A pedestrian crossing - in name only. You step onto these at your own risk. The drivers look at you about to step onto it or even while you are on it and keep coming.

Yesterday we travelled 500K west. The countryside changed completely. It is now very British. We are driving East to Bagneres de Bigorre to meet up with the Buxton group for the ride up the Col du Tourmalet. Bagneres de Bigorre is only 25K from Lourdes but the ride is 85K. We do a big U. I think (and hope) that it is really only a 27K ride. 10K to the base, 17K up and a virtual non stop descent back to Lourdes. The country side is so beautiful that the ride ...

A very young boy begging. Lourdes at its worst.

We are having a break on the road to Lourdes. About 150K down and 350K to go. Not easy driving. Freeways are very good but packed. Using indicators is very discretionary and at the allowed 130kph, when the vehicle just in front and to one side decides to cut in, it is everyone for themselves. There are regular signs on the road recommending 2 second gaps between cars. That just encourages lane changing. One thing they do not do is sit in the outside lane (our...

We arrived in Lourdes about 3.30. Found a good bike shop and bought a souvenir jersey that covers tomorrow and Saturday's climbs. Nice hotel. The Elisio. Watched Le Tour to see Cadel drop away from 2nd to 4th. Walked to get something to eat and were reminded that possibly because of its religious significance this is a very depressing place. There are incredible contradictions. Beggars including very young children, rampant commercialism and Religious souve...