Guide to the Pyrenees | Ollie Weekly #34 | Cycling Weekly

[@101bigjack]

A year ago, a friend and I bike toured through the Pyrenees, including many of the cols you mentioned (aubisque, aspin, peyresourde etc). It was our first bike tour, and we were using pretty basic road bikes. I was very wrongly advised by someone at a bike shop that my 12-26T chainset would be more than enough to take me and two bike bags up col d'Aubisque. Just about managed it at about 30 rpm, though it was the toughest thing I've ever done, so really could have done with this video back in 2017!! The way we went through the Pyrenees was cycling from town to town and staying in Air bnb's, and had an incredible time! Great video here, loved seeing all the places that I recognised!

[@peterbaker7750]

Argeles-Gazost is the centre of the universe for cycling in the Pyrénées with "easy" access to Le Tourmalet, Soulor, Aubisque, Hautacam, Luz Ardidan and more. Lourdes airport 20 mins.

[@RixterNow]

You were smiling the entire time. Looked like a lot of fun

[@conorverbruggen5133]

The quality of these videos, particularly this one, that are so well researched and informative and the fact that they're just on here for free is insane. Genuinely thank you so much. A whole (€30) travel guide summarised in an easier format for free. You are great at your job Ollie

[@davegearing2941]

Try flying to Lourdes, we then stayed in Argelès-Gazost, Hautacam, Tourmalet, Soulor and Aubisque literally on your doorstep. 6 says of pure bliss 😀

[@dexterholland91]

I have done exactly this! all on your doorstep, no need for a car!

[@jonburnell532]

Love these travel style Vlogs 🖒 It's always great to see all the different cycling locations.

[@robbchastain3036]

Sorta not worth commenting when there's no Competition Time, but this dispatch from the Pyrenees, Ollie, was truly outstanding. Thanks for giving us a tour of those climbs draped all over those mountains. And c'mon, the comment by a rider who saw Brian May deserved a prize. That was quite a sighting and a funny comment. Send him some consolation socks or something.

[@richfi9576]

"I'm going to have a massive crêpe" - hilarious. Fantastic location and great vlog. Thanks for making us aware of this stunning area

[@tacituskilgore8379]

I did the Dolomites, Alps, Jura, Massif Central and Pyrenees in 2012. The Pyrenees in August were the best of the lot, cheaper, quieter, and yes, wetter. But infinitely better if you like the the sense of isolation the mountains should provide.

[@lokilawson]

Thanks for showing us a bit of the Pyrenees. If it weren't for having to blog about it so often, you'd have an incredible lifestyle! Thanks for being willing to share it with us!

[@melaniegulliver1910]

Argeles -Gazost has easy access to the Tourmalet and Aubisque. Just done Aubisque today and plan to do Tourmalet tomorrow for Tour de France

[@Danoftouni]

The scenery is stunning and it looks like you had a great time. Thankfully you didn't have to grin and bear it...

[@craigpaterson5085]

Stayed in the Ariege a few years ago , in the town of Bompas , and had the best holiday ever with some great riding and food

[@ironmantooltime]

Cheers Ollie! Alps this year but you've put the Pyrenees firmly on my bucket list 👍

[@BikeItUK]

Some great tips here on what gearing choice to take plus endless travel tips. Great helpful video thanks for the helpful video. All the best Andy

[@TomGur147]

This was good to watch, I’m heading there in August for the haute route and now Im Anticipating it even more!

[@normhanson981]

Tremendous, thanks. Looking to retire to Girona next year.

[@thomasmarktooms]

There are some awesome circuits available in the central Pyrenees for anyone who doesn’t to go back on yourself, although the Tourmalet is definitely worth doing that very different climbs either side. Anyhow the first can be either 50k or 100K (if you take in the col de Mente and Ares extension). This begins at Bagnieres de Luchon, head south through St Mamet towards the Col de Portillion. Take the D618A out of Luchon, this turns left shortly after the thermal baths, if you were to continue you'd head towards Superbagniere which is a terrific climb, but not a circuit. The climb of the postillion is a terrific opener, 10 to 12k's with a bit of recovery in the middle, the descent into Spain is lovely, on the whole roads on the Spanish side are better than the French, have a break about two thirds of the way down there’s view point with a cycling monument, the views are amazing. At the bottom of the climb is a roundabout take a left here into Bossost, and continue back into France (N230 in Spain, N124 in France) all the way to Saint Béat, here you can choose to take return to Luchon for a 50k circuit. Follow the D44 from St Béat to the Junction with the D125 and go left for Luchon. Alternatively you could go right on the D44 at the office de Tourisme, to tackle the Col de Mente (often used in TdF though seldom from this the west side), this is a pretty stiff climb of 12K, but a gorgeous valley. Descend the other side towards the three way junction of the road to Sengouagnet and the Col du Portet d’Aspet. For this circuit take the left here. That way winds back towards the Col d’Ares, an easier climb, good given what you’d have done so far, and the last one of this circuit. the right turn goes up the Col de Portet d'Aspet save that for another day the ascent is a brute from the west, comparatively short but really steep. Anyhow En route to the Arès, there’s a junction just before Sengouagnet take the sharp left up the hill here and you’ll be good for all the way back to St Beat. At St Béat, just follow the D44, to the right once you cross the stone bridge and follow the signs back to Luchon. Hope this is clear enough.

[@thomasmarktooms]

There’s a lovely shorter circuit over the Aspen and then the Hourquette d’Ancizan. park your car n the spaces in the dip of the road towards Lac de Payolle in Sainte Marie Campan just before the road takes a sharp left over the river towards Payolle. From there follow the road to the Col D’Aspen. You could do this circuit in the other direction but the descent of the Hourquette is not safe at high speed on the eastern side, and they resurface this a couple years ago, so best to go clockwise on this circuit Aspen first then the Hourquette, Once you’ve gone over the Aspen and descended to Arreau, continue through the twin towards St Lary, you’ll be about 5 or 6k’s on the road, it is quite fast but on the whole drivers here are respectful, there is a back road but the surface isn’t good. Once you get to the village of Ancizan, you have a choice, you can be brave and begin the climb in the village (the turn will be on your right, it is signposted Hourquette d’Ancizan), up this road there are short ramps pitching up to 25%. I think it averages double figures until you leave the village. the other way is a bit more gentle, continue through the village for another 5 or 6 hundred metres until your reach a place called Guchen, take a right here, a slightly longer route, and a more gently intro to the Hourquette which can be quite relentless from the east, but occasionally there is a break in the trees and the views beautiful, the real treat is once you get to the top, a lesser known climb but an absolutely stunning vista, you can see the first four or five K’s of the descent and it sweeps and dips on a lovely road surface, there’s a little kicker in the middle, but after that it’s mostly open until you approach Lac de Payolle again, where there are camp sites, so watch out for traffic and dogs, continue by the side of the lake and then take a left to rejoin the main Arreau St Marie de Campan road (D113)

[@thomasmarktooms]

A third cicuit takes in the Soulor and the Aubisque, and if you’re tougher than I can take in the Col de Marie Blanc. this begins at the village of Arrens Marsous on the D918 (take the road for Laruns from Argeles Gazost for about 5 or 6 K’s). this is at the base of the Col de Soulor. Anyhow straightforward to begin with, ride uphill. The D918 winds out of Arrens Marsous up towards the Col de Soulor, it’s about 9 or 10% at the beginning so go easy until you’ve warmed up, Alternatively if you need a bit of a warm up before climbing, start a bit closer to Argeles on the D918. This is about a 10 or 11k climb, pretty tough in places, but nice road surface and great views once out of the trees, there are slight passages of respite, but 7% is going to feel like a holiday. Once your crest the Soulor, instead of going left towards the Aubisque, take a right, downhill on to the D126. Please be very cautious on this descent, it’s narrow and in Summer quite busy. This will take you into a narrow and pretty valley on the fairly long northern leg of this circuit, mostly easy riding allowing you some recovery, needed for later, particularly if you’re planning on tackling the Marie Blanc as well as the Aubisque. En route you’ll pass through the hamlets of Arbéost, Ferrière towards the town of Asson. At Asson You want to go left on to the D35 towards Louvie Juzon, stay on this road, you’ll pass through a few hamlets along the way. At Louvie Juzon there are two potential routes, you can go left along the east bank of the river Gave d’ossau along the D240 to the base of the Aubisque, this is a quieter road, meandering through villages of Castet and Béon, but I’m usually in a hurry to get to the bottom of the Aubisque so I go through Louvie Juzon left over the bridge, left again after, it then right up a short rise to the roundabout, where you go left towards Laruns on the the D934, this is a bit of drag strip, but if you’re in a small group it’ll be done quickly enough, sharing the load. Don’t overdo it here because after Laruns is the main event, the Col d’Aubisque, longer, steeper and more beautiful from this side. Anyhow once in Laruns follow the D934, this road goes through to Spain, it’s a bit fiddly in the town, so do ask if you’re uncertain. Once out of Laruns the road dips before climbing again. About 500 metres after you begin to climb again there is the left hand turn on to the D918 for Eaux Bonnes, Gourette and the Col d’Aubisque, take this road, 15 or 16k’s later you’ll be at the top. This is just a stunning climb, particularly the last section once through the tree line, there are wild/ish horses at the top. Cheeky and well fed so and so’s, I imagine they get by on left over gels and energy bars. Don’t be tempted, you haven’t quite finished climbing yet. The descent from the Aubisque towards the Soulor is one of the most beautiful mountain routes I’ve ridden anywhere, perhaps I’m a bit biased, I’m lucky enough to live nearby, but judge for yourself. Having a small front light may help, as there are a couple of unlit tunnels and if its a bright day seeing anything can be difficult, the road surface in these is a little ropey. After the second tunnel you begin to ascend again, this is just a steady 7 or 8% percent ramp that goes on for about 1500 metres back to the Col de Soulor, and from there a lovely sweeping descent back down to Arrens Marsous. If you do this in Summer feeling won’t be a problem as there’ll be plenty of shops and cafes open, if out of season try to carry a fair bit with you. It is a longish ride and though mostly non-mountainous, the roads are lovely and it is worth the detour to loop around to the base of the Aubisque. For those that want to include the Maris Blanc, I have n’t done this yet (plan to this July) it does add another 50k to this 100k ride, and the Marie Blanc has unbroken kms of ramps at 14% It remains to be seen if I’m enough of a beast for that.

[@Fyr35555]

I suggest argeles gazost as it is in close proximity to a lot of famous cols if that's what you want.

[@willshaughnessy8515]

Awesome climbs here in the Wild West Nevada , Utah , Colorado

[@BrandonAlanUSN]

Ollie, are we going to see you at the red hook London as you make good on your bet with Alec Briggs.

[@marksargent3270]

Off to the Pyrenees in June, struggling to find the "Byreneese"? "Baronees" gizza clue mate.

[@neiltruswell2122]

I had a big crepe coming down that Col !!!!

[@dickmartino9933]

2nd. Thanks Ryanair to flying to remote locations. If a bear has a compact and a 32 cassette, you might be in trouble. I like to have a crepe before cycling.

[@beeble2003]

Richard Martin Tom Dumoulin should have had a crepe before that stage of last year’s Giro...

[@tjerk22]

Great video! I actually went to this area to cycle 2 years a go. The tourmalet is fantastic. But in the middle of summer there are lots of cyclist and cars so not as quite as it looks on the video

[@aliapirzada3994]

The "bartenees" area you mentioned - - how do you spell it and where is it? It looked really nice.

[@evictorr]

Ollie, what was the lake at 12:20? I'll be spending 4 weeks riding in the Pyrénées in September, and was wondering if that lake is on my itinerary! :) I've ridden in the Pyrénées briefly last year and the year before, but can't quite place that lake.

[@regbettam1260]

The lake is Lac Genos at Loudenvielle just before the start of the climb up Col d'Azet

[@urby1720]

Awesome video!!!

[@abrahamnavarro1287]

Where is your new Vlog?? It was there Tuesday!!!

[@wmlarch]

did you bring 2 bikes? started on the Scott, but you were on specialized at the end.

[@cyclingweekly]

We had two riders for another video, so there were two bikes, great spot! Look out for more of our Tour preview coming soon.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

The bear thing is true. I saw on on a descent. Scared the life out of me in all honesty. I went a little faster from then on...

[@jascollinscork]

Weather looks colder too Ollie 🤔 or it depend on the time of year😀

[@OllieBridgewood]

Its pretty mixed in the Pyrenees, pack everything!

[@natalienat7894]

Awesome video 👍🚴! Thanks for mentioning vegan options when reviewing the local food options, quite important!!

[@ironmantooltime]

natalie nat yea because unfortunately 5% of the world are vegan bores and we're not just allowed to gas you all ☹️

[@m.a.c1379]

what's that area with the rolling terrain, "baranees" or something like that...? How do you spell it? What's the name of the town road sign in the background?

[@clarma2006]

Blatant attempt to win the comp following removed video re Carbon bike repair. :( Epic gymnastic crash I still cannot believe I survived. Absolutely tanking it down a single track road around 7% with two mates on my fluorescent muddy fox MTB. Road was lined with rock walls and barbed wire to keep sheep at bay, I later noticed. On a sharp corner I realised it wasn’t one way going down as a car headed toward me and stopped instantly due to the incline. There was no way round and I simply couldn’t stop, I don’t think I even touched the brakes. Ramming into the car at a slight angle I was thrown forward but upward and over in a parkour style and I can still recall seeing into the car mid flight and the hands of the lady who was gripped to the steering wheel really tightly. Like an Olympic vaulter I seem to do one head over heels and some sort of barrel roll and landed feet first perfectly behind the car facing back up the hill. I had to grab the rear spoiler for balance I had such momentum! At that moment my two mates screeched around the corner to see my mangled bike on the bonnet, me starting at them from behind the car and a woman who had turned white. Unscathed I walked to the driver side, tapped on the window and this poor lady looked like she’d seen a ghost. It was over 30 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. Not a scratch!

[@richfi9576]

the very spot where Ollie is standing at 9:35, with the very same Land Rover still there! - www.google.com/maps/@42.7910117,0.5911304,3a,75y,193.78h,65.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skn2TR6_yiRZ8jXGA89Lc4g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Looks like a gorgeous town.

[@ZOB4]

Do you not have things that will eat you where you ride in England? Bears are common throughout most of the US, and the west coast has some cougars and other large cats that will be more than happy to put a dent in your ride.

[@beeble2003]

There is, basically, zero dangerous wildlife in the UK.

[@adamcoatham]

Our main risk is a different kind of cougar.....!

[@ironmantooltime]

beeble2003 Adders (a dangerous British snake) have occasionally been known to kill phlegmatic octogenarians... Ok I made that up ☹️

[@Zkope]

You might get the occasional angry pet dog chasing you for a few meters on the country side...

[@OllieBridgewood]

beeble2003 you have clearly never come face to face with an angry adder.

[@diegospina97]

Hi Ollie! I noted you changed the cockpit of your bike, it looks great!! What Garmin mount are you using on your stem?

[@OllieBridgewood]

It's the pro vibe aero bar, on the Syncros integrated stem. The mount attaches to the stem bolts and is Syncros. Really neat and tidy www.rutlandcycling.com/accessories/electronics/syncros-rr-stem-computer-mount-black_458204?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjN7YBRCOARIsAFCb934CVTINhENcBGrN2Pn7ZGXc4OGhrpg7_BkH1x6GcSYgBw_e4GZsIBwaAhNMEALw_wcB

[@NdrwKrns]

What happened to the 'I broke my TT bike!' video that was up?

[@pinkertonpunk]

Andrew Kearns I was just going to ask the same thing. We hadn’t watched it yet!

[@NdrwKrns]

Colin Fiedler it was up as it had the Pyrenees competition with loads of stories in the comments & an interesting visit to carbon Bike repair. Did it get posted and removed?

[@pinkertonpunk]

I saw it on there for sure. Just didn't have time to watch it then. Now it is just gone...

[@oliverstuart]

Point of order..... 90% of the cyclists in Mallorca ride on the same few hills on the North of the island. It's perfectly possible to find quiet roads, even in the busy season.

[@Bliboify]

Was the Vlog of the 12th deleted? I can not find it anymore... I do have a competition Story and because I can not add it under #35 currently here it comes, i hope you count that too? So my story is not containing high speeds, exploding tires or failing breaks. Instead it is soaking in vanity and shame and if you are still reading it this point you are hopefully up for some moments making you think “I hate E-Bikes” anyway here is my story. Last year in the beginning of the season I thought it is about time to change the pedals I was using indoors, after countless hours of sandblasting them with my sweat an tears. I bought a new pair of Dura-ace pedals and felt quite pro having upgraded from “just” ultegra. The first ride instantly made me feel more efficient and so fast (!). Of course that is what you get of a pair of pedals which work exactly the same as the Ultegra Model just a couple grams lighter no collusion with the fact that I was using my Mountainbike for outdoor rides the whole Winter previously. Disturbing my superman like feel, that’s the point it happened, I heard a electric noise just behind me and just as I realised that there is the possibility that someone overtakes me a E-Bike flew past me. The rider took the time to smile at me and roared on. Disillusion and the feeling that my countless pain cave hours where for nothing struck through my head as my legs already went to battle mode and surged into his slipstream. He noticed my effort in his mirror and was putting his support to max (I assume) at 45 km/h. I was preparing to go for it, put it all in one effort and try keeping 700+ W for, well lets say longer than 10 Seconds. My focus and preparation go interrupted by a red light an as he put down a leg to support his stand, I decided to play it “pro” to underline the coolness of my pedals and track stand… As I noticed that I am tilting and that there is no way I will keep this upright, I threw one last desperate glimpse at the unforgiving red glow of the traffic light. As I tried to clip out to avoid the not really pro looking “bike lean to the street” I was not able to. I slammed myself into the ground both feet still clipped in looking like an idiot. I forgot to set the firmness of the new pedals which where set to maximum, making it feel different then on my trusty old ultegra’s. No Bike was harmed during this, but I broke some of my ego during the process. The E-Bike guy didn’t laugh which was nice. Even though it was 100% my fault, I hate E-Bikes :D

[@edscoble]

How come you guys don’t caption your content? 😢

[@rodrigodelgado9127]

Are you a rapha ambassador?

[@OllieBridgewood]

Nah, I just needed to be in some non-CW kit for some photos we were taking for a magazine feature

[@rodrigodelgado9127]

Oliver Bridgewood awesome. What were you wearing? Can you do what kit you should wear in these tours? Thanks for replying back

[@markreams3192]

Are there places to camp if you’re Bikepacking?

[@OllieBridgewood]

Mark Reams I haven’t looked into this personally, but I am sure there are. The place we were staying in, le closier, routinely had bike packers staying one night, to get showers and a proper bed for one night, in between camping etc...

[@Richz2]

Good way to improve you Max Wattage.... get a Bear 🐻 to chase you.

[@cc-tf3tb]

2mins 32...emmmm, isn't that where you put chamois cream?

[@rrobotman]

Bears make you ride faster so it’s all good! 😀

[@jinngeechia9715]

rrobotman BC, Canada. A bear did shadow a touring cyclist as prey and drivers escorted the rider to keep the bear at bay.

[@Bluesman2509]

Stay in Argeles Gazost well placed

[@Justin-xf2nc]

What’s with all that grinding Ollie:((

[@Annekromhout]

I was thinking the same... Hotdamn, shift already!

[@OllieBridgewood]

Actually specifically working on some low cadence work at the moment with Coach Tipper for an up and coming challenge 🤫

[@Annekromhout]

Oliver Bridgewood Well that was the one logical explanation. RIP Ollies knees ☠️

[@markreams3192]

You can’t outrun a bear unless you’re going down hill. They can run at 30mph!

[@grintalcycles8266]

Bears and wolves? Sounds iffy. How about mountain lions? They like cyclists to much.

[@roybuffey6104]

Spent many long holidays walking and cycling in the Pyrenees never seen a bear or a wolf but lots of vultures so if you fall off the bike don't lay still for to long 😂

[@Casquette]

first!