It’s a really big challenge I think, next possibility to enter the race is 2011 and I’m considering that. Anyone on ST who has completed the race? It would be interesting to take part of your experiences.
/CE
I tried. details on my pitifully not up to date blog. start with older posts first and at the bottom if you think you can stand the whole story.
The weather was awful. I’m going back to whup that thing next time. It comes down to it was a REALLY long ride, and time management is very important.
blog http://wheelguru.blogspot.com/
I rode it in 2003. It’s not really a race for most, but I 'spose the guys up front are racing.
It was a very good experience for me, even though I became a bit ill the day before the start and almost had to abandon at Villaines La Juhel just 220km into the ride. But I rested there for a couple of hours and started to feel better so I continued on at reduced effort and kept feeling better and better.
Logistics can also be a challenge. I had planned to sleep at Loudeac (~440km) the first night but when I got there, there was a long waiting list for a cot and a lot of folks were sleeping whereever they could find a spot in the cafeteria. I didn’t feel that tired so I continued on. But just a couple hours later, I could barely stay awake. As I was rounding a roundabout, I noticed a few bikes laying on their sides with their owners napping nearby behind the hedge. So I also hopped of for a ~30 minute nap.
Another thing that surprised me was how cold I felt riding at night. I had on clothes that would be sufficient for a sub-32F short ride but I would be shivering on every little downhill in the cold night air (I think it got down to ~45F on some of the nights). Luckily it didn’t rain much as I don’t think I would have had sufficient clothing for that (although I thought I did when I packed).
I did it last year. Worst weather they’ve ever had (and they’ve been running the thing since 1891). Still, an amazing event and a great experience. Once was enough for me–between all the training and the qualifying rides, it consumed my whole summer. If you do it, get some comfy shorts and a lot of chammy cream–the biggest issue for most is the butt, not tired legs or even the lack of sleep.
Helllo CE and All,
Garry Elmitt has done a couple recently.
The qualifiying rides are loooooong.
Here is his eMail.
Cheers,
Neal
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