DEBBIE PYRENEES VELO

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 stil

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 feat

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 temperatu

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 bega

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'Aubisq

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

Here's why you'll fall in love with autumn in the Pyrenees.

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

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 hu

Arette may be small, but it is a thriving community. I appreciate its bike shop, which is an essential resource in this relatively remote...

Located in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees, Hautacam may not possess the length, height, or prestige of the Col du Tourmalet, but it...

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 t

Life gets busy. Between work commitments, family obligations, and packed schedules, it’s not always easy to coordinate a group ride. But here is the secret I’ve learned while riding through the breathtaking Pyrenees: solo riding isn’t a compromise—it’s a superpower. Whether you're tackling a gentle 50-kilometre loop through pristine mountain valleys or gearing up for a multi-pass Alpine epic, taking to the open road on your own terms is one of the most empowering things you c

From Fear to 500,000+ Meters: Reclaiming My Passion on Two Wheels If you had told me a decade ago that I’d be scaling the iconic cols of the French Pyrenees, I would have laughed. When I was a young teen in South Africa, I was hit by a car while riding my bike. The accident left me with a severe concussion and months of relearning how to walk. The physical wounds healed, but the mental trauma ran deep. I didn't touch a bicycle for forty-four years. Then, in 2015, my partner T