Hi Keith
As a side note a few of us are off to the Pyrenees next summer. So it would be great if you could do a little trip report to get our mouths watering more than they already are!
I've ridden in the Pyrenees a few times. Done the Raid, a couple of Etapes and spent a couple of weeks down there.
Stayed in Lourdes a couple of times (it's a crazy place) and also Luz St Sauveur.
Really like the Pyrenees, although the weather can be quite changeable.
Last time we were there, we started our ascent of the Tourmalet from Saint Marie de Campan in a humid 30C. By the time our group reached the summit, the cloud had closed in and it was snowing. Some guys sheltered in the cafe, others stayed in the ski station 4km from the summit. Unfortunately one of our group crashed on the descent and ended up in hospital!
But apart from that it's a great area!
Happy to share any information. When are you going?