After waiting out a storm, we headed out for two of the hardest climbs in the Pyrenees. We started out with Luz Ardiden and finished with Hautacam. Both are rated as HC category. The scenery was spectacular but the mountain top temperature was on the frigid site. We had to get out our cold weather clothing before we headed down.
Excited to get started we left Pau early Monday morning en route to Lourdes. Our first climb over the Aubisque gave us a good taste of what the next 2 weeks will be like. Long hard climbs take us from the green valleys to above the clouds. Riding through small towns throughout the day, had not prepared us for the crowds in Lourdes.
After a long layover in Paris, we made it to Pau late in the afternoon. After some much needed sleep, we are ready for our first climb, which will be the Aubisque. We will finish our day in Lourdes.
After a train ride from Galway to Dublin, our final full day in Ireland was spent sightseeing the city. Most of us hopped on a tour bus that takes you to all the major attractions. Our back to back trips had come to an end after 3 fantastic weeks of exploring the Irish countryside and be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and helpfulness of it’s people.
A special thank you also to Cheryl for navigating all our luggage to the next hotel and finding us places for lunch and things to see. It’s not easy driving on the left side of the road and have all traffic come from the opposite side of what you’re used to!!!!!!
When we thought our riding was done in Ireland we set off on another experience when we rented bicycles on Inishmore, to go explore the island. This ended up as the most uncomfortable and for some as the hardest ride, because of the bicycles we had to deal with. Ramona even had to carry hers for a long way. Even with all these discomforts it was worth the time to be there. Huge cliffs; the fortress of Duin Aingus; ruins of the 7 churches; stone fences and ocean views were some of the highlights.
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Riding close along the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the beauty of The Burren on the other gave us another spectacular day of what Ireland could offer us riding our bicycles through here. The vibrant city of Galway was at the end of our ride. With our hotel right at Eyre Square in the heart of the downtown, there were lots of pubs, restaurants and shopping close by.
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After we left the cliffs,we set out to find our hotel for the evening. We just got treated with more great views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs and the Aran Islands. And we got a tour of the castle. Combined with a great meal and an uncommon sunset, the night was memorable.
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A great bicycle ride on beautiful country roads brought us to the Cliffs of Moher. A spot where mother nature did it’s best. These cliffs are spectacular and should be part of the natural wonders. I hope these pictures will give you a sense of their beauty. The best would be to have a look yourself some day.
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