2017 French Divide pre-registration open

[rufus748]

I was giving this some serious consideration and had 'pre'-pre-registered.
I've just had notification that official pre-registration in open and it's €200 for which you receive (as far as I can see it) a GPS track.
I appreciate a lot of organisation goes into events but as its self supported it seems a tad steep or is there more to it that I have missed? I can't see there's €30,000 worth of organisation.
Last years GPS is available on the website, I may just wonder off to France and do that.
Grumble, grumble, 'tight fisted' etc etc..

[Mariner]

My thoughts as well, knowing what the temperatures in August can reach makes an ITT in autumn during the 'vendange' much more attractive.

[Scud]

I've pre-registered for this, looking at the cost, are the four checkpoints not manned? wondered if that is where some of the cost goes?

Wanted something that wouldn't cost the earth and had planned to ride the 1000 miles St Malo to Nice road route, but this ticks all the boxes if i get a place.

[Bearbonesnorm]

are the four checkpoints not manned?

No idea but I'd have thought not given it's a self supported bikepacking 'race'.

Wanted something that wouldn't cost the earth

Torino-Nice rally makes for a very inexpensive trip.

[Richpips]

The first two checkpoints were defo manned. The Tourmalet CP required a selfie.

The end is manned, and there was an ace party put on at the end last year with free food and booze.

[Scud]

I see 123 have signed up so far, including Stu Rider and Jason Miles.

I've done a number of distance road events up to 310 miles in a day and a couple of longer distance MTB events like Charlie's 100 mile Gravel Dash, plus 8000 miles in the legs this year mostly commuting, but any tips will always be welcome?

[Bearbonesnorm]

but any tips will always be welcome?

Fitness will only get you so far. What will get you to the end is an ability to suffer and a willingness to accept it ... both of which can be learnt.

[Scud]

I must admit that's why i have put myself through 8000 miles of commuting this year, i knew that after a point, i would get no fitter and i would just become good at trotting out same route and same miles, but it is the mental side of getting out at 5am in all weathers day in day out to build that side of it that i was partly doing it for. i am known for being a stubborn sod anway!

[AlasdairMc]

an ability to suffer and a willingness to accept it

Can we make this the site motto if it isn't already?