Marmotte 2013

Leroy42

@kfilay - The Marmotte is run on open roads, traffic is allowed on them at all times.

The numbers involved at the start mean tat in essence the Glandon is essentially closed to traffic. Any traffic thats wants to go up the climb will be stuck behind miles of cyclists, while traffic coming is pretty much at a crawl as the number of cyclists take over the road (particularly in the alter groups). I would guess that local traffic all sterr well clear of the route on the day.

However, as you go down the descent you notice more traffic (relative to the way up!) and by the route to the base of the Telegraph is a completely open road. By the Telegrapgh the massive groups have split up and it's more manageable to get by in a car, certainly on the other side of the road but traffic does get stuck behind simply because there are so many small groups that essentailly it is one long line.

The stop at the top of the Glandon is pretty chaotic (in terms of the sheer numbers) so I would try to avoid stopping too much at that one. I have seen tour companies with feed bags just prior to the top of the Glandon and again near the top of the Galibier. Traffic takes the tunnel before the real top of the Galibier so she could base herself before that and then head off through the tunnel. The descent is fairly open so apart so being slowed down by the cyclists she will be able to get down.

If you are planning on meeting atop Glandon then I would either send her off in advance of the start (before 7am). Otherwise she could leave from Bourg and drive the opposite way over the Galibier to meet you there. It would take you about 5 hours to get to Galibier top (complete guess on your times) so she could leave Bourg later and have plenty of time.

kfinlay

Leroy42 wrote:

@kfilay - The Marmotte is run on open roads, traffic is allowed on them at all times.

The numbers involved at the start mean tat in essence the Glandon is essentially closed to traffic. Any traffic thats wants to go up the climb will be stuck behind miles of cyclists, while traffic coming is pretty much at a crawl as the number of cyclists take over the road (particularly in the alter groups). I would guess that local traffic all sterr well clear of the route on the day.

However, as you go down the descent you notice more traffic (relative to the way up!) and by the route to the base of the Telegraph is a completely open road. By the Telegrapgh the massive groups have split up and it's more manageable to get by in a car, certainly on the other side of the road but traffic does get stuck behind simply because there are so many small groups that essentailly it is one long line.

The stop at the top of the Glandon is pretty chaotic (in terms of the sheer numbers) so I would try to avoid stopping too much at that one. I have seen tour companies with feed bags just prior to the top of the Glandon and again near the top of the Galibier. Traffic takes the tunnel before the real top of the Galibier so she could base herself before that and then head off through the tunnel. The descent is fairly open so apart so being slowed down by the cyclists she will be able to get down.

If you are planning on meeting atop Glandon then I would either send her off in advance of the start (before 7am). Otherwise she could leave from Bourg and drive the opposite way over the Galibier to meet you there. It would take you about 5 hours to get to Galibier top (complete guess on your times) so she could leave Bourg later and have plenty of time.

Cheers Leroy, appreciate the info. Will try to arrange a meet with her on Galibier

Tom Butcher

kfinlay wrote:

Does anyone know if there will be rolling road closures? I notice some package companies offer their own feed zones and wondered if they were able to drive there during the event or if they have to do it early then hang around until the roads re-open. My wife is coming with me and I know it's a long shot but she is up for providing my own private feed; however, I'd still want her to be able to get to the finish before me (I know she won't get up Alp d'Huez but she could go via Vanjany as there is a mountain top road over to A d'H from there)

What about Valloire? Could park up on the left as there is (or was) a bit of waste ground just as you come out of the centre near the official feed which you can get a car on. The downside is having to go back over the Telegraphe - I wouldn't drive over the Galibier on the day - even the Telegraphe the other way isn't ideal but probably doable.

If not then maybe somewhere near the foot of the Glandon - the end of the neutralised is somewhere like St Etienne De Cuines (or similar) so just as you come into that town may be ideal as you can stop without the clock ticking. Downside of that is you'll need more water before hitting the Galibier or risk running out half way up if its hot - the feed in Valloire should be ok for that.

brucey72

I think that the road between Bourg D'oisans and the right hand turn at the foot of the Glandon next to Hotel Belledonne may be closed for a period of time on the morining of the marmotte - it was last year anyway.

vermin

If one were to drive into Bourg on Saturday morning, in time to pick up one's number during the 6am-7am slot, would one be able to park and, if so, where and at what cost?

I am the god of hell fire

Parking is plentiful, free and easy but you may need to abandon a little way out of town and ride in for 1km or so
Id suggest forgetting west of town as the route heads out that way initially and clearly dont park on the Alpe!

From experience my concern would be that the Frenchies dont allow bikes into the registration areas so unless you have a pal you may be separated from your bike although at 6AM most undesirables would be in bed

Where are you driving from?

vermin

Thank you, that helps lots.

Only driving from Annecy (staying there for EdT on Sunday). Toyed with the idea of driving from Cheshire, but think cost/effort outweighs convenience.

silkypedals

Same as me Vermin (Annecy). But for the extra hour in bed, I got a cheapy B&B for 1 night at the IBIS in Grenoble. Will drive through for the TT on the sunday.

Tom Butcher

If anyone is still looking for transport from Uk a mate has a spare place in his car - leaving previous Saturday night returning day after the Marmotte

Alain Quay

I am the god of hell fire wrote:

Thanks, although strictly speaking you havent answered my question or told me anything I didnt already know
Id also hazard a guess that youre a lot of fun at cafe stops

If anyone has an anecdote of transferring entry from one individual to another, or of failing miserably, then I would be keen to hear. Similarly Im curious as to what happens to entries when people pull out and declare in advance that they wont be attending. Im not aware of a clearing facility although do know that the tour operators usually sell off their entry only deals closer to the day.

I wish to ride under my own name, having shown my own passport, having submitted my own medical certificate and getting a Brevet with my own name on it

Thanks!

Contact a tour company e.f. VeloVentoux and see if they will do it for you

Leroy42

Wondering if anybody has any advice.
I am signed up to do the Marmotte in July, have done it before so know what I am getting myself into. Last year I was slightly slower than the previous year but overall was happy with the result.
I had hoped to be able to better not only last year but also my best time this year and that is what I have been working on. As with all of us, I have work/life pressures which means that the amount of time I actually have to cycle is greatly diminished.
I won’t bore you all with the excuses of why I haven’t got as much done as I should, but that is where I find myself, with less than 8 weeks to go.
I think I have fairly good endurance, I did a 200k auduk in February and did the climbing sportive at the beginning of April. I head out most Sundays, and try to get at least two cycles during the week (sometimes this is a turbo session). So I don’t worry that I won’t be able to do it, I would even be hopeful even at this stage that I can manage a gold time.
I certainly don’t feel in the same form as last year, and certainly I am slower on the climbs. I seem to be having really big issues with holding the same HR that I was able to perform at last year for any extended period, so even on the turbo my HR is lower. It is not that I am dramatically slower, I still think I climb fairly decently, but losing a minute+ on a 15 minute extends to 5+ minutes on one of the climbs over there.
I guess my main issue is what I should be doing in the next number of weeks to give me the best chance of getting an improvement in the Marmotte. As I mentioned, simply heading out for a full day isn’t an option (well I have 2 or 3 150k+ sportives penciled in but obviously not out every weekend) so should I be concentrating on intervals/HR zone workouts etc or what. With less than 8 weeks to go the next few weeks are going to either make or break it so want to give myself the best chance. Do I simply do hill repeats of the 15 minute climb as hard as I can, or as I have done the last week done intervals on the last part of a climb and try to push harder for the 5 minutes of the interval.
My weight is under control, bike is fine and everything is booked. The ‘only’ problem is my form :?

kfinlay

Thanks for the help and advice guys, hope you don't mind another question about food this time!
I make my own energy bars/flapjacks, will it be okay to take my own on the flights as we are within the EU or are there restrictions on things like this? Had a ook on Easyjet site but not found anything yet

Leroy42

@kfinlay

No problem bringing them onto the flights, unless they contain fluids. But why not just put them in the bike box?

I put my gels/powders/bars into my bottles and keep them in the bike. That way I have my food and bottles!

kfinlay

yeah, I was more concerned about them being home made rather than pre-packed bars. Will cases being scanned etc, I didn't want held up at customs or having to pay fines unnecessarily - thanks for the info.

Wish I could be more help to you with your training but aside from being out on the road, I've found turbo intervals have helped my legs strength big time - some as short as 2x20mins but others 1x60min to help simulate a long slog up a col. Sounds like you have the endurance but just need to more on cardio and leg strength a bit more.

narbs

If you're planning on taking the Eurostar for this make sure you don't fall foul of their ridiculous new regulations for bikes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/b ... s-cyclists

I'm driving this year but ths would have ruined previous trips.

itboffin

Anyone know of or can recommend a transfer service from Grenoble to Alpe D'Huez

I dont fancy the bus if at all possible and car hire would be wasted as well as expensive.

Ta

barrybridges

itboffin wrote:

Anyone know of or can recommend a transfer service from Grenoble to Alpe D'Huez

I dont fancy the bus if at all possible and car hire would be wasted as well as expensive.

Ta

Sorry, I can't help you, but I did want to say don't be too put off by bus as an option.

I've done it twice (both ways) and it was really easy and smooth. The bus terminal is just outside the station and services are very frequent to Bourg D'Oisans. Quite cheap and very clear signposting so it's not a hassle working out which one to take etc.

vermin

itboffin wrote:

Anyone know of or can recommend a transfer service from Grenoble to Alpe D'Huez

I dont fancy the bus if at all possible and car hire would be wasted as well as expensive.
Ta

If we're talking about the morning of the event then, as above, I shall be passing through.

TheStone

If anyone's not done the medical form yet, I scanned and uploaded my british cycling membership card (silver) and a few days later Marmotte and Morzine showing complete.

caledonian1

I have just checked my registration (never did get a refund for my 2nd entry in error during the mayhem of registration)

I have only ever done one similar event to this...Etape du Tour in the Pyrenees last July......incredibly my start number for La Marmotte is exactly the same...what were the chance of that happening?

Snow Roads this Saturday (301km and a heap of climbing) will see where I am in terms of preparation

itboffin

It's good to hear the bus is an easy option, I think that's the route i'll take but now the next problem appears to be flights to Grenoble in July, no one does!??!

barrybridges

itboffin wrote:

It's good to hear the bus is an easy option, I think that's the route i'll take but now the next problem appears to be flights to Grenoble in July, no one does!??!

No - you'll need to fly to either Lyon or Geneva. BA covers both with several flights a day.

itboffin

Jeez how hard is it just to go away, i'm having similar PITA expensive arrangements just booked a family trip to Mallorca

ju5t1n

TheStone wrote:

If anyone's not done the medical form yet, I scanned and uploaded my british cycling membership card (silver) and a few days later Marmotte and Morzine showing complete.

I scanned and uploaded my racing licence which also got accepted

caledonian1

I was wondering if anyone could offer advice on accommodation. I have already booked (but not paid for) a hotel Eybens...about 44km from the start (I really want to be closer) I was thinking of moving to closer to the start / finish (unlikely to get anything in Bourg d'Osians now but there is availability in Alpe D'Huez) I know that I would have to cycle down in the morning for the start but is Alpe D'Huez a good place to stay. My g/f will have a car and I was wondering about the practicalities of her driving down later in the morning and meeting me at some stage of the event (any suggestions?) and will she be able to drive up again to meet me at the end or are there restrictions on this? I would welcome good practical advice.

TheStone

caledonian1 wrote:

I was wondering if anyone could offer advice on accommodation. I have already booked (but not paid for) a hotel Eybens...about 44km from the start (I really want to be closer) I was thinking of moving to closer to the start / finish (unlikely to get anything in Bourg d'Osians now but there is availability in Alpe D'Huez) I know that I would have to cycle down in the morning for the start but is Alpe D'Huez a good place to stay. My g/f will have a car and I was wondering about the practicalities of her driving down later in the morning and meeting me at some stage of the event (any suggestions?) and will she be able to drive up again to meet me at the end or are there restrictions on this? I would welcome good practical advice.

Staying in Alpe D'Huez is fine. Cold ride down in the morning!

I think the road is closed from 2-6pm, but even after 6 it will be busy with cyclists and cars.
Is probably very quiet from 9-1, but not sure the g/f would be able to get over to meet you anywhere.

Leroy42

Staying in Alpe is fine, great after the event as you have little extra to get home. The other benefit (I found it the hard way) is that staying in Aple means that you have no choice but to climb Alpe. I could (and probably should) have packed it in one year in Bourg but was staying in Alpe so had to get up the hill. On the morning of the event the descent will be very cold. i brought some old gloves/old LS jerseys/leg warmers to throw under a bush at the start. Once you don't might them being taken (mine were last year) but not the year before. Basically bring some stuff to keep to warm on the descent that you can throw away at the bottom, be it rubber gloves and bin bags or whatever.

Roads are not closed for the event. In practical terms, the amount of cyclists going up the road means that traffic plays second fiddle for most of the day, but it is possible to drive up and down Aple at any time.

The Glandon is packed in the morning so no real ability for your GF to get ahead of you on that, but as mentioned earlier in the thread, no issue with her driving up the opposite side of the Galibier and meeting you at some point either before or after. There is a tunnel at the top of the Galibier (unfortunately only for vehicles we have to keep going up and over) which she could go through and park before the top of the Galiber. plenty of tour companies have cars on the roadside.

I have stayed In Alpe D'heuz and it was great as the atmosphere the day before was cool. All the stalls and cyclists waling around. Stayed closer to Bourg last year and although you miss out a bit on the build up atmosphere, being able to descent Aple D'Hues after the event and seeing all the others still climbing gives a wonderfull sense of achievement (although maybe that says more about my mean and callous personality than the descent itself!).

caledonian1

Leroy...thanks for the info....I am now seriously thinking of moving accommodation to Alpe D'Huez for a number of reasons that you highlight......good idea taking old clothes to throw away....did that one year at new York marathon after 4 hour wait in cold at start.

As I said before there is some accommodation there left but it is expensive....maybe worth it though for the experience and atmosphere

manxshred

Not too long now. The weeks are flying by.
I had a great training ride yesterday in the beautiful sunshine.
103 miles with 2550 meters of climbing in 6:30
I have no idea how I will do on the day, but I am the fittest I have ever been.

kfinlay

Just organising the last few things so a couple of questions I hope you guys can help with.
Any recommendations for travel insurance that includes cover for the event?
Any recommendations on car hire? I need something pretty big (picking up from Geneva Airport) - People carrier for 5, Passat sized estate, maybe a SUV like a Quashqi? Best I've seen so far starts at £320 for a Mazda5 people carrier.

Any advice appreciated.

Kev