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01
The route starts from the West, in the village of Laruns. The first 6.3 kilometres toward Eaux-Bonnes are relatively easy, and this is where I fill my extra bottle with fresh drinking water from the fountain next to the tourist centre and restrooms in Eaux-Bonnes. When the nerves get the better of me, I find it is best to take a breather. I break the climb down into bite-size chunks and use that to push through the challenging parts mentally. Ahead of us were a further 2.8 kilometres until we reached Cascade de Valentin, where the gradient starts to kick and the real climbing begins.
02
The start of the climb is in Bielle. It is famous because it is part of the regular stages of the Tour de France and connects the Aspe Valley to the Ossau Valley. In French, "col" means mountain pass, the saddle (the lowest point between two mountains) between vallées. It's a paradise for riding, and endless possibilities, regardless of your stamina or preferred terrain. There is only one café stop on the Route, so be sure to use it if needed.
03
After negotiating the narrow streets of Laruns, the D934 passes the left turn towards the Col d'Aubisque, continuing up the Ossau valley towards the Col du Pourtalet, no fewer than 29km away. 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.
04
The Soulor is sometimes called the “footstep of the Aubisque”; it’s the prelude, but it’s no easy introduction. From Ferrières, it’s 8 km, but at an average gradient of 8%, with quite a few 9% sections. The road winds up through the forest and is silent but for the odd herd of sheep. You feel in the middle of nowhere. There’s the odd view through the trees towards the top, but no spectacular summit. The beauty of this climb lies in its quiet isolation.
