Monday, September 14th
By about 9:00am we gathered for the usual ride briefing, as well as a group photo for the hotel management - because this ride hasn't been done for a while a lot of hotels are interested in the business, and the publicity that it brings.
I hadn't been to Sort before, and while it looks nice from the lookout, it wasn't as big as I expected.
But an apparently wet year made the are look green and lush, especially for the end of a Spanish summer.
We continued a steady climb towards to summit of the big pass for the day - off to the left in this picture, rather than straight ahead.
The climb includes a number of switchbacks, both at the beginning and the end with a long straight section in between.
It's a well used road, especially by touring motorcyclists, so it's gradient doesn't reach the dizzy heights of the earlier Pyreneen giants.
About 2km from the top, there's a cafe/bar where we stop only for a short rest and then push on.
Tony W has put an extra layer on for the cooler air and the descent.
Not as high as yesterday, but still high enough to make it cooler and the air a little thinner.
There's a large group of German motorcyclists having a cigarette! The peloton has a stretch, and Robin gets some quick bike maintenance from John from BA.
Part way down the descent we stop to admire the view, and the con-trails from the planes in a busy European sky.
It's still a long way to valley floor!
This out-crop looked like a great place for a walk - deceptively closer than it probably is.
The main road from the south to La Seu d'Urgell, last major town before Andorra and the Pyrenees.
We will eventually turn right and head down the river valley.
Guess who's having a party?!
Once on the busy main road, we get an indication of how far we have to go - unfortunately, where not taking the direct route tomorrow, or the day after...
Too late for coffee, but too early for lunch, so we have an ice cream instead.
The road heads into a gorge, and the Monday afternoon traffic is reasonably busy.
No rafting today?
Let's go rock climbing instead...
There are some interesting cave-like structures half way up this cliff. This was a lovely ride, but a little too busy to stop for pictures, unfortunately.
The view from the little town on the hill above our overnight stop - we were glad that we didn't have to cycle up here.
The bar-man made a great G&T - his trademark was a dash of lemon liqueur...
While we wait for an acceptable time to go to dinner, half the table also has a G&T!
The first time we have all dined together - mainly due to the lack of restaurant options here. It was also Dominic's 50th birthday, so time for a little celebration.
Before a well earned sleep!
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