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After climbing up the south side and seeing the crowds at this summit without views, this was not one of my favorites, even though there really was nothing to complain about. But the northern approach with all its switchbacks, ramps and big green presence across the valley completely changed my mind.

1.(00.0km,0500m) START-END WEST:turnoff onto D44, just east of St Beat 2.(09.8km,1349m)TOP:Col de Mente 3.(16.7km,0790m)turnoff direction Le Chouteou, and Portillon just after that 4.(20.8km,0640m)road to Col de Portet de Aspet stays right; profile goes left 5.(25.7km,0510m)START-END EAST:lowpoint just south of Bengouanet

Approaches

From South. In St Beat the road to the pass starts climbing immediately very steeply. The road stays in the forest, and it just occurs to me as I ride along, that St Beat down there in the valley, was really a picturesque town. Unfortunately their cemetery was locked, with signs stating that the mayor is not receptive to any petitions that plead being let in. Wonder what the story behind that is.

But back to the pass. After quite a workout this turns out to be a one view pass. The view toward the vestiges of higher peaks to the north happens during the last series of switchbacks. The top has no view, but a bar/restaurant with a huge parking lot, filled to overcrowding with any and all kinds of bikers and other motorists.

From North. (described downwards) This side is quite a bit more interesting. Ramps connected by switchbacks lead into the depths of a green valley. I meet dozens of cyclists coming the other way, and not a single motorist amongst them - the opposite seen as at the summit bar. The imposing green fluted mountain, growing bigger by the switchback, is Pic de Escales, 1816 meters. The last village clinging to the v shaped green slot in the earth is Soulan. From there it's just a couple of tight switchbacks to shifting from last to first, because on the other side is steep but short climb..

The road follows the wild mountain stream through the forest downhill. There are no immediate paved connections between here and the world south. At the junction with the road to Portet d'Aspet the profie goes left instead and continues generally downhill. following a stream in a deep green valley to the jct of D618 with D5 to Aspet.

History