Torino - Nice Rally

Just came across this event/semi-organized unsupported ride through the cols between Torino and Nice (Thanks based god prolly). Looks like a fun and challenging event to end the summer with. Seriously considering joining. Anyone else?
http://torino-nice.weebly.com/

https://vimeo.com/202758190

I am doing it leisurely in July with some friends. We got the route from last year.. Looks steep.

Wanna share so i know what to expect?

Here is the combined gpx, but there are few alternative sections too, if you PM your email I can forward you the email from James Olsen with all the info.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16767562

Me as well that info please. Meanwhile http://parischillracing.com/2016/08/bikes-check/

Some people on here did it last year @The_Seldom_Killer and someone else maybe, I can't remember now.

Yep, I did it and it was fantastic.

In discussion with the organiser about some possible route variations for this year. Looking for other good places to explore.

When are you thinking of doing it @psee ?

Planning on doing it at the set date (5th of September). Not sure how my work situation looks after summer though so might do it earlier if it doesn't work out. But would be fun to start in a group. You?

Ah yes, I've been thinking about this as well. But I've LEL planned too so it might be optimistic from a fitness and schedule perspective.

Not sure, need to give it more thought.

Alright!

I'm too pumped for this for my own good. 6 months away but i can't stop thinking about it.

Probably going to ride it with a friend as well from the set date on. What kind of bike are you going to use?

Sweet. Probably the one i'm currently working on which has a steel frame, clearance for huge tyres, multiple bottle mounts etc etc. Got a build going in the projects section here on the forums.

Just looked at that project. Paint looks awesome. Funny, as I ordered the same frame yesterday after discovering it a while ago on CNC. Too cheap not to try it out. Probably as some gravelly 700c or 650b randonneur. Considering Carbon fork and hydro sram 1x. Can you make any guesses on bb drop ?
Cheers

And also @psee

Since you guys are building bikes for this, I have a Salsa Wpodchipper for sale in case you might need it. I bought it for this, but then changed my mind and went for the Cowchipper which is more of a compromise for road touring too.

I'm gonna be riding this - planning on building up a kinesis tripster for it

This is created by James Olsen. Designs bikes for Evans/Pinnacle. Genuine great guy and bike tinkerer. If anyone's got a Croix De Fer, do it on that and make him lol, since it was his design.

Edit: Poop. @giofox88 beat me to it.

We are set to do it in a month time, I will use my Surly Streggler, prepared for this with:

• Salsa Cowchipper 2 bars
  
• Deore XT 11-40 cassette to go with the 50/34 crankset (for those steep gravel climbs)
  
• WTB Nano 40c
  
  

Luggage will be:

• Salsa anything cages
  
• Revelate tangle frame bag
  
• Apidura saddle bag
  
  

We broke down the track in 7 days, still seems a lot of climbing per day.

Sounds like a good setup. The sheer amount of climbing is what's sort of worries me and my knees too. Only ridden my local hills so far this year, which peak at ~350m.. Will try to get a western norway tour in before september. Also need to overlook my my gear and see what i can do without too.

How cold can it get during nights in the valleys? Considering getting a new down jacket, some better merino layers and a better liner to sleep in, instead of bringing my sleeping bag.

Also. Mtb shoes or normal ones with flat pedals?

I am worried about the climbing too. I am riding from London to Italy the 3 weeks prior to attempting this, so I hope that helps the training and a better refining of the gears.

I reckon the nights in the valleys will be around 10degrees give or take (it's already looking to be an exceptionally warm summer in Italy). I am going with a one season sleeping bag plus some additional layers, but no merino, same for the guys with me, but we are sleeping in tents all the times.

Mtb shoes, I want to be able to pull as well as push on those long climbs.

is there a consensus on ideal tyre tread?

I think the consensus is "as wide as you can go", but in terms of thread.. probably as smooth as possible with some knobs on the side..

I'm doing this too. However, i'm trying to decide whether I should attempt in on my CAAD12 disc with 30c Challenge Bianca Strada.