Riding in Saint Girons, Ariege region (midi-Pyrenees)

Hi all, just after some advice, tips etc.

I may be able to go over to Saint Girons in July to see a friend who lives out there. He's into cycling but doesn't ride much. He's invited me partly coz he knows Pyrenees is a bit of a mecca for cyclists and also to hang out etc.

I've done some research on the area and location and know that of all the mega-climbs, the only ones in the area is Col de la Core and Plateau de Beille (sp?). All the other monsters like Tourmalet, Hautacam etc are an hour or so drive away. Being a bit of MAMIL in training (not even 30 yet), i want to get some good climbing under my belt if i can go out there.

My mate cannot guarantee we'll be able to drive over to the high mountains (where Tourmalet etc are), so i was wondering if anyone has riden in the Ariege region before? I think it's got lots of smaller climbs, like 500m ascent as opposed to the 1000m+ climbs that you've all heard of. Will i still get my fill of punishment (would be nice to tick off a few famous ascents but not too fussed as long as i get to climb for more than 10 mins, like in kent)?

And what are your general impressions of the region etc?

Thanks in advance!

There is definitely some nice riding around the area (fill of punishment shouldn't be a problem).

Col de Portet d'Aspet is a good one to add to your list, and is very straight forward to get to from St Girons. The climb up to Guzet Neige is worth a go too. The Col de Peyresourde is a little bit further out but meant to be good.

I've found a load of routes on RidewithGPS that start/go through St Girons so have a search on there too. The Casartelli memorial route looks like a good introduction to the big ones in the local area:

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/407897

Feel free to PM me if you want any more details!

@djc Awesome, a bit of local knowledge, thanks dude! And also, that looks like a great loop, I will be stealing!

I warn you, I may take you p on the PM request in the next few months.... flights booked for mid July!

@jim1985 No worries, let me know if there's anything else you want to know. I might be out there myself in July!