2014-07-05 Gran Fondo La Marmotte

Registrations for 2014 have opened today.
I've signed up as a way of making sure I finish my half built Colnago and will hopefully be flying the flag for LFGSSCC.
Any one else doing it in 2014?
It supposedly sells out really quickly every year so make a rash decision an get in today! You know you want to.
174 km of pain with 3 HC climbs and 5000m of elevation.

1. 7VEN
   
   

http://www.sportcommunication.info/web2010/index.php?langue=1

I'm in with four mates from N London - but none of us are HTFU enough to go fixed.....

do you need a race licence?

Like the milan san remo grand fondo
http://milano-sanremo.org/en/register/sports-card/

do you need a race licence?

Like the milan san remo grand fondo
http://milano-sanremo.org/en/register/sports-card/

I don't believe so however if you do have one, it exempts you from providing the medical certificate.

Very tempted. Have to check if I can link it to a family holiday.

I'm in. Not having much luck convincing anyone else to sign up though so it looks like I'll be doing it all solo.

I've done this three times now, and it is a glorious event run across a stunning and challenging route.

This year, however, it clashes with Le Tour in Le Yorkshire, so I am going to be sitting it out.

While you're there, I would thoroughly recommend riding up the 'Blind Valley' (a dead end ride up the D530 to La Berade). Great views, a decent climb, very quiet roads, and at least three good places to stop for beer on the way up/down. Oh and the restaurant at La Berade is pretty tasty too.

This year, however, it clashes with Le Tour in Le Yorkshire, so I am going to be sitting it out.

Ah - true.

Will go for the Etape instead.

Signed up - shitting myself already!

Good to see there's a few of us.
What's everyone planning on doing for accom?

^ was going to be my next question. I assume things get booked up pronto with 7k people involved. Anyone know if camping is an option? I'm coming from Far East (combining with family visits, 2 birds n all that) and would love to keep costs down...

^ was going to be my next question. I assume things get booked up pronto with 7k people involved. Anyone know if camping is an option? I'm coming from Far East (combining with family visits, 2 birds n all that) and would love to keep costs down...

I stayed at the Cascade Camp Site close to the bottom of Alp d'H, and it was superb.

Loads of Dutch riders and fans ( Alp d'H is their mountain...) so warm, friendly atmosphere, but don't expect a full nights sleep the evening before.

If anyone wants B+B...Alan and Lynn are brilliant... just outside Bourg, proper cyclists and great food.

Anyone got any more accommodation options?

Anyone got any more accommodation options?

Trust me, you will not be sleeping the night before, with the nerves and excitement, so go cheap and cheerful rather than expensive.

Look for somewhere convenient to the start, to make the opening of this magnificent adventure as hassle free as possible.

Oh, and good luck. The sense of achivement as you summit the Galibier, with the crowds baying like wolves, and breathing beer and sun tan oil in your face, is something you will never forget.

Oh god... Crapping myself already...

Good advice though.

Did my first Marmotte last year. Look out for the brie and bread at the top of the Galibier......not the most best nutrition for the ride but might give you a pick up! Despite the neutral section off the Glandon we still saw three crashes requiring three ambulances. Stick to the middle of the road and don't put too much air in the tyres.

The Glandon descent is well sketchy great fun.

Currently sitting at Geneva airport waiting for other riders to arrive. Good luck to all doing it on Saturday, including Gandalf and 7ven. Happy riding.

Whoop woop!

Don't put too much air in the tyres.

Also make sure your brake pads are aligned with the rim, not the tyre.

Less haste, more speed and all that...

Whoop woop!

Errr.... Gulp!

Just made cut off at bottom of duez.... Brutal last climb, not ashamed to say I puked. And cried... A bit.

Managed one drink then passed out. Fecking brutal, fecking awesome!

Awesome day. 3 lovely climbs and the brutality of Alpe d'Huez. Hard work. :-)