Col du Portillion and Superbagneres

Another spectacular day pushing the pedals over hill and dale. Today we ventured into Spain, a first for us all undulating along the valley to the town of Bossost for coffee and a regroup. From here we headed up the Col du Portillion, a modest 8 km climb averaging 7% before a longer descent back into France for lunch at Luchon.
Coffee again and refuel for the next challenge being 17.5 km at 6.7% to the ski station which sits above Luchon at Superbegneres. On paper this didn't look too bad,..... I think the paper must have been bent, rising temperatures (35 degrees) long sections at 10 to 11% made for one tough climb. All made it, as we must then through glazed eyes admired the view and refueled once again. The descent usually erases memories of the climbs, however as spectacular as it was I still vividly recall the effort over final sections of Superbagneres. Maybe it will pass in time.
The run back to Bertren was fun, 25 km of generally downhill with a train of 8 cruising through villages and rural roads fast and smooth like a well drilled team.... well that's how we like to imagine ourselves,.. never mind the reality and whatever comments may come to mind.
Tomorrow promises another day back roads, coffee, food, and a climb up the Col de Peyresourde to watch the tour go by.
But for now i need my bed and whatever recovery can occur in the time. So.
Bon noir
BB