Thanks…
Thank you all for reading my blog and for the support & encouragement. You have aided me greatly by keeping me motivated over the last few months. I always new that if I took my foot off the gas then I would have serious explaining to do to YOU…. So many thanks.
If you have enjoyed reading about my exploits but have not yet posted a comment it would be great if you would click on the “COMMENTS” link immediately below and say hello…
If you have enjoyed reading about my exploits but have not yet posted a comment it would be great if you would click on the “COMMENTS” link immediately below and say hello…
Posted by Richard Allen
23 Comments:
Congratulations, and thanks for the blog: very inspirational. I'm signing up for next year.
Just one question: what gears did you have for the Etape?
niall,
Thanks for the comment. I used a tripple (30-42-50) with a 12-25 cassette. This worked well. I reckon a compact with a lowest gear of 34x27 would have also been just about OK.
Well done Rich - good luck in the canoe. Maybe see you in the Alps?
Congratulations Rich.
I'd really like to do this one day. I rode the Dragon this year, which was when I saw your blog. Very impressive time on that, but your time in L'Etape is even more so.
Well done! I've been inspired by your efforts and aim to do L'Etape next year. Must buy a compact chainset before then ;-)
I've thoroughly enjoyed all the stats, it's quite an impressive amount of information you've amassed.
Well done. Great blogging, obviously. I'm dead impressed by your ability to amass data and knowledge.. For example.. and this is a serious request... can you email wuth the link so that I can find out the times for the gold and silver medals.. Thanks Peter . peter.close1@btinternet.com
Peter,
The standard times were not published for some reason? However, they were available on the large info boards in the centre of the start village.
I am not exactly sure of the Cat.C standards but believe to achieve Silver you would have needed sub 8:49 (and that's official time not real time).
So, of the 1644 Cat. C finishers that just 292 achieved Gold/Silver. Just 17.8%. In my opinion, that's a pretty tough standard.
great blog. im tending toward entering 2008 and youve provided heaps of insight. cheers.
Lee,
Do it. Its hard work but immensely satisfying.
Belated congratulations Richard. Epic day out and as the French told me at the top of the PEyresourde: finishing is a good neough result over a course like that.
I got round with a lowest gear of 34/27 just inside the time limits for the broom wagon but actual time of 11:30.
By the way, your riding mate, is his name Magnus Mill? If so, I think he might be the same one that I went to school with.
Alex,
Well done for your ride. My goal over the last 7 odd months was always to beat the Broom - I was delighted to finish.
And, yes, my ride companion is indeed Magnus.
Congratulations and great blogging. I've just set up my own, for the same purpose. I hope I have as much success as you in the weight-loss stakes
Hi Rich, Congrats. I'm on a 106kg to 80kg mission for cycling purposes and your tale of determination and eventual success has been inspirational. It's a long way off but I'm signing up for the 2009 Etape. Have you blown out in the last couple of months or have you been able to stay under 13 stone?
Unfortunately, a combination of rest, injury & indulgence has resulted in me putting on a few pounds. However, my rest & recuoperation period is now over and my trainig for next year is just starting. I want to be fitter and lighter still in 2008. I hope/expect to be about 13-7 on 1st Jan, which will compare favourably to my 15-11 a year earlier.
Hey Rich,
I'm stacking it on too ... need a new goal to get the training focused.
I'm up for La Marmotte this year -- you thinking of anything for Summer 08 ?????
Mark,
Thought your marathon training would be keeping you trim.
Interesting you should ask about Summer 08. Just last night I was discussing this with my training partner.
Given that Etape and Marmotte are on the same weekend it comes down to a choice between the two. I don't think that the Etape route looks quite as tough as the Marmotte and I weould like the extra challenge to keep me really motivated. So, I've decided to pass up the Etape and I'm keen to give the Marmotte a go...
The next couple of months are going to be about getting back on the bike and getting out on club runs. Will build intensity/intervals/etc from January.
Hi. Just came across your blog, fantastic stuff. I did a week in the Alps this year (www.nastyhills.blogspot.com) and was looking for some ideas for next year, I think I'll give L'etape a go after reading your blog.
Chris,
Glad you enjoyed the blog and that it has made you think about doing the Etape next year.
The Etape is an awsome event, a real challenge and makes a great first continental sportives as you can tell you friends you are doing a "stage of the tour de France".
Best of luck.
Well done. I've just enjoyed reading your entire blog. Really great. I'm new to cycling and will hopefully be doing the Etape in 2009. Thanks for the inspiring words. Did you do the Etape this year?
Glad you enjoyed the read. Great to get feedback from anyone that reads it. Doing the Etape in 2009will be a great challenge and motivator - especially as you are new to cycling. Go for it.
I didn't do the Etape this year. I opted for the Marmotte instead.
Thanks for the initial inspiration.
Been there, seen it, done it, got the T-Shirt (and the rusksack, the diploma, the photo etc)
See you in the mountains, can't stop now I've started.....
What a great blog - reading this in 2009 and thinking about a tour in 2011. Weight - about the same as your start point (15st11)and your blog has given massive inspiration. Will raid the bank account, dust of the excel and create my charts. What was your best source of information on the Etape and training? Congratulations again!
Fantastic blog - really really inspirational. Full of ideas, info and dreams. I have to sign for 2011!!! Where did you get the best info on training and the etape?
Congratulations
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