Road Cycling - Anyone ever ridden LeTape du Tour??

Hi all

Has anyone ever had a go at Le Tape du Tour???

Some guys from work want to have a go at it in 2005, I know its a long way off but 2004 is out of the question bearing in mind my current state of fitness!!

I was wondering just HOW achievable, or not, it is to a "normal" person!

go to highgearomaha.com (which happens to be one very good lbs) and look at the story they hove about the owners exerience doing race ride in 2003. It is a very good read. They have a travel section to that website that where you can buy trips to that ride with most expenses included. In the story it sounds like the 2003 version was one of the hardest ever.

good luck!!

Hi all

Has anyone ever had a go at Le Tape du Tour???

Some guys from work want to have a go at it in 2005, I know its a long way off but 2004 is out of the question bearing in mind my current state of fitness!!

I was wondering just HOW achievable, or not, it is to a "normal" person!

Yes, I did it in 2003 and I have to say it wasn't a picnic but it is well worth the feeling all that pain when you finish.

If I can give you some advice, it would be to make sure that your bike has a triple chainset.
The profile of any route doesn't do justice as to hard how the route actually is.
The 2003 Etape was pretty steep - and even though the profile sated this, it wasn't until you were actually on the route that you realise just how tough it is.
Also make sure that you get plenty of miles in the legs through training.
Finally, make sure that you have plenty of liquid/food on the day too.

And remember, it's not a race - it a day out !

I'm riding it again this year, after missing out in 2003. It really is the cream of all sportives, an experience you are never going to forget!

Here's an account of the 2002 event I rode:

http://www.racescene.co.uk/Articles/L_Etape_2002/l_etape_2002.htm