]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is nothing quite like the electric hum of anticipation that settles over a French mountain pass on a July morning. As seasoned Pyrenees road cyclists, my partner Tom and I have been lucky enough to call the Ossau Valley home for the last eleven years. Living just down the road from Laruns means the Tour de France is practically our neighbour, and we have ridden out to line the roadside for every single iteration since we arrived. If you are a road cyclist planning your first pilgrimage...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/the-pyrenees-insider-guide-a-local-cyclist-s-guide-to-watching-the-tour-de-france-in-person</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4e1a266dc32b92b84146dc</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:41:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_5ee6ea6133014512981653ce1c0351c5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cycling the High Pyrenees: A Decade of Lessons on the Cols]]></title><description><![CDATA[Riding road bikes in the high Pyrenees for over ten years has completely changed how I approach the mountains. You stop seeing these iconic passes as postcard climbs from the Tour de France and start respecting them as relentless, living terrain. Out here, success comes down to total self-reliance: riding your own ride, keeping your bike in top condition, and mastering the physical demands of high-altitude elevation. When you're heading out to tackle steep, legendary passes, every detail of...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/cycling-the-high-pyrenees-a-decade-of-lessons-on-the-cols</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a588d89d279a92c52a314a3</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_7e7cdae90acb4cd68b148d387c59d25d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My À La Carte Mountains]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's a quick summary of my favourite climbs. You can read my full blog post here on my site or check out my RIDEwithGPS link for ride reports. In the low cloud and fog, the trees resemble mystical creatures that have claimed the higher mountain. It's a challenging yet enchanting environment that leaves a frozen smile on our faces despite the struggle. Here is a summary of my usual climbs. I climb some more frequently because they are conveniently close to home, which is wonderful. A few...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/rip-my-routes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">61eecb29ee9e2a0016030ac3</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_31b7d14650d343ee8be3d067e77fd0e6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Col du Pourtalet, 1,794 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once you navigate through the narrow streets of Laruns, the D934 road doesn't take a left turn towards the Col d'Aubisque; instead, it continues along the Ossau valley towards the Col du Pourtalet, which is a distance of 29km. There aren't any particularly savage gradients on the pass, and it's simply the extent of it that makes it such a challenge. It commences dramatically through a tunnel to enter the narrow Gorge du Hourat. Above it lies Eaux-Chaudes, its warm waters still used to treat...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/peak-mythic</link><guid isPermaLink="false">610443bc9675c900150f9a49</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:23:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_94dde98615d34d2998e3ce399466d628~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_900,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beyond the HC Cols: Finding the Heart (and Muscle) of Cycling in the Béarn Pyrenees]]></title><description><![CDATA[When people hear that I live at the base of the legendary Col d'Aubisque, right near Laruns in the notoriously steep Béarn region, they immediately picture the giants of the Tour de France. And for good reason! Over the 11 years I’ve lived and cycled in these mountains, I’ve tackled our region's famous Hors Catégorie (HC) passes hundreds of times. In fact, I’ve logged over 329 climbs up these iconic summits, racking up more than 581,000 meters of elevation gain. Those big mountain days are...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/beyond-the-hc-cols-finding-the-heart-and-muscle-of-cycling-in-the-b%C3%A9arn-pyrenees</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a71a26bb174d357009009a2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:51:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_789c80fc0c9741a6a3f93eb721fe2404~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Col de Marie-Blanque, East,1,035 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Situated in the Béarn region of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Col de Marie-Blanque is nestled in the tranquil Vallée d'Ossau, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This mountain pass, at an elevation of about 1,035 meters, connects the villages of Bielle and Arette. It is a vital route for local traffic and a favoured destination for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities. The climb begins in Bielle, a renowned spot as it features in the usual...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/they-say-it-is-easy-but-it-is-not</link><guid isPermaLink="false">610443ba9675c900150f9a37</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:27:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_804ed1e0dc144bdeba45c468118bc81e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Col de Marie-Blanque, West,1,035 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once again, the Col de Marie-Blanque may not be very high, but it meets many criteria I consider essential for a perfect climbing experience. The last 4km from the western approach are particularly challenging. Flowing along the right-hand side, the bubbling river winds its way through a few houses, with rocks and tree trunks covered in vivid green moss. As we reach the village's edge, the landscape transforms, with enormous bare rock walls towering above us and the temperature starting to...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/not-super-scenic-but-4km-of-double-digit-grades-help</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6165a0a08cad03001668f778</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:15:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_955bf08fd5cc41be9fcdf1dce63c3738~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ My Cycling Story   ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chasing adventures in the Pyrenees one pedal stroke at a time, from epic foothills to legendary climbs! Welcome! I'm Debbie, and this is where my cycling journey truly started, right in the heart of the French Pyrénées. If I inspire even one of you to start or keep riding your bike, then I've accomplished my goal. In 2015, we relocated to this incredible region, and at the age of 50, I took up cycling for the first time since a severe cycling crash many decades ago. What began as a new hobby...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/pedaling-through-paradise-my-cycling-journey-in-the-valley-d-ossau</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67434d93c07b513641714e12</guid><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:44:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_6426cede4ce14cc9a55e6f2fc8d32fef~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local Loops - The 3 valleys, 3 Cols in 80km, 1,928 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Arette, Aspe and Ossau Valleys One element I always look for when researching route maps to seek new rides is roads highlighted with a green edge indicating scenic routes. Ossau Valley Three-quarters of this sortie through the Arette, Aspe and Ossau valleys travels on crossroads classified in this way, including crossing one of the Tour de France's favourite Pyrenean passes, the deceptively tricky Col de Marie-Blanque. Col de Marie-Blanque, west side from Escot This excursion avoids higher...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/the-3-valleys-3-cols-in-80km</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6269357735489ebaedf36e33</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:17:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_cc098922eb664c6d947ead60e22392de~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Love Autumn Cycling in the Pyrenees]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here's why you'll fall in love with autumn in the Pyrenees.]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/a-couple-of-reason-s-why-you-ll-love-autumn-in-the-pyrenees</link><guid isPermaLink="false">612fccba5b101100165322a3</guid><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 21 Sep 2024 19:30:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_187f785dc5de4b5e80479616f2349dca~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Luz Ardiden, 1,718 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[The road to the village of Grust is a challenging journey characterised by a significant increase in steepness as you approach the village. This change in elevation marks the beginning of a series of hairpin bends that wind their way through the landscape. Each bend presents a new twist and turns, requiring careful navigation and skilful driving to manoeuvre through the tight corners. As you ascend further into the village, the road becomes narrower, adding an extra level of difficulty to the...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/so-good-you-will-have-to-do-it-from-both-sides</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6165a93d59110a00179109df</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:30:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_6773141ef97243fd84600f2949ea9d48~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ferrières-Soulor-Aubisque-Home, 2,451 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[The breathtaking Cirque du Litor connects Aubisque to Soulor Since the 11th century, the Cirque du Litor in the Ouzom Valley has been shared between Val d'Azur in Bigorre and the Ossau Valley in Béarn. In 1860, under Napoleon III, a road link was created between Eaux-Bonnes and Argelès-Gazost as part of the Pyrenees' thermal road. This route, from Col d'Aubisque (1,709 m) to Col du Soulor (1,474 m), was designed to maintain a steady incline, avoiding a descent to the Litor huts (1,131 m) and...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/the-col-du-soulor-and-the-cirque-du-litor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">610443bc9675c900150f9a44</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:23:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_975382e15c774bf8a43068922669295b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_962,h_643,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tour de France Mountain Stages]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watching the Tour de France in person Attending the Tour de France and La Vuelta in person is an enchanting experience. Having lived in the Pyrenees and attended the TDF since 2015, here is a new, updated guide from an experienced local, me. My Top Tips for TDF 2026 and beyond: The Extreme Heat Survival Guide Chasing the peloton through the Pyrenees or elsewhere in France this July? The legendary climbs are calling, but with temperatures hitting 38° to 42°C /100°F–108°F in the valleys, the...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/watching-the-tour-de-france-in-person</link><guid isPermaLink="false">61ed183ad573530017a0b2cd</guid><category><![CDATA[Tour de France  and La Vuelta]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:31:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_7656c7f1dfce455f8d5a2d7a472372ba~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, 1,760 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Arette may be small, but it is a thriving community. I appreciate its bike shop, which is an essential resource in this relatively remote...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/throughout-the-season</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6114e8e54bcf4a0015adfe2c</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:54:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_445393f157dc41c792fbeb553c813abb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hautacam, 1,629 m]]></title><description><![CDATA[Located in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees, Hautacam may not possess the length, height, or prestige of the Col du Tourmalet, but it...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/it-ain-t-no-lie-it-is-tough</link><guid isPermaLink="false">614f8b139efcd50017d1e857</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:57:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_1bf2edd32f084f73a8a2dd3d377d33c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Mont Ventoux ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mont Ventoux, 1,912 m As the name suggests (Ventoux means windy in French), it can get windy at the summit, especially with the mistral; wind speeds have been as high as 320 km/h. Mont Ventoux (1,912 m) - Provence CLIMB PROFILES:  Departing from the east (Sault):   Length 25.6 km  Altitude at depart: 759 m  Altitude at the end: 1,912 m  Average percentage gradient 4.5%  Maximum 12%.  Departing from the west (Malaucène):  Length 21.2km  Altitude at depart: 377 m  Altitude at the end: 1,912 m ...]]></description><link>https://debrakennedy65.wixsite.com/debbiepyreneesvelo/post/hunting-high-since-2015</link><guid isPermaLink="false">610443bc9675c900150f9a45</guid><category><![CDATA[Road  Bike Routes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cycling Inspiration]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:23:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ae0a7_a2bffe2a877a481f8dadf51e8c270290~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Debbie Kennedy</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>