I've only gone and done it!

[Sprucey]

As we all seem to be getting philisophical on the site this morning my 2cents worth are about making decisions!

Slightly OT but stil about bikes, I have had my entry accepted for the Etape du Tour. This a mountain stage of the Tour du France open to amateur riders a few days before the tour itself goes over the same route. This year it also happens to be the longest tour of the stage at 238kms (150miles)

I must be mad! Simon has seen me and ridden with me - I am fat unfit and totally unsuited to this endeavour so what a fantastic challenge it's going to be.

It takes place on July 11th so I better get training!

The other decision is to do Simons main pivot upgrade on the Oz - the bits required are rolling in and we'll get it done some time after Easter.

I have also fitted a 120mm marzocchi marathon to the OZ. Much to my surprise it hasn't adversly affected the angles to much and the bike is still a joy to ride with this longer fork. So, having started with short length Pace fork & flat bars and loved it, I have ended up with 120mm long fork with carbon risers and still love the ride - how fashion and our tastes change and develope - remember those 70's clothes!

Sprucey

[Scott]

Sprucey,
No you're not crazy-you'll have a blast riding it and mixing it up with like minded folks.  I've wanted to try something similar ever since reading "French Revolutions"  about a typical rider who retraces many of the recent and historical legs of the Tour.  Mixed in there are tons of bits about all that has happened on each section during past Tours.  It'll give some real depth to your ride this summer.  As to the Oz-your 120mm firk and still stable handling speaks to the wide range of conditions and riding  for which this frame is suitable.  Put some slicks on it and a pair of lockouts and ride it in your Tour!

[Carbon_Angus]

I am fat unfit and totally unsuited to this endeavour so what a fantastic challenge it's going to be.

You are doing something great for yourself and challenging yourself like this is truly fantastic!

Just don't leave any permanent markings. I'd hate to see a bunch of lilies and a white cross as the TDF swooshes by and have Phil Liggett speak of a nice chap who went over the mountain [smiley=laughing.gif]

[smiley=beer.gif]

[ianc]

Nice one sprucey! Definitely you should read french revolutions, funny book by a non-cyclist who just drops everything and rides basically the whole route of the TdF. Makes you want to go try it, and, well, you are! Furthest I've doe in a day was about 120 miles, we were doing a 100 mile road ride and then i missed the train both to the start AND home so got another 20 or so in. Serious bonk, jelly legs etc... And no mountains, it was in and around Oxford!

Good luck fella...
Ian

[Sprucey]

Tks for your comments guys!

I told everyone so I have to go out and train.

We got some full face Troy Lee helemts in today and were trying them on - my business partner says I should wear one on the Etape for the Downhills - at least it wil help avoid the lillies and cross!

Hopefully, the MTB experience will stand me in good stead for the downhills even if I suffer on the ups.

I did 125 miles around Oxford, Cirencester etc last summer and was wrecked - as Ian says - very few hills there!

Did 26kms in 57mins this morning - being really optimistic thats 1/10th of the Etape - it can't be that hard (can it???!!!!)

Sprucey

[Simon]

Did 26kms in 57mins this morning - being really optimistic thats 1/10th of the Etape - it can't be that hard (can it???!!!!)

Sprucey

Hi Sprucey,maybe the ride we're on this saturday we could turn into a training ride for you [smiley=laughing.gif] Dominics talking about us maybe tagging along with a whippet XC club riding out of QE Park that morning across the southdowns   that should get the heart pumpin discuss later about that,spent today at QE Park,did the expert trail in 17mins 35sec, I know its a short trail but a toughie all the same,on a seperate subject if your bearings have finally turned up I come over friday and do the conversion,

Simon [smiley=nod.gif]