Today was unbelieveable. Probably the best day I've ever spent on a bike. We rode an 80 mile loop from Limoux over several cols, through an insane river gorge and countless perfect little hamlets.
We pushed off at 8am, rode to Quillan and climbed the Col Saint-Louis. A long 12km gradual gradient with looming ridges to both sides. Quite a nice climb on this side of the pass. Yet the other side of the pass had our jaws drop at the scenery. A very steep descent down the mountainside, through huge limestone formations and outcrops. Large aqueduct-style bridges across the valley. Sweeping views out to the Pyrenees. And not a single car. Down at the valley floor, the group set a blistering paceline into St. Paul, where (as civilized people must do) we stopped for an espresso in the town square.
Next up was a short climb to the entrance to the Gorges de Galamus. Wow, what a sight this was. A several thousand foot deep gorge with a half-lane road blasted out of the side of the canyon. This led us up a bit farther to the Col de Bancarel. Then, of course, another climb -- the Col de Linas. This pass had the added bonus of some very nice pine trees for the top fourth of the climb.
At the bottom, the group split with one heading back to town, and the other tackling one more climb. Clearly the smarter group headed back into town. The remaining idiots -- Matt, Rich, Jerome and our fearless leader Paul, climbed the Col de Valmigeres. Since it was now the hottest part of the day, I was dismayed to find nary a tree or any shade cover for the entire 1,600' climb. To make matters worse, Matt decided that today of all days would be the day he dropped me like a stone -- left to whimper in his contrails as I fought for every breath. And did I mention it was hot? Near the top, Matt rode back down to take my photo. Obviously feeling quite smug, he told me "I like to shoot all of my victims." Bastard.
A nice 20km series of descents brought us back to town. Beers, sandwiches and naps were had (in that order). Tonight we will be hosted at a local farmhouse for dinner. I'm hungry.
The group prior to take off.(From L to R: Rich, Matt, Martin, Jerome, Tom, Peter, Robert, Mike, Steve and Will)
Rich at the Col Saint-Louis
Descending the Col Saint-Louis
Looking back up.
Tom contemplates the utter ridiculousness of stopping off for a spot of espresso in yet another picture perfect french village.
Peter enters the Gorges de Galamus.
The peleton exits the Gorges.
Descending the Col de Linas to the town of Bugarach.
Jerome and Paul on the last push to the summit of the Col de Valmigeres.
Map and profile of today's ride.
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