Airport Lounge

Hanging out in Berlin at the BA lounge and drinking good German beer.

Louvre

Got a quick tour of the Louvre from an art history professor. Got great explanation of a room full of Reuben's. Saw Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Big place and made my head hurt after a few hours.

Shoe shopping

As a loving husband, I helped Debbie find this shoe store.  As she tries on shoes, we are surprised that they allowed me in.

Train to Paris

Bikes are safely packed in the cases and we settle in for the train ride to Paris
No security, no turbulence, no seat belts. You are free to move about the cabin.

Totals

We arrived in Tarbes after a very fast ride down the valley.  Our trip totals are 308.85 miles and 17,158 feet of climbing. Most of the miles was pulling a 50 pound trailer. For most of the vertical we let the trailers stay in the room.

Hourquette d Ancizan

36.85 miles, 4137 feet of climbing. A perfect cloudless day. Very warm in town at 86.  The ride d jour was though high pasturelands.  Herds of donkey, horses, and cattle both on and off the road.  Some very friendly donkeys in the road liked to have thier moses scratched as i road bu.The Col topped out at 5046 feet with spectacular views into the next valley. A few steep sections that made the 7% grades seem easy.  Lots of bikes on the road today. 

More col aspin

Pictures do not always post

Aspin

Col d Aspin

15.38 miles, 3031 feet climb. Col d Aspin is a lot easier than Tourmalet.  Sunny day with an easier grade up to Payolle.  After that it was a bit harder.  The Col is just above tree line.  Cattle are free range, which makes it tough to find a place to picnic. Headwind on way down kept my speed below 40mph.