C2C Pyrenees. Ax-les-Thermes to Prades - three nice cols and good weather

On the road  at 8:45 after a hearty breakfast the Chalet Hotel.  It was cool but not cold, The climb up Col de Pailhères started right from the hotel so I warmed up quickly. Lungs still a bit sore in the cold air after Covid.  

Phil passed me first, then Greg & Mike, the George.  I was riding tempo with my heart rate at 130-135.  

John caught up to me and we rode together for a while until he eased away on the final climb up ot 2,001 m for great views across the Pyrenees including a distant high peak with some snow.

The descent was fast but horses and sheep on the road called for some caution.

John and I stopped for lunch at Le Relais de Pailhères - Maison Labourgade in the small village of Mijanes - we were the only ones that found food on the route today, there were not many cafes or restaurants open,

The next climb up the Col du Garabeil 1262m  was not steep with a change of scenery and another good descent,

The  final climb up the Col de Jau was longer and higher (1506m) with a cracking fast descent most of the way to Prades,

Staying at the Best Western hotel with a pool - it was nice to have a swim and the excellent local Bière du Canigou.

Another very good French dinner with a Catalan influence in the centre of town   This area used to part of Catalan (and Spain) but was ceded to France by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.

2,481m of climbing and 2,835m descending, I will sleep well tonight!

Bière du Canigou