nbjtours

Pau-Nay-Pau

35 miles. 873 ft climbed.

Today was meant to be the day we rode over the Pyrenees and into France. However the promised rain and wind put paid to any cycling over the mountains. Although initially upset by not cycling as we reached the summit you could hardly see 30 metres in front and the van was buffeted by the gusty wind. It was a good decision.

This was the complete opposite to the last time I had been over this pass when completing the end to end ride as it had rained all across France but cleared the day I was due over.

This morning everyone was still alive and the cows had not trampled the tents, although they did decide to come up to the field the tents were in just after we had packed up. Chris was especially pleased as he was worried a cow may fall and crush him while still in his sleeping bag. He did think this was the best wild camp site we had had since the olive grove back in 2015 and does ensure the proper nbjtours experience.

Going down the van’s brake warning light came on and with probably nearly 4 tonnes trying to be stopped Nigel played it safely although knew he had new pads so it should not have been a problem. They were definitely hot though. A check later proved it was the brake sensor that came loose which we had suspected so no harm done

Having come down the main part of the mountain we saw a stall selling hot roast chicken and stopped to buy a couple. We also had to take a diversion from the usual route as a rally had closed the road and a few competition cars went by.

A short stop to devour one of the two chickens with some fresh bread decided we would go to the campsite and try to ride later when the weather improved. Having set up the tents and the rain stopped I quickly devised an impromptu ride along the river to Nay and back.

Although we had a couple of light splashes of rain it amounted to nothing and we enjoyed a flattish speed out of town.

One thing we have noticed around here is that for some reason most of the towns have their signs turned upside down. If anyone knows please send in their answer.

Coming into Pau we found ourselves on the grid for the Pau GP street circuit so a quick change of route and we managed a lap of a track. It was originally set up to rival Monaco and saw its heyday from the 60’s to the 80’s and is still used annually for classic car events.

We then had a quick tour round Pau including a particularly steep ramp next to the chateau.

After our visit we rode back pleased to have been able to get some riding in and the weather even improved further this evening. Tomorrow’s forecast has improved and we are hopeful of a full day’s riding

We still had another of those chickens to eat for dinner so with coleslaw and potatoes we did manage to eat outside as usual with some sun appearing.

Nick was happy as he found a couple of goats some chickens and this bizarre rabbit on our campsite so attacked cards with more confidence than before. Although judging by the crying it appears somewhat misplaced.

We could have become dispondant about a missed opportunity because of the weather but there’s no point doing that so our afternoon ride incorporating another racing circuit was a fair replacement. We are ready to bring on tomorrow.