I have just booked my flight. I think the same one as most of you Luton to Lyon wednesday coming back sunday. I guess we will do something similar to last time with a couple of little vans. I think i booked them last time i will try and remember who with.
wow. Reminds me of skiing ... though this bloke reminds me mostly of the speed-idiots that rocket down crowded slopes at the end of the day didn't once hear him say 'on your inside'. Just a few surprised riders shouting after he'd passed them
Yes, unfortunately you will meet riders like that and worse, some that think they can do that but dont have the skill.
I cant remember who it was, but someone in the club was telling me about their mate who got wipped out by a reckless descender on the morning descent of Alp d huez before the Marmotte had even started. Ended his ride before it had begun.
Hi. Not sure if you have seen this but the Marmotte route this year will change due to problems with a tunnel on the route. I'm off to the Alps on Saturday and our guide has just said the route over Telegraph and Galibier is not possible due to this closure and said the Marmotte will be routed around this.
Just spoken to someone who lives in the area. One of the tunnels between the Col De Lautaret and Borg DOisons has indeed collapsed. A ferry service is in operation taking cyclists around the obstruction; across Lac du Chambon. Obviously a viable solution for half a dozen cyclists but not 5000. So it seems it is possible to ride the orginal Marmotte route, but not as a sportive on the big day.
We are all waiting to see if the route is going to be changed and what to. It seems likely that it will be changed and it seems the most likely route will be over the Glandon, back up the Croix de Fer, down the Glandon then Alp d huez as usual. But thats all to be confirmed.
There seemed to be quite a lot of us that were thinking that rather than potter about for 2 days to ride a watered down marmotte we might be better to forget the official marmotte and have 3 full alpine days of our own choice maybe including an unofficial ferry enhanced marmotte on thursday or friday.
In response to queries last night about travel insurance, this is the one I used earlier this year travel insurance It's via CTC and includes some cycling-specific risks as well as the usual holiday insurance things.
This covers sportives, but not racing. It's not 'new-for-old' but still seems pretty good value to me (and clearly CTC has a reputation with cyclists to protect, which suggests you'd get reasonable service in the event of a claim). Might also be worth checking that your bike doesn't exceed the max value that they'll cover - I can't see any mention of it in the policy.
For 8days: £27 for basic cover ... or £35 if you also want roadside assistance/recovery, plus cover for loss/theft/damage to your bike (NB see small print for details - theft may only be covered if you're prepared to cart around a hefty bike-lock and your bike is tagged). And finally, this only covers you up to 3000m altitude - are we likely to go higher? - if so, just pay an extra premium
It still looks a cracking route which will be tough challenge. Look at the Lacets de Montvernier climb which is this weeks cycling weekly and will feature in the Tour this year.
Comments
If you've paid then i think its safe to say you are in
I think the plane might need a trailer.
Thurs 29th looks like the earliest for me?
very productive
here's a beautiful video on youtube of the descent of the galibier http://youtu.be/0ol3LGjqO5I on a nice day.
^the guy takes a few idiotic maneuvers though at the top, slightly worrying for those around him
... though this bloke reminds me mostly of the speed-idiots that rocket down crowded slopes at the end of the day
didn't once hear him say 'on your inside'. Just a few surprised riders shouting after he'd passed them
I cant remember who it was, but someone in the club was telling me about their mate who got wipped out by a reckless descender on the morning descent of Alp d huez before the Marmotte had even started. Ended his ride before it had begun.
:-)
I can get to Tuns just after 7:30 (- will be picking up medical forms at 7:30)
Daniel
We are all waiting to see if the route is going to be changed and what to. It seems likely that it will be changed and it seems the most likely route will be over the Glandon, back up the Croix de Fer, down the Glandon then Alp d huez as usual. But thats all to be confirmed.
There seemed to be quite a lot of us that were thinking that rather than potter about for 2 days to ride a watered down marmotte we might be better to forget the official marmotte and have 3 full alpine days of our own choice maybe including an unofficial ferry enhanced marmotte on thursday or friday.
All to be confirmed. Get map reading.
Van is booked by the way.
This covers sportives, but not racing. It's not 'new-for-old' but still seems pretty good value to me (and clearly CTC has a reputation with cyclists to protect, which suggests you'd get reasonable service in the event of a claim). Might also be worth checking that your bike doesn't exceed the max value that they'll cover - I can't see any mention of it in the policy.
For 8days: £27 for basic cover ... or £35 if you also want roadside assistance/recovery, plus cover for loss/theft/damage to your bike (NB see small print for details - theft may only be covered if you're prepared to cart around a hefty bike-lock and your bike is tagged). And finally, this only covers you up to 3000m altitude - are we likely to go higher? - if so, just pay an extra premium
J
Took the 6 years to build it apparently only short but Bring it on.
See you all soon.
Strappy
stage 20
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/swissstop-race-pro-brake-pads-pads-only-/rp-prod131693