Thursday brought another epic ride. Jonathan and Mike rode the Col d’ Aspin, and Jeanne and I met up with them in an adorable town called St. Lary-Soulon to ride up to the Lac de Cap-de-Long.

We met a few “obstacles” at the top of the Col d’ Aspin who were not the least bit interested in moving for cars or cyclists!

And the view from the summit:

Lac de Cap-de-Long http://www.lacsdespyrenees.com/lac-191-Barrage%20de%20Cap%20de%20Long.html, is a beautiful lake set high in a national park in the Pyrenees. In miles it was short – only 14 miles – but we climbed nearly 5,000 feet. And the steepest part was closest to the top, of course! The scenery was once again incredible all the way up but I could only take pictures from the top (due to excessive heavy breathing and using most of my strength to turn the pedals over).

The first one was a congratulatory selfie, of course. The clouds had rolled in so it’s hard to see the lake behind me, but the road is the dam going across the lake.

The clouds soon cleared and I was able to get better pictures, including one with Mike and Jeanne.

We were cold up there – it was just over 7,000 feet –  and thankfully there was a restaurant with hot coffee and whiskey at the top! And an adorable dog guarding the place.

Friday will be our last day in the Pyrenees, then a long drive out to Provence on Saturday. Sunday I’ll be facing my old “friend” who nearly killed me last year,  Mt. Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, http://www.veloventoux.com/?c=montVentoux. Can’t wait. Sort of.