In her earlier blog, Expect the Unexpected, Lead Cyclist Emily Chappell invited our Alumni to share things ‘they wished someone had told them’ before they rode Le Loop. Here’s what they had to say!
The Tour is daunting yes, but absolutely manageable.
Mentally you need to be in the right place i.e. prepared for early starts and late finishes, but remembering that all you have to do is ride your bike is a great help too.
You can do this – one pedal stroke at a time.
You may well have an off day, but that does not mean that the Tour is doomed.
I recall a day on tour when I was suffering mentally as much as anything else, partly because we were on long, busy roads with lots of traffic. That happens – the Tour is the Tour and all that. But the next day saw us heading to the mountains where the body was literally lifted (as well as the spirit) as we ascended the Aspin – a wonderful climb.
You’re not alone! Other riders (and the staff) will be happy to help you though difficult moments you might have.
Ask for help if you think you might need some! Nobody can peak at 100%, physically and mentally, the whole time.
Offer help!
Be disciplined at feed stops – no faffing!
Being efficient at feed stops can mean finishing on average 45 minutes earlier. This makes a huge difference at the end of the day when we are generally pushed to do everything we want to do.
Food on tour
I took home most of what I brought on tour. It’s always good to have some favourite stuff and emergency turbo coffee gel in your back pocket, but the feed stops are always stocked nicely. If you try to do the event just on gels, you’ll end up with mouth sores from the sugar.
Eat and drink for tomorrow.
Ed note: we will have a stock of various energy bars, gels and electrolytes available for purchase on tour.
How many days worth of kit?
I think I packed 4, maybe 5 (for the Grand Loop) and bought a small bottle of laundry detergent. I washed my bibs, jersey and socks every chance I had, and saved the rest days for washing my regular wear clothes.
Ed note: there has been LOTS of discussion about how much kit to bring and opinions vary considerably. But remember you (and we!) have to lug your baggage around daily to each new hotel, so don’t pack the kitchen sink! Definitely bring some travel wash (and a line/pegs?) and use rest days for a thorough launderette wash. You need very few casual clothes for evenings.
Don’t forget why you are doing this.
Raising all that money for WWMT was hard work, but cycling is now the reward! So enjoy the ride and have fun!
Ed: We will have 2 youngsters joining us on tour from 2 of the charities we support, so most riders will get the chance to meet them and hear their story first hand. For many of you this will be a ‘lightbulb moment’. Expect to feel humbled and proud of what your fundraising efforts are achieving. And it’ll give you a sense of perspective … that next tough climb might just feel a little less tough.
Almost to a man (or woman!), everyone goes way too hard first few days.
If you can avoid doing that, the rest of the tour is a lot more enjoyable.
For those riding the Grand or Half Loops (even the mountains week), you will ride yourself into fitness or best form in the first few days as long as you have a decent base. So, try and take the first few days a bit like a sunny training camp. You’ll soon feel great!
Ed: Remember, the first 40km to the first feed stop are neutralised (ie no one can leave that feed stop until the last person is in). This gives everyone a chance to warm up gently at the start of the day, chat to fellow riders and ease into it. After that, you’re free to ride at your preferred pace.
If you want to be put into direct contact with any of our Alumni to pick their brains, just drop us a line!
Vive Le Tour!
