I have just put an announcement about the 2009 Etape on the Clifton 'Announcement' pages.
My guess is Alps next year.
2009 Etape
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Indeed, I don't want to spoil anyone's sport, but you do get peace, tranquility, stunning scenery, challenge, easy accommodation, great food etc etc etc - just remember its all out there just gagging to be ridden. If you want the big event buzz then ride the Etap (or other), but don't under-estimate what a cracking cycling holiday you can have just by setting off with a Michelin map and a bit of self sufficiency.You don't get that the other 364 days of the year.
Yeah but then you wouldn't get: chance to ride with Tour de France winners; meet some "interesting(?)" characters; see some amazing sights of masses of cyclists; get a free lift home if you crack; be waved off by very lovely French ladies (ask Keith W); or experience the smug satisfaction of passing underprepared, overbiked, softies of half your age (and less) collapsed by the roadside.Rob wrote:Alternatively you could ride any of the roads for *free* on the other 364 days of the year.
On the other hand nor would you get: sworn at in several different languages (you can tell by the tone if not the words) by insane racing snakes on kamikaze missions down mountains: shunted up your back wheel by "support" vehicles: your sandwiches snatched out of your hand by over aggressive gold time chasers; frightened to death by fellow peloton members dripping blood all over their frames; or very, very upset when you puncture.
Well, I seem to have started something mentioning the extravaganza of an Etape booking!
We'll all agree that this is no ordinary ride.
-You ride under race conditions the classic Tour routes, covered a few days later by the real boys.
-You don't need a Michelin map, as the sign posting is superb, so is the marshalling (most impressive on the descents, where marshalls are strung out within eye contact with each other)
-Ambulances are waiting in case you go over the edge
-The day is an EVENT few rides can equal
-You get cheered on from the road sides, and towns and villages are decked-out carnival style
-You can buy a full length DVD of the day to spend hours trying to spot yourself or club mates.
-I could go on but I won't. Just do one and then you can have a real opinion.
Oh...ever since my marathon days I have used these events for charity fund raising. Every Etape I've ridden has been worth at least £1,000.-
from colleagues at work, into the coffers of
www.amnesty.org.uk
www.woodcraft.org.uk
This in turn has raised the profile of cycling, and sporting achievement across a wide group of people.
And...of course, while in France you have all your other days to ride solo, or with family. Cycling News featured a letter from me last year linking family/friend cycling holiday options with riding sportives.
ps: Just had an e-mailed note from Ron Cutler (who has done ALL the Etapes so far) that if people from CliftonCC mention my name when booking he will make sure we get grouped start numbers and can set off together.
We'll all agree that this is no ordinary ride.
-You ride under race conditions the classic Tour routes, covered a few days later by the real boys.
-You don't need a Michelin map, as the sign posting is superb, so is the marshalling (most impressive on the descents, where marshalls are strung out within eye contact with each other)
-Ambulances are waiting in case you go over the edge
-The day is an EVENT few rides can equal
-You get cheered on from the road sides, and towns and villages are decked-out carnival style
-You can buy a full length DVD of the day to spend hours trying to spot yourself or club mates.
-I could go on but I won't. Just do one and then you can have a real opinion.
Oh...ever since my marathon days I have used these events for charity fund raising. Every Etape I've ridden has been worth at least £1,000.-
from colleagues at work, into the coffers of
www.amnesty.org.uk
www.woodcraft.org.uk
This in turn has raised the profile of cycling, and sporting achievement across a wide group of people.
And...of course, while in France you have all your other days to ride solo, or with family. Cycling News featured a letter from me last year linking family/friend cycling holiday options with riding sportives.
ps: Just had an e-mailed note from Ron Cutler (who has done ALL the Etapes so far) that if people from CliftonCC mention my name when booking he will make sure we get grouped start numbers and can set off together.
For flip sake. 
Read my posts in this thread, word for word.
Quote me anything I've said against the Etap. Or anything grumpy for that matter. I've simply said that there's another different, cheaper and fun way to ride the Alps. And I encourage anyone to try it. I'm not grumpy (I today have a warm and sunny disposition), old maybe. I'm not anti-Etap, I'm pro-variety, and in this case specifically, I'm pro mountain touring.
See you Sunday
Read my posts in this thread, word for word.
Quote me anything I've said against the Etap. Or anything grumpy for that matter. I've simply said that there's another different, cheaper and fun way to ride the Alps. And I encourage anyone to try it. I'm not grumpy (I today have a warm and sunny disposition), old maybe. I'm not anti-Etap, I'm pro-variety, and in this case specifically, I'm pro mountain touring.
See you Sunday
Very good PaulPaulC wrote:Thinking of running the London Marathon next year. I'll do it the day before the main event though. It's free and I'll avoid all those crowds and other runners.
I'm sure running down the Mall outside of that day in April, despite the traffic, would be kind of fun, but compare that with riding the Galibier on any day of summer! Which would you choose?
I know I may be funny that way, but I've found I enjoy scenery much better sharing roads with cyclists, than with cars. Especially that would be on touristy days, say coming down from the Col de Bales with nowt between you and the road edge and then onwards to the bottom of the valley.
Same goes for descending any of our favourites in the Dales, really great with a car or better still Landrover and horse box on your tail. Really helps with appreciating the view around!
Same goes for descending any of our favourites in the Dales, really great with a car or better still Landrover and horse box on your tail. Really helps with appreciating the view around!
The reverse situation - being stuck behind the horse box, and no real chance of passing safely - is no fun whatsoever. Been there, done that, had my chance of a barmy high-speed descent of Holme Moss nipped in the budWilly H wrote:I know I may be funny that way, but I've found I enjoy scenery much better sharing roads with cyclists, than with cars. Especially that would be on touristy days, say coming down from the Col de Bales with nowt between you and the road edge and then onwards to the bottom of the valley.
Same goes for descending any of our favourites in the Dales, really great with a car or better still Landrover and horse box on your tail. Really helps with appreciating the view around!
Dave