Ed's Epic: One Man's Challenge: Day 6-Segos -Jaca (Spain) Sunday 5th August

'THE ONLY WAY IS UP' - (I'm too old for this!)

This was the day I was looking forward to - a crack at one of the Pyrenean Cols. OK, not one that is often used in 'Le Tour' but high enough and hard enough for me, and it was the most direct way to the Spanish Border. We left Segos in warm sunshine, already 27 degrees at 8 30 am,for another 90 mile sojourn to Spain (sounds easy doesn't it?). Basically our route took us from Segos to the Pyrenean towns of Pau, Gan, Oloron -St-Marie the Col du Somport and then down the hill to Jaca in Spain!! A mere 97 miles in 8 hours.

Waking up to a beautiful warm morning ( note trusty vehicle bottom right of picture - we have neighbours ). After my over indulgence last night I was hoping that I would feel alright for this most challenging ride of all.

Saying goodbye to a friend. He thinks we're mad going out in this weather. He is probably right! Mind you there were a number of other people who thought likewise.

Departing up the hill from the Hotel in Segos, it is already hot and there are much bigger hills to come!

On leaving Oloron-Ste-Marie the climbing commenced for the next 52km. Passing through the village of Asasp-Arros the gradient gradually began to increase as did the

temperatures. Bizarrely this tiny village had a huge Rugby ground with flood lights.

A few miles further on and the road begins to rise towards the village of Accous which is about 90km into the ride, roughly half way. Feeling OK so far.

Now it's getting steeper as we approach the village of Urdos. At this point the temperature was touching 39 degrees and I had used up all the fluid in my drink bottles. The drinks weren't only warm they were hot! I had to replenish quickly and badly needed a cold drink.

I needed this cold drink and of course a mini break!

A refill and it was off for the final 10 miles to the summit!

Approaching the Tunnel du Somport'
This tunnel is exactly 8 km long and ends in Spain. However we must go over the top on the old road; the temperature is now 38 degrees.

Meanwhile the views of the valley below are fantastic. That is if one has the inclination to look down. The picture on the right is from the mountain stream where Stelly filled a bottle with cold water to pour over my head. Can you spot the frog?

Out of the saddle now !

Getting steeper. It was at this point that I caught sight of a guy on a mountain bike - just twiddling away. I decided to chase him down. Why do I do this??!!