DEBBIE PYRENEES VELO

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 won

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

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

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 th

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

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