Spectacular day in the Pyrenees. Col d'Aspin, Arreau, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Sarrat de Gaye. Lazy 2000m of climbing

This looks interesting. Maybe it's beer with a hint of bacon?

Drove up to Payolle for a stroll & ended up parking in the clouds. Still lovely, if a little chilly for summer!

Out in the woods next to 'home' with the dogs. One is too shy for photos, the other clearly an attention seeker!

Walkies at Col des Palomières. View behind to the North as you can't see the mountains to the South from here. Doh!

Unlucky with a couple of punctures today, but I suppose there are worse places to have to fix one. Won't complain

Today's ride: Something short & sweet. Saving myself for tomorrow

Walking in tall grass didn't know a deer was hiding here. He jumped up & ran as I got too close (2m or so). Amazing!!

Breakie by the pool - well, the first course at least Fresh eggs straight from the chicken coup. Yum!

6s off a PR on the Aspin today. Think I could have taken those seconds with a sprint if it wasn't so busy up here!

The infamous flamme rouge that would cause a little chaos later today. Luckily I made it under (& back) unscathed!

Another Indonesian gathering today. Loads of wonderful food. Thank you so much! Nom, nom, nom!

After a large lunch on a warm day nice to go for a walk in a wonderful, shady, cool forest. Lovely and quiet. Magic!

Same spot as last post, but this is the following morning. Another spectacular day in the mountains begins

Someone had a wonderful time playing in fields & the stream by the road today. Why dog folk can't have nice cars!

Awesome sunburst through the clouds out walking this evening.

Another hideous day up the Tourmalet Long way round is so much better when actually eating & drinking enough!

I often ride this road but drove today. Traffic here can be tricky as you see. Imagine negotiating this on a bike!

Relaxing near Hourquette d'Ancizan. Joys of carrying everything everywhere: always have outdoor furniture to hand

Watching sunset over a neighbouring cornfield. Air thick with pollen & insects. Lucky we don't suffer from hay fever!

Relaxing in shade of an old apple tree. It's laden with fruit, lucky not to be doing an Isaac Newton impression!

Pratiwi's favourite alcoholic beverage. All the better at this very offensive price! #MoreBeerMoneyForMe :P

Another Tourmalet day. Up top then a little way down the West side for a 'different' - it's all relative - angle.

Bagneres-de-Bigorre fete. Few early snaps in the market hall with freshly sliced prosciutto, drinks & other goodies.

Today's ride: Cloudy spin up the valley, but as usual, view from the Col d'Aspin fails to disappoint!

Spotted in a local village: nice guy carrying a bike for a mate, or a bike thief! Around here likely it's the former.

Quite walk down a shady country lane. It doesn't always have to have an amazing view. Love the peace & quiet.

We're staying in Quillan today, but took a little walk out of town to get away from it all

Entertainment in a little square in Quillan. This sort of thing is completely normal throughout summer in France.

Almond liqueur found in my sister's house. Yum! Fun fact: while it tastes of almonds there's actually none in there!

Today's ride: Plateau de Beille. It's OK, but not that pretty. Valley road super busy too. Think I've been spoilt?

Today's ride: 38km climb to highest paved road in Pyrenees. Plus Col de Puymorens. Plus Ax 3 Domaines. Fantastic!

Other side of Col de Puymorens & jaunt into Spain. Also passed a solar thermal power plant with huge mirrors. Cool!

Spanish Sunday lunch. Pratiwi had a big octopus leg that just melted in the mouth. Unbelievable how good that was!

Arrive at hot Spanish camp. Lay on picnic blanket in shade. Red walls of the gorge remind me a bit of Aussie outback!

The C-28 in Spain, climbing to Port de la Bonaigua. Sadly am driving it today instead of riding. Very poor planning!

Entering Val d'Aran from Port de la Bonaigua. One of the best parts of the Spanish Pyrenees we've seen. So beautiful.

Didn't know what this dish was, but took it anyhow. Turns out to be deep fried cheese with jam on top. Soooo good!

Time for desert. Guess I'd better finish this Sangria first!

Today's ride: both sides of the Col du Portillion plus Superbagnères. Spectacular... & the descent is ballistic!

Early dinner/late lunch. Kale & rice &... not quite sure what my chef has presented here but it was really good!

Lac d'Aumar & Lac d'Aubert. Sometimes I'm asked why cycle so much? The answer: to be able to get to places like this!

After an epic day on the bike, beer o'clock. And what a bottle: Alpirsbacher Kloster Starkbier. Cheers!

Post-recovery, recovery Cheers from Saint-Lary-Soulan!

Another wonderful summer's day up near the Hourquette d'Ancizan. Always nice to stop & say hello to the locals.

Walls of snow in Spring, walls of corn in Summer. Just love the variety of the Northern seasons. Although - ask me again mid-winter!

While it might be a little cloudy down the valley, another glorious day up the Col d'Aspin. Simply love it up here!

Breakfast time! Rest day otherwise there'd be eggs in there too. Love fresh bread & croissant in the morning. Yum!

Evening walk between the cornfields. Val d'Adour, French Pyrenees.

After yesterday some recovery needed so gentle spin to the Hourquette. If you call 1000m+ climb up here recovery

Spotted in local motorhome dealer: 'Crossover' model of our snail. Think it takes bit more than fat tyres though!

A full fridge. And yes, light inside is blue so our whole place looks funky if no others on when you open the door

Visiting the market hall in Tarbes. So... here's the obligatory 'piles of bread & cheese' pictures!

Another difficult day in Southern France Hanging with friends while they force food & drink on us. Thanks guys!

It might not officially be Autumn for a few days yet, but it's certainly coming. Beautiful colours this morning.