Forever peacefully watching over the legendary Col du Tourmalet, the ascent to the 2,877m summit of Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the French Pyrénées is a whole otherworldly experience. I’m often asked what my favourite climb is and, although that’s a question that deserves at least a six course meal to answer, this 6.6 kilometre section of gravel is (in my humble opinion) one of the most beautiful experiences one can have on a bike.

The Backstory…..
I first experienced this remarkable climb in the autumn of 2018 shortly after I’d moved to the Pyrénées. The excitement I felt on that occasion was indescribable, at the time I never thought I’d only be in the region for a fleeting few years but that’s life and a lesson once again to be grateful and enjoy each moment that we’re gifted with.

Roll forward to the autumn of 2021 and just before starting a new chapter, there was no way I was going to leave without bringing this climb to life for you all. So my buddy Adrian and I tooled up, bikes, cameras and much excitement chasing daylight on our way to the summit, quite the adventure in itself.

When I found the last piece of music it literally sent shivers down my spine. So much more meaning than the lyrics themselves. After much craziness at that time of life, not to mention the whole Covid-19 escapade, making it to the summit literally felt like I’d conquered more than just the mountain that evening. That is the true power of these beautiful peaks.

Thanks for watching and being part of the journey.

Peace.

Mike