Pyrenees ride accomplished!

And we didn´t ever have to ride in a van! 7 days, over 550 miles, & 56,000 feet of gain, starting at the Mediterranean and ending at the Atlantic ocean. The climbs and descents were all amazing, the views on the ´D´roads of France breathtaking - all accompanied with the ´music´ of the bells on cows and sheep and the camraderie of a great group of very good riders. We had very good weather everyday, although it was little hot on the east side of the Pyrennees, with temps of 33-35 degrees Centigrade the last few days. The climb up Tourmalet was difficult, but d´Aspin and d´Ausbisque were equally challenging. I will watch the Tour with a new appreciation of what these riders have to do. I can´t express how perfect our leaders were, from Christy and her husband, Curtis, to the wicked Scotsman, Peter Thomson (¨no coddling¨, ¨this is what you pay the big bucks for¨, ¨get on your bike and ride¨, ¨don´t you ever read your cue sheets?¨, ¨shut up and ride¨, or ¨this is just a wee bump¨- comments that reminded me of a certain dog trainer I know). The expert guidance they all provided, along with assistance from the drivers of the sag wagons (helping us not to get lost - a few did!) was priceless. Truly a life changing experience.

We are now in Seville with Andy and had an amazing 26 Euro tapas dinner at her favorite tapas restaurant last night - at midnight! A couple of tintos helped, along with the knowledge that I have no crazy bike schedule to follow anymore.

Pictures and a few videos to follow...