Col du Tourmalet

Col du Tourmalet, mythical climb, has been climbed by the professionals at least 70 times in Tour De France. The climb is formidable. From Luz, the climb begins at 700 meters and the col is at 2115 meters. It is 18 kilometres pure climbing. There are no downhill or flat sections. Just climbing from 4% to 16 %, mostly from 8% to 10%, on average about 8%. 

We left our hotel late, at 11 am, a bit worried that it would be too hot. It was not, today was not hot, only 27C. Our climb began at 685 metres, so the total climbing for us was 1430 metres. 

Except it was more for me. After about 11 kilometres the climb changes its character. Up to that point, the road follows a mountain stream and goes through forests. The views are limited, there is nothing scary. It is actually very nice. 

View from the top

We made it.

At 11 km, at the first ski station, the road leaves the stream and climbs straight up a mountainside. There are many hairpins. The views are magnificent. I got so scared. I climbed several hairpins, lost my nerve and descended back to the ski station. Sirkku came up a bit behind me and continued up the hairpins. I tried to follow, rode some 50 meters up. And lost my nerve again. After only 8 times of failing, I finally mustered enough courage and followed her. I think I climbed well over 200 extra meters before continuing. 

I am grateful to Sirkku for continuing. On my own, I most likely would have just descended. Called it a day, been sad at my failure. 

I decided not to look around too much, just to follow the street markings. It was a good decision. I was following Sirkku, watching the markings, easily and steadily. I was very scared, but could not help myself stealing a few glimpses of the valley. It is extraordinarily beautiful. 

The last few kilometres were kind of hard. The road narrows, there are stones everywhere and also a lot of llama’s shit. One must pay attention. The last kilometre steepens up to 16%, which was nice. Nice to have a physical challenge in addition to terrifying mental fear. 

We took and got taken the mandatory photos at the top. Ate some ice cream and rode back down to Luz St Sauveur. Riding down the mountain was scary, but did not last long. 

To summarise: an easy ride, but way too scary. But I am proud that I made it all the way. 

Llama lives there