Three days in the Pyrenees

Flying into Toulouse a few days before Mrs KG, so I can go for a few nice bike rides. I've had a week in the Pyrenees a few years ago, so done a few climbs already, so nothing is a "must do".
Middle of August, where should I stay? Currently thinking of either Luchon (Peyresourde, Superbagneres, Portillon, Port de Bales) or Luz (Gavarnie, Cirque du Troumouse, the side of Tourmalet I haven't done, and a drive to do Route des Lacs).
Middle of August, where should I stay? Currently thinking of either Luchon (Peyresourde, Superbagneres, Portillon, Port de Bales) or Luz (Gavarnie, Cirque du Troumouse, the side of Tourmalet I haven't done, and a drive to do Route des Lacs).
and then the next thing you know
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Will take a look at Col de Spandelles - not heard of that one.
Also did a longer loop out to Portes du Bales and Perysourde
Also Cadeac and Ancizan
Hourqette d'Anzican?
I'm hoping to fit in the ride to Lac de Cap-de-Long as well. That looks stunning.
It's on the bottom part of the Col de Borderes climb, near Argeles-Gazost, so ideally situated. I stayed there for four days last July and in that time did Borderes/Soulor/Aubisque, Croix Blanche/Aspin/Horquette d'Ancizan/Tourmalet, Hautacam/Trammasel/Cauterets/Cambasque/Porte d'Espagne and Luz Ardiden. Fantastic riding.
By a long stretch the best cycling holiday I've ever had in terms of both accommodation and the riding. I defy you not to love it.
Argeles Gazost was probably the best for the climbs, but Luchon is a great town!
Another recommendation for the cycling lodge here. Spent 4 days there last September and the location was superb, the hosts were brilliant and the food amazing! I need to get back there soon
My ambition is to do Luz Ardiden, a big day with Tourmalet, Aspin, Hourquette and Croix Blanche, a day up Cirque du Troumouse and Gavarnie, then the route des lacs and then get on my way. Weather and fitness permitting.
Soulor from the north and on to the Aubisque is a proper bucket-list ride (although I did cook in the mid 30's temperatures!)
Luz Ardiden and Hautacam were great because they're dead-end roads to ski stations, so hardly any cars. Was able to use the full width of the road to descend the top 4-5km of Luz Ardiden down the switchbacks
Tourmalet was quite a boring climb (went up from Campan - looks even duller from the Luz side)
Luz Ardiden is a beauty of a descent! Though the weather was terrible the day we did that and Hautacam.
Tourmalet from Luz is one of my top 3 climbs.
I am not sure. You have no chance.
I loved the Tourmalet from Luz especially as it was on a special day for me. I took the Voie Laurent Fignon diversion after Bareges... beautiful.
Loved Luz Ardiden the next day, both up and down.
However, I also did Hautacam and I really never enjoyed it. Thought it was right swine and never got into any sort of rythm.
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Giant Defy 3/Specialized Roubaix Pro/Calibre Bossnut
Felt Z6 2012
Red Arthur Caygill steel frame ??
Tall....
You're wrong.
It's a bit dull on the campan side, not very interesting to start with, then you get to hideous la mongie. It's good above la mongie.
But the Luz side is totally stunning from start to finish. A climb that lives up to its reputation. (On a good day like yesterday anyway!)
(can really recommend the western Pyrenees for day hikes or hut-to-hut, too. We based ourselves in Arrans-Marsous. So easy to get to from Dax or Pau or the Lourdes airport)
And this is the Cirque de Troumouse which is very quiet, very beautiful and has some sections which are brutal. And has a cafe (pictured) about 3km from the top.