Sportives
Submitted by Paul Rutt on Thu, 08/05/2008 - 9:44am.
::
Just to let you all know that I have entered the following sportives if anybody else is interested. We might be a bit late for the Polka Dot Challenge.
Wild Wales Challenge 24th August 2008
http://s198483320.websitehome.co.uk/WWCEntryForm2008(final).pdf
Polka Dot Challenge 1st June 2008
www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk
Spud Riley Challenge 7th September 2008
www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk
Use RSS to keep track of new articles...
Isnt there one minor sportive you forgot from the list Paul ?
By the way is the wild wales going over the Bwlch y Groes from the South again this year ? From all the reports and pictures I wouldnt mind a dig at that.
Dan,you forgot the "weather permitting" disclaimer!
As for the Marmotte Paul must be blanking it out!
To be honest I dont think "weather permitting" needs to be added to my quoted plans, people take it for granted now ;)
As for the Marmotte, we all will be as well blanking it out. I did the Alpe D'Huez replication last night on my trainer, I believe its pretty well accurate. I spent the time thinking to myself "If this comes after two more climbs like this, I am in deep brown stuff !" :)
Oh dear, I hadn't forgotten about La Marmotte but assumed that you all knew!
As for your comments about the Alpe Dan, all I can say is that if you're thinking that you're in the deep brown stuff then what about the rest of us?
How many feet of climbing is involved?
17000 ft approx I believe, which is not much more than some UK sportives but I guess its the nature of the altitude gained which is different. It gets all those 17000 ft out of the way in 3 rather big lumps, so at least there will be no nasty suprises :) If you look at the profile I doubt your bike will be level for more than about 10% of the ride :) Its either going up at 8mph or down at 60mph.
You'll be fine mate.
Just remember we are British, rozbifs, stiff upper lip and all that. Remember Churchill, Admiral Nelson, Wellington etc etc. We cant let some poxy Euro mountain beat us, its just not right !
We will be sat on top of Alpe D'Huez drinking Gin and Tonic having a game of cricket before Jonny Frog gets his Boules out :)
That's more like it, I was beginning to doubt you!
For anyone interested I am embarking on my birthday bike ride this Saturday. This quaint tradition started in 1999 and has acted as a kick start to my cycling year. It involves riding a minimum of 100 miles with as many hills as possible, stopping for a pleasant lunch somewhere (heavily subsidised by me)and returning to Meliden for a few beers. Hoping to leave Meliden around 9ish (a.m.!). All welcome. A full day pass is required from the family and/or work so I realise it may be difficult for some.
Might have to change my tack slightly. I dont want my pointless rants to become predictable :)