Management, both at work and home, appear to have given me the go-ahead for the TD next year.

I'm sure there must be others of this fine parish heading West to find fame and fortune (or type 2 fun at great personal expense)

So who's in?

If I win the lottery, I'll be back. Damned thing has cleaned me out 2 years in a row now.

Greetz

S.

*nods*

I have the clearance from home. Clearance from work will be broached after I get back from two weeks away in Chamonix :)

So jealous. Would never be able to take that sort of time off work.

Tom and I are going but probably not for the Grand Depart as he'd miss a months worth of school.

Might do a NOBO leaving end of July, which should hopefully give us fairer weather.

johnnystorm wrote:Management, both at work and home, appear to have given me the go-ahead for the TD next year.

I'm sure there must be others of this fine parish heading West to find fame and fortune (or type 2 fun at great personal expense)

So who's in?

That's great news, very jealous

Sadly (or lucky for you!), I won't be joining you

vaguely exciting that you've got time off Nige!

Get aero bars, your hands will thank you.

Wear a buff round your neck, you can pop it up over your mouth and nose when getting passed by trucks to stop you breathing in all that dust.

Take mosquito repellent.

Start taking Gingko Biloba a while before to help with the altitude. Remember, it starts at 3000+ feet. I was fine, even up at Indiana Pass (11,910 ft). I took Gingko for a month beforehand. For all those doubters http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18076292

Enjoy yourself, it's a fucking great trip.

I'm gonna aim for 2017 :D
I've only been in this job for 6 months, and asking for a month off this soon might be a little hard.
And more time to get used to bikepacking would probably be a good idea

voodoo_simon wrote: Sadly (or lucky for you!), I won't be joining you

Definitely sadly....imagine the breakfasts!

I wish. 2017 is the plan though.

I quite fancy next year or 2017, flights and any kit needs aside, roughly how much does it cost to do?

Would love to, especially with some mates from the UK already committed to riding in 2016, but work commitments (lack of winter training then new job in June) are conspiring against me. If it's not tenable then perhaps CTR will work.

Gari wrote:I quite fancy next year or 2017, flights and any kit needs aside, roughly how much does it cost to do?

I spent around £1500 on route for food, lodgings and mechanics, and finished in 21.5 days. So if you take longer, more...

I'm planning to be there for the GD.

Getting quite excited......

Ok, looks like a significant percentage of the GD with BBers!

I'm 50 next year so was having a serious think about it, but I also keep looking at the Idaho Hot Springs route....

Neither of them has an Achfary, so you should be ok.

Think Ian & Stu both said 2016

That came round quick!

NewRetroTom wrote:Neither of them has an Achfary, so you should be ok.

<Rings therapist>

johnnystorm wrote:

voodoo_simon wrote: Sadly (or lucky for you!), I won't be joining you

Definitely sadly....imagine the breakfasts!

Reading John Metcalfes book, sugary donuts and black coffee...

...where do I sign up?!

A question for those who are doing it or have done it before: what insurance will you/did you use that will cover rescue and treatment for mountain biking injuries or sickness on the trail?

Richpips wrote:Might do a NOBO leaving end of July, which should hopefully give us fairer weather.

NOBO?

NOBO=Northbound
SOBO=Southbound

Taylor wrote:NOBO=Northbound
SOBO=Southbound

YOYO=Attention seekers

I have used BMC insurance (global policy with all the activities) for years, and whilst I am somewhat vexed by the rate at which the premium has gone up in the last decade (about 500%), they did sort me out when I broke my back in Canada and needed surgery, Aero-med flight, etc. Somewhat concerning that the first thing the medical people wanted was a scan of my credit card before going any further. What price do you put on peace of mind that you will get the best treatment when it goes wrong - US med bills could be extortionate!