Fargo and Away

Later this week, we’ll set out from Lourdes for a week tracing some of the most storied roads in professional cycling. Looking at the description of the routes, the photos taken by other riders, and the elevation profiles, I am scared excited.

May 28 — Lourdes to Bielle

95.5 km | 1,671 m ascent

The introduction to the Pyrenees begins with a relatively easy start out of Lourdes en route to the Col de Marie-Blanque, a climb famous less for total ascent than for its brutal final kilometers. Used in 15 Tours since 1978, Marie-Blanque averages a 7.8% gradient, but has several long sections over 13%. Our legs will be warmed up after this ride!

May 29 — Bielle to Argelès-Gazost

90.9 km | 2,584 m ascent

This may be the most visually spectacular day of the trip. We’ll climb Col d’Aubisque and traverse the breathtaking balcony road to the Col du Soulor, both central to Tour history since the race first crossed the Pyrenees in 1910. The day finishes with the climb toward Hautacam and the Col de Tramassel, where Jonas Vingegaard effectively sealed the 2022 Tour victory.

May 30 — Troumouse Loop from Argelès-Gazost

93.8 km | 1,927 m ascent

I am really excited about this ride, which has shades of the Stelvio from last year. The route climbs toward the Cirque de Troumouse, one of Europe’s largest glacial cirques (steep, bowl-shaped, amphitheater-like valleys carved into mountains by glacial erosion) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Switchbacks, waterfalls, and massive stone walls ALL DAY. Can’t wait!

May 31 — Second High-Mountain Loop from Argelès-Gazost

93.8 km | 1,927 m ascent

Another day deep in the high Pyrenees, returning to the roads beneath Luz-Ardiden and Troumouse. Or, maybe a rest day. (Probably not.)

June 1 — Argelès-Gazost to Saint-Lary-Soulan

114.2 km | 3,283 m ascent

The queen stage! We’ll cross the Col du Tourmalet, the most iconic climb in Tour history, first used in 1910 when riders accused organizers of trying to kill them. This will be a BIG day! After the Tourmalet comes the Col d’Aspin before the final ascent to Pla d’Adet, a summit finish associated with Raymond Poulidor, Bjarne Riis, and generations of Tour drama.

June 2 — Aspin & Hourquette Loop from Saint-Lary-Soulan

55.3 km | 1,400 m ascent

A shorter loop over the Col d’Aspin and the beautiful Hourquette d’Ancizan. The Hourquette appeared in the 2022 Tour stage to Peyragudes and is known for its quieter roads and huge meadow views. Quieter roads are always welcome when you’re on the bike!

June 3 — Saint-Lary-Soulan to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

84 km | 2,259 m ascent

This stage strings together three famous passes: Col d’Azet, Col de Peyresourde, and Port de Balès. Peyresourde has been part of the Tour since 1910. Port de Balès is famous for a Tour controversy in 2010 when Andy Schleck dropped his chain while Alberto Contador attacked and captured the yellow jersey, which some feel was poor sportsmanship by Contador. Safe to say our group will not be creating any controversy. (Though, just in case, I am going to keep my eye on Ken.)

June 4 — Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges to Lourdes

102.8 km | 1,454 m ascent

The final day returns us to Lourdes via quieter roads and lesser-known climbs including the Col de Beyrède. After a week of Tour legends and giant cols, this day will be one to savor. Many believe Lourdes to be a place of miraculous healing, and we hope that our aches and pains will melt away as we arrive back where we started.