It’s All Getting A Bit Real Now

The European ride is only weeks away now, the US ride follows almost straight after and it’s all getting a bit real now. We have a mix of riders all of whom are equally committed but some are new to this riding till you cry, throw up and beg to stop lark and some are experienced and obviously committed MAMILs .

Its not clear from the WhatsApp group if the serious riders who are all up to speed on how to look Pro are winding up the keen but less experienced with tech talk of “32mm Panracers” and “28mm Cotton…running at 90psi” (tyres I think 🙄) and what part of the bike to bolt your stand to to show it off in the lounge at home ( I kid you not!). The debate around tubed and tubeless rages from the ultra modern RF who is an apostle for tubeless (despite the mess if they puncture apparently. who knew? 🚲) and GM who is old school (well he’s old anyway) and is an advocate for tubed tyres as you can fix a puncture, DS who reported being stuck at the Cat and Fiddle pass with his 3rd puncture of the ride may venture to disagree (and so his poor suffering wife who had to drive and get him …. 🤣). I shouldn’t laugh but what do the Germans call it … schadenfreude. So I’m thinking a puncture repair kit, a bowl of water, two spoons as tyre irons and Elastoplast for the inevitable injury need to be in the RV kit, a briefing for support teams soon so if they haven’t thought of it and I’m still awake I’ll suggest it.

Apart from kit the routes are now out and just as scary as we knew they would be. (well not in an RV obviously) thanks to DB for that 😶. G is back with inspirational advice ..”slow and consistent will get you up the hill*. Trying to beat it will get you in the van” he’s such a comfort 🙄 the riders would follow him anywhere (unlikely, he’ll be in a van going up and out of sight going down towards the pub)

*Mt Ventoux a hill ? I think 6000+ft makes it a mountain 😂

Meanwhile in the great scheme of things the less technically minded (obsessed?) are worried about what hotel others are staying in for some personal R&R after the pain is over 🤣 SB you know who you are! As a committed support team member I’ll be staying in the RV, air conditioning Satellite TV and a 3 piece suite, why go anywhere else ?