In 2022 I got to ride in a “King of the Mountains” Tour de France tour, in which I could ride some of the official route in the Pyrénées. That included a ride down the famous Col du Tourmalet.
In the Tour, the mountain is more famous for the remarkable bike rides, and epic stage finishes, going up. I, a mere amateur (from the flat Chicago area, no less) found it very difficult to ride upward. Riding downhill, on the other hand, was amazing. The road is nice and wide and free of debris, for comfortable turning on the switchbacks.
At the very top, you’ll see the pavement marked with chalk messages. In the background, you’ll see the amazing mountain views. Eventually, you’ll see how we had to slow down for some goats. All along, you’ll also see me pumping that brake lever.
Enjoy this epic ride on the legendary col!