Chasing mountain passes and the perfect lunch

There's something about cycling in the mountains that just gets me. The challenge, the scenery, the sheer satisfaction of grinding up a climb and then flying down the other side-it's unbeatable. So when my wife and I found ourselves in the French Pyrenees on holiday, there was no way we weren't going to take on some of the legendary cols.

For those who don't know, a col is a mountain pass, and the Pyrenees are full of them. Some of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France snake their way through these mountains, and while I'm no pro, I do love a good challenge. We set out with a plan: pick a climb, ride to the top, and soak in the views. Simple, right?

The best-laid cycling plans

We started off full of energy, legs fresh, spirits high. The road twisted up through the mountains, the air crisp and clean. But then, about halfway up, we hit a problem-a barrier across the road. No signs, no explanation, just a solid you shall not pass moment. After a bit of head-scratching and a quick debate, we had to admit defeat. There was no way through.

Turning around and rolling back down wasn't exactly the plan, but hey, that's cycling. You adapt. And that's exactly what we did. Instead of calling it a day, we found another col to climb. Different road, different challenge, same sense of adventure.

Sometimes the best rides aren't the ones you plan, but the ones you stumble upon when things don't go as expected.

The perfect conditions

One thing that made all the difference? The weather. It was one of those glorious cycling days-blue skies, warm sun, just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. If it had been cold, wet, or windy, the whole experience would have been completely different. There's nothing worse than grinding up a mountain in miserable conditions, soaked through and shivering.

A great ride isn't just about the road-it's about the weather, the company, and the little moments that make it special.

The reward at the top

After conquering our second-choice col, we did what every cyclist dreams of after a tough climb-we found a perfect little spot for lunch. There's something about earning your meal with a solid ride that makes it taste even better. Sitting there, soaking in the mountain views with a plate of food in front of us, it was one of those moments where everything just felt right.

That's the beauty of cycling in the mountains. It's not just about the climbs or the descents. It's about the whole experience-the unexpected detours, the perfect weather, the post-ride meal that tastes like the best thing you've ever eaten.

What's next?

Of course, no cycling trip is complete without the big question: what's next? The forecast for the next day wasn't looking great, and we had a decision to make. Do we brave the weather and head out anyway, or do we take a rest day and wait for better conditions?

That's the thing about cycling-you never really know what's coming. But that's also what makes it exciting. Whether it's a blocked road, a surprise climb, or a sudden change in the weather, every ride is an adventure. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Every ride tells a story, and sometimes the best chapters are the ones you never saw coming.