cycling Col de Menté - Pont de l'Oule

I pulled this climb out of the hat this morning, it was overcast and I wasnt dressed for a soppy cool descent from 1300 metres but on reaching St Beat there it was. It was a lovely climb, not easy but once my knees found their sweet spot I was happy. Was sucked into the clouds about 1000 metres and couldnt see much after that; continuing up to the ski station was simply gratuitous fun. Will be back to do it on a clear day or at least with a weatherproof.

My personal climb rating: 4 stars

Not the biggest; not the most famous; but a bit of a gem, all the same. Treat yourself to some refreshment in the nearby town of Aspet (or at the summit cafe atop the Col de Portet dAspet) then grit your teeth and get going. Just rode it today in 30+ degree heat and it seemed tougher than when I last rode it a couple of years back. The first 4-5km are deceptive, because theres some downhill mixed in with stretches at 13%. Plenty of shade, but its just lulling you into a false sense of security. From Couledoux, things get a bit more serious and the stack of 10 hairpin bends foretells of some hard work ahead. Once youre past halfway, the views back down the stack and to the distant peaks are pretty special. Eventually, at about 1km to go, the road straightens again and the gradient eases off a little to 6%-ish. Cafe at the top (in season), but the best reason to climb the Mente from this side is to get the descent on the other side. Another stack of fantastic, swooping hairpins, followed by a long straight/gently bending drop into St Beat. A great way to spend an hour and a half!

My personal climb rating: 4 stars

I hated this climb. A real slog for me and a downhill bit that means you lose all those precious metres youve just climbed! Comes hard on the heels of the Portet dAspet, as well, with no respite.