Day 3 -- Pyrenees -- Coll Banyuls + changing a flat tire

Dave had been looking for a route over the Pyrenees that was manageable and found one in a biker's blog. He was unable to see the route on google maps, but was able to see the sign that pointed towards Col Banyuls.. I can only imagine how fun it was to actually be at the sign. Dave shared that the road surface on the Spanish side for the climb was excellent as was the actually decent into France. The decent included 180 degree hairpin turns! Then the road got pretty rough and broken up for part of the distance. They only saw about 20 cars on the road today. Dave had expected an easy ride on to the coast, but the bikers had a couple more steep climbs before arriving at Argeles sur Mer and their hotel.

Off the Pyrenees

Dave at the bottom of Coll Banyuls

Day 4 they will head towards Narbonne, France. This is about 50 miles and they are not sure where they will spend the night, it depends on if the wind is at their backs.

Here is an email from Dave with a couple of photos:

The descent off the Col Banyuls was about 15 per cent grade (that is really steep). We were going very fast when I heard a sound like a shot behind me. It was Jim's tire blowing out because of the heat from braking so much. So here he is changing it.

Lynne

Day 2- part 2

It is 6:30 am in Figueres Spain and the bikers are just getting up to begin Day 3. Dave called to share a little more about Day 2. Thankfully it was much less eventful than Day 1. The route over the Pyrenees seems to be working well. Their climb is similar to going from the waterfront in Portland over the west hills.. not bad about 1,300 feet. Day 2 took them through beautiful poppy field and a few small towns. Today they will be climbing before a decent into the town of Argeles-sur-Mer France. About 60 KM -- or 40 miles.
Here is a link for map and photos.

Argelès-sur-Mer
France

Lynne