French Divide 2016

[gairym]

Evenin',

Nowt to do with me (being the token Francophile on the forum) but someone is arranging a French Divide in August next year.

Here's the bumph from the facebook page:

EN : A kind of french Great Divide

To join the franco-belgian border to the franco-spanish border.

A trip between cyclo-cross and moutain-bike, using St. Jacques de Compostella GR routes.

And in a total autonomy mode for sure!

Temporary name : UltraCX Diagonal
around 2000kms, 40.000 D+
August 2016

Looks interesting and would take in some proper terrain on it's down/across.

I'm mighty tempted but it'll be a bold me that broaches the subject with Mrs Boss!!!

What do we think???

[gairym]

sorry, the facebook page is (seems to facebook only at this stage):

https://www.facebook.com/events/897490713637314/

[voodoo_simon]

Have you a Facebook link please?

Sounds interesting (in a, oh, I'd like to spot watch that)

[Bearbonesnorm]

Interesting, early days I suppose as it doesn't seem too clear whether it'll be run on the self supported principles we know and love or more along the lines of the TCR ... I saw mention of pairs / teams.

[ctznsmith]

I like the idea of this.

[adjustablewench]

Ooh sounds interesting

[Dyffers]

Interested in this as I already had my eye on (& had opened negotiations about) Le Douze Cent 1200km audax from Tours at the end of July.

Gairy, keep us updated if you spot a more official-looking page in the future. Ta

[AlasdairMc]

I've just bought a CX bike, so I could be up for this.

[slowupslowdown-under]

After riding across france this summer I am very interested!
Depends on visa and TCR entry in October I guess!!!

[Justchris]

I've just bought a CX bike, so I could be up for this.

Another bike? How does Tracy let you have another bike? We need to talk about your negotiation techniques because they are way better than mine!

[Blackhound]

Quite a lot of climbing. Compared to TD about 30% of the distance and 80% of the climb.

Samuel is a strong rider, saw him on Ventoux in July during the TCR.

[AlasdairMc]

I've just bought a CX bike, so I could be up for this.

Another bike? How does Tracy let you have another bike? We need to talk about your negotiation techniques because they are way better than mine!

The road bike will be for sale soon - one in, one out.

[jameso]

There was a French TD style route mentioned in 2013, not sure if this is it? Similar distance and gain. Interesting anyway, especially if its mixed terrain.

[ctznsmith]

A massive bump and a while away yet (however I'm away of to Scandinavia for two months as of tomorrow) ...but if you fancy some dot watching in August.

http://www.frenchdivide.com/en/2016/05/ ... ben-smith/

I lay the blame for this insanity firmly at the door of this forum!

[godivatrailrider]

Quite a lot of climbing. Compared to TD about 30% of the distance and 80% of the climb.

Samuel is a strong rider, saw him on Ventoux in July during the TCR.

As a matter of interest who is Samuel?
Not Samuel Becuwe?

Sorry for the dumb question....

[Richpips]

As a matter of interest who is Samuel?
Not Samuel Becuwe?

Yes, him.

[godivatrailrider]

As a matter of interest who is Samuel?
Not Samuel Becuwe?

Yes, him.

Small world ! Sam is a friend of mine :) Lovely, if somewhat unhinged, fella :)
Great rider. Makes me laugh when he lights a cigarette yet is one of the best long distance riders I know !
Saw him 2 weeks ago in Slovenia for the Singlespeed European Champs. I suspect he rode there. Works as a train driver for SNCF.
:)

[Richpips]

Tom and I are doing this, though setting off a few days before the GD.

http://minipips.blogspot.com/2016/06/no ... ivide.html

[AlanG]

It looks like Brits are in 2nd and 5th position. Any news on the Pips tandem ITT?

[ctznsmith]

duncan and steve? I was a very respectable 21st at cp2 until today where i cycled 44 miles and then 5 miles back in the wrong direction. I think I have pulled a muscle in my right quad descending as i always stand on the pedals left foot forward. :-/

[ctznsmith]

Pain was getting unbearable climbing with a quad that felt like it had a golf ball in it. Will see how it is in the morning. Not hopeful though. :'-(

[ctznsmith]

I'm withdrawing. Pain back to a dull ache but it's not going to stay that way for the 80 odd miles and 2500m of climbing I would have to ride today. Bummed out... I have massive respect to the fast guys I have no idea how they do it.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Sorry to hear that Ben but remember, you made the start which is way more than 95% of us.

BTW - don't bend your knees quite so much when you're standing. Aim to have your knees 'just' bent as it'll put much less strain on your quads and keep your weight centred better.

[ctznsmith]

Thanks Stu, and cheers for the tip.

[tanadog]

Looks like Steve Heading and Craig Philips are coming through the mountains together, judging by Steve's instagram post..

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJFmh1UAiHj ... eveheading