Anyone done the French Divide

[BreninBeener]

Mrs Beener is currently possessed by cycling. Its all she speaks about and it consumes her day. This is all fab....however....

Mrs Beener has decided to enter the French Divide. Its 2100km across France in 15 days. Its in Aug this year. Its self supported bikepacking. 70% gravel, 30% on the road.

Has anyone got any experience of this race?

[SixPotBelly]

No, but I'm jealous. I was too late for this year but it's on the wish list for 2018.

[BreninBeener]

Ruth only applied about 2 days ago and has a place!

Perhaps the reserve list is empty?

[SixPotBelly]

Interesting! Admit I just saw 'sold out' on the site and took it at face value. I could email and ask, but I made that mistake with Tour Aotearoa when it said 'full' so now I have to do that next February :)

Very tempting though. Does look good from the site. Not sure if I'd be able to complete the course in the time allowed but it could be fun finding out.

[Borderer]

Isn't this what Tom and Rich did last year?

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... ide#p97595

[Richpips]

We did the first 1000kms of it.

The route has changed a bit for this year though.

But the bottom line is it starts off easy and relatively flat, and gets harder and hillier.

[BreninBeener]

Sounds ace!

Gravel bike and 32mm tyres?

[Richpips]

There was a guy on a CX bike with file treads and a courier bag at one extreme, and a guy on a fat bike that he'd made.
My recommend would be a hardtail. Though a gravel bike would be OK with 40mm + tyres..

[BreninBeener]

Thanks Rich. I loved your account