On the first substantive day of riding, we were given the opportunity to tackle two Hors Categorie climbs in a relatively short span: Hautacam (a ski resort) and Luz Ardiden (also yes). Truly an unpredictable day of vertical... wild sprints of 8.5% slowed in the face of 9% spikes, only to collapse precipitously to 8.25%. This vibrant give-and-take from the mountains took place over what I'm led to believe was a brisk 8.73 million miles.
The views were unmatched -- Hautacam gave shots of a cloud soaked valley, while Luz Ardiden offered a stunning set of closing switchbacks against an iconic Pyrenean skyline. All told, a fairly fantastic day, which, it should be noted, precedes what is likely to be the most difficult riding day of the trip.
Tourmalet in 12 hours.
Night night from the Midi Pyrenees.