TdF Cyclosportive megathread!

Wogan · April 2007

Hi all,

There must be quite a few of us who are taking part in the TdF Stage 1 Cyclosportive on 1st July. I'm also sure that, like me, there are quite a few new cyclists on the forum for whom this will be their first big organised ride. With that in mind, it may be handy to have a megathread where nervous but excited newbies can tap into the oaken knowledge of sportive veterans. It can also be a handy place to discuss lift-sharing, accomodation, gossip etc. - all the stuff that must surely go along with such a big event.

We're only 10 weeks away from the big day, so if you are taking part please chip in your questions, tips or opinions.

1st question! Is anyone familiar with the route? I've seen the profile on the Everyday Cycling website (http://tinyurl.com/29suw7) and it looks like there is a fairly nasty drag near the end. Is it as severe as it looks? Cheers!

Huffing fishy tyre air since 1972

adh038 · April 2007

I'd also be interested to hear how challenging the route actually is. The profile looks hilly but given the scale used, maybe it's not that bad. Please tell me it's not that bad!!!

Unknown · April 2007

Its all relative check out this profile...bottom of page it makes L2C look very flat.

http://www.cyclosport.co.uk/article.asp ... &eventid=5

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/ ... xQp5Fd3Ig=

42 · April 2007

I'm competing with 3 other guys from our office. They all did the LeJog two years ago. This will be my fist big event for many years. Will be doing an easy 50 miles this Sunday.
I guess advice on food and drink will be the best advice, although there are several food and water stops on the way.
I'm following the training advice on the event website.

Pirahna · April 2007

If you do a search somebody posted a suggested training plan a couple of days ago. It involved eating cake so it must be good. I think it was from the offical website.

I posted a couple of days ago with my food for the 106 mile sportiv I did on Sunday which should give you somewhere to start from, so do a search. You should know well before the day what you intend to bring, the feed stations will have bananas, cakes, some sort of pre mixed energy drink and water. I'd avoid the cake as it will be full of refined sugar, great for a quick hit but you'll be worse off later. Find out what drink they supply, it it's different to the stuff you're using then make up some little packets of you're own and mix it with the supplied water. Try out your food strategy on your long training rides and you won't make mistakes on the day. Get your food and drink wrong and you'll have a crap day. Get it right and you'll have a few beers in the evening to celebrate a job well done.

If you're overweight then try to lose some, it will pay dividends when it comes to riding up hills.

As for the route profile, it is hilly and some of the kent hills can be a bit sharp. If you're in London hop on train one weekend and cycle part of the route. It might be worth posting a few weeks before the day to see if you cna get a few people together. It'll give you chance to guage your own fitness and work on any areas that need attention.

Finally, don't forget the ride is made up of three bits, cycling, eating and drinking. You have to get them all right on the day.

No doubt somebody will be along to tell me I'm full of bad advice.

12volt · April 2007

i live on the route in rochester to be honest its pretty rolling with a few drags nothing to worry about the 2 main ones are the climb out of tonbridge high st over the a21 to southborough and then the climb up towards canterbury

only done 3 sportifs since returning to cycling after 20 years and cant wait should be a great day !!!!![:)]

Unknown · April 2007

I am interested to learn of the start process, details of which are meant to be in the information pack which is due soon.

I have entered this event on my own, but with the aim of finishing under 6 hours. To manage this, I expect I will need to work with a bunch which I am more than happy to do....hence the interest on how we will be starting as it would be useful to try and organise something before the day if possible.

My advice on food / drink etc is to make sure you are familiar with what works for you (brand / food type etc), before the event itself. Something else I do is make sure I am aware of where the feedstations are - no point in trying to make a bottle last longer than necessary or munching on a cereal bar a couple of minutes from stopping.

Personally, I use SIS PSP unless its very hot, in which case I will use SIS Go (I will use a 750ml bottle every hour / hour + half). As for food, I carry Frusli and Eat Natural bars and take enough for one an hour. I may grab a few mouthfuls at the feedstation' as well.

Rich

cyclingnut · April 2007

I read someone (possibly the Everyday Cycling website) that the feed stops will be sponsored by SIS, so if you're already using their kind of energy drinks you should be Ok and not have to lump around packets of your own powder. I had about 8 bags of SIS in my saddle bag for last year's Dragon Ride and I can tell you that it weighed a lot!

As for the route, I live near West Malling so am going to train on the route in the next few weeks, with also the option of cycling home from Canterbury (albeit on the A20). I've mapped the route from home, I pick up the route after around 4 miles. The route is the same, the only difference being I have missed out Ashford town centre (on purpose!). Wouldn't be surprised anyway if this is the route we'll take on the day as we'll be avoiding the major town centres further along the route, as a guess as people will be up and about by 10am (I'm talking Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford).

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/27450

Unknown · April 2007

Regarding the start process... I emailed the organisers who confirmed that start time allocations will be entirely random (cycle clubs/groups being an exception).

So, there'll be a mix of quick/mid/slow riders in every start time. Whether this is good or bad I've yet to decide!

S

Paul-B · April 2007

So is it too late to form a group to ensure you can start with your mates, when I registered it wasn't clear that this would be an issue, so three of us who registered one after the other might get entirely different start times?

Also, since there's a minimum time, if you're going to be slow-ish, is there an advantage to starting early to avoid the broom wagon?

Wogan · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by simon_adams_uk

So, there'll be a mix of quick/mid/slow riders in every start time. Whether this is good or bad I've yet to decide!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Could be a bugger - 5000 riders trying to squeeze past each other and no closed roads. I still can't get my head around how this will work. Does carnage beckon?

Huffing fishy tyre air since 1972

Unknown · April 2007

The 12.5mph minimum time is based on the last rider leaving (8.30am I think). If you were to start at 6am (the first slot) you're going to be allowed 12.5mph +2.5 hours as the minimum. Guess what I'm hoping for!

Carnage is a possibility with the 8.30am racer boys hairing along in mini-peletons trying to overtake the slower, earlier start riders. This is on open roads as well - Kent in July on a Sunday not being particularly quiet.

Not entirely satisfactory for œ38 me thinks.

Simon

currieinahurry · April 2007

i work saturday so how can i register sign in?? can someone else do it for me?
tikka

hi my name is adam... and i have a problem with posting on cycling forums.

Unknown · April 2007

Under exceptional circumstances there is Sunday sign-in (5.30-6am I think).

HTH
S

hevipedal · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by simon_adams_uk

Under exceptional circumstances there is Sunday sign-in (5.30-6am I think).

HTH
S
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You may not now be able to do this, the website says -
When will I need to be in London? Registration will be on Saturday from 12-6pm in Greenwich Park. Here you will be issued with everything you need for the day, including your number, timing chip, route card and other items. Very Limited last minute registration will be available on Sunday morning from 5.30am-6.30am but only to those who notify us on entry and for very exceptional circumstances only.

 Hevipedal 
Phrase of the week - Lubarsky's Law of Cybernetic Entomology
 "There is always one more bug." 
51yrs old and Proud of it - Now just 88kg
Pedal to Paris Sept 2007

Paul-B · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by cyclingnut

I read someone (possibly the Everyday Cycling website) that the feed stops will be sponsored by SIS, so if you're already using their kind of energy drinks you should be Ok and not have to lump around packets of your own powder. I had about 8 bags of SIS in my saddle bag for last year's Dragon Ride and I can tell you that it weighed a lot!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes but they are also offering a "Tailored" nutrition pack for the day at œ30 which implies to me that they won't be dishing out the same stuff at the feed stations - otherwise why pay the money and lug all of it around? (yes I know you do get a recovery drink and a natty water bottle included as well).

richardjallen · April 2007

Questions people might be able to answer:

1. Has anyone received anything like a ticket yet? I have the email to confirm my booking but don't I need some kind of proof on the day?

2. Is there anything organised to transport a persons gear to the finish so they could put food and clothing in a rucsac and recover afterwards?

cyclingnut · April 2007

1. No, apparently packs were to be sent out at the end of April.
2. You could sign up for transport back to London when you originally registered.

Wogan · April 2007

More questions!

According to the official website's "What to wear" section, we'll need:

Adequate layers
Arm & leg warmers
Gilet *and* waterproof jacket

Will we really need all this cold weather kit? I was planning on taking a lightweight EvEnt waterproof if heavy rain is forecast, but what's all this about layers and limb warmers? And what is a gilet for?

I don't think I'll have room in my back pockets for all this gubbins. I need that room for cake dammit!

Huffing fishy tyre air since 1972

Wogan · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by richardjallen

1. Has anyone received anything like a ticket yet? I have the email to confirm my booking but don't I need some kind of proof on the day?

2. Is there anything organised to transport a persons gear to the finish so they could put food and clothing in a rucsac and recover afterwards?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

1. Nothing in the post yet, although it is technically still April. Just.

2. I booked transport back to London, so presumably there's a way of getting your gear out to Canterbury. I'm sure all will be revealed when this pack arrives...I hope.

Huffing fishy tyre air since 1972

richardjallen · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Wogan

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by richardjallen

1. Has anyone received anything like a ticket yet? I have the email to confirm my booking but don't I need some kind of proof on the day?

2. Is there anything organised to transport a persons gear to the finish so they could put food and clothing in a rucsac and recover afterwards?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

1. Nothing in the post yet, although it is technically still April. Just.

2. I booked transport back to London, so presumably there's a way of getting your gear out to Canterbury. I'm sure all will be revealed when this pack arrives...I hope.

Huffing fishy tyre air since 1972
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I booked transport back as well but I am going to want something to eat and a change of clothes or at least a warm sweater after. I can't carry all that on the bike.

I think the warm weather gear they suggest is a bit OTT. Unless the weather forcast suggests otherwise I will of take a showerproof jacket.

If I had a baby elephant I would use it to pump tyres.

Wogan · May 2007

Rider Information Pack has been emailed to participants. The start process sounds a bit like an abbatoir but I suppose it's a bit much to expect the personal touch when there are 5000 riders to wrangle. Oh, and I'm so looking forward to eating all that free Soreen *boak!*

How's yer training coming along?

Kenny Everett bent my wand

angusf · May 2007

To answer richard's question about sending kit on from the start - You get a bag and a label and a designated truck to send it to the finish. One tip from a club mate is that if you have booked transport back for your bike then put some pipe lagging in the bag that you forward so you can protect your frame/bike.

http://groups.msn.com/ROADCYCLINGUK/mym ... ?Page=Last

richardjallen · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by angusf

To answer richard's question about sending kit on from the start - You get a bag and a label and a designated truck to send it to the finish. One tip from a club mate is that if you have booked transport back for your bike then put some pipe lagging in the bag that you forward so you can protect your frame/bike.
roups.msn.com/ROADCYCLINGUK/mymachines.msnw?Page=Last
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks, thats expert advice. I have taken a bike on trains often enough to have scratched the top tube. I put tape over the top tube to protect it but some of that heating insulation tubing would be ideal.

kmahony · May 2007

A few of us did the second half of the route yesterday. Tonbridge to Canterbury. Was meant to be about 100km, but went a bit longer trying to take a shortcut around Ashford and then missed our turn on the A20, so ended up doing 117km.

It not as tough/hilly as I was expecting (total ascent 950m). Of the three Cat4 climbs, only the 3rd was much of an effort (more to do with distance before). From the Polar watch I made it 7.3% for 700m (50m ascent), but it was steeper (probably 10-12%) for a short section.

If it wasn't for hangovers, I'd ride everyday.

rboon99 · May 2007

Just to check - no-one has received their starter packs yet? I'd definitely like to know that it wasn't just me!!!

Rich

Cycling Haiku - wind pushes into me, I am a sail for the wrong direction, headwind

Unknown · May 2007

I think the "starter pack" was actually a PDF that was linked from the last newsletter, dated 4th May.

Rider numbers will be posted on the site on June 1st according to the same document - this will determine your start time

Rich

paul_bhoy · May 2007

Going to give the Tonbridge to Canterbury leg a bash this weekend, well maybe Tonbridge to Ashford, see how the weather is Sat or Sun morning.

The beer always wins

PeteinSQ · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I think the "starter pack" was actually a PDF that was linked from the last newsletter, dated 4th May.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Could someone post the link to the pdf as I may have inadvertently deleted it the email. Thanks.

cyclingnut · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kmahony

A few of us did the second half of the route yesterday. Tonbridge to Canterbury. Was meant to be about 100km, but went a bit longer trying to take a shortcut around Ashford and then missed our turn on the A20, so ended up doing 117km.

It not as tough/hilly as I was expecting (total ascent 950m). Of the three Cat4 climbs, only the 3rd was much of an effort (more to do with distance before). From the Polar watch I made it 7.3% for 700m (50m ascent), but it was steeper (probably 10-12%) for a short section.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I believe the route around Ashfod to be like this.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/41897

kmahony · June 2007

No sign of the start times today?

If it wasn't for hangovers, I'd ride everyday.

TdF Cyclosportive megathread!

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