Hmmm, yes, missing the bulge sounds key - the 84-hr 'Randonneur' group setting off a day later would be my preferred group, but then it sounds like you can end up catching up with the 90hr Touristes a day or two in.
I did 84 hour start last time but wouldn't do it again.
advantage was more riding in daylight, and seeing bits that had been dark in 2011. But the controls were bad, volunteers tired and some had run out of food.
Front of the 90 hour group is good, if you don't fancy the vedettes.
Hmmm, yes, missing the bulge sounds key - the 84-hr 'Randonneur' group setting off a day later would be my preferred group, but then it sounds like you can end up catching up with the 90hr Touristes a day or two in.
No way I'd want to roll with the Vedettes.
I'm probably over-thinking it tbh!