Fargo and Away

Our first day of riding began with a big breakfast. Most of us had slept reasonably well and were looking forward to the ride out, though the weather forecast was for temperatures in the 90s for much of the day, with no cloud cover. We had roughly 60 miles to cover, and could look forward to 2700 feet of climbing in the last 12 miles, though we could at least count on a relatively gentle descent down to our lodging in Bielle.

We were on the bikes and ready to roll by 8:30. After leaving Lourdes, we followed some bumpy country roads for several miles before making to our first few climbs of 500 and 700 feet.

The heat quickly started to get to most of us, and our water bottles were empty by mile 20. Our guides were no were near us, but we fortunately found a water fountain mile 25. The sign said “No potable” but our guides had advised us to ignore those warnings. With no van until mile 45, we had no choice. (Will update later if this decision turns out to be a poor one.)

Along the route, there were farm and farm with cows, sheep, goats, and even Clydesdales. The horses were the only ones who blocked our way.

The snack stop was at 45 miles — which was maybe a bit too far on a 90 degree day. It was also shortly before the big final climb. Most of us arrived a bit dehydrated and low on calories.

Two of us decided not to make the climb. The rest of us started up the Col de Marie Blanque, which started at a 5% grade but spiked to 13% for the last two kilometers.

The climb took the better part of an hour for most of us, and the heat was unrelenting. Along the way, one of us cramped up (that would be me), one of us fell off their bike into the woods, and one of us had to walk for a ways. The consensus was that this was one of the hardest rides we’ve all done, even though we’ve all ridden longer and with more climbing.

Lunch at the top featured a frenzy of eating and drinking as we all tried to recover.

Our last few miles were a gentle descent through farm country.

All in all, it was a beast of a day. Hoping that the rest of the week is not as hot, but glad to get this first big climb in the books.