Cycling forum Raid Pyrénéen trip 2012

Captain Havoc · 05-09-2011 2:13pm #1

After a successful 2010 trip, my 2011 trip to France saw the number of participants double to two. I'm hoping to organise another epic in 2012. I'm hoping to keep the format similar, two weeks, July, Tour de France but other than that it's a blank canvas.

I've contacted a man with a van which I hope to budget for €1,000 on the assumption I get a group of ten or we could add €100 per head over ten. That allows us to fly to somewhere and van and bikes meet us there. I may get a travel agent into the mix, marble city travel in Kilkenny to be precise to organise payments, flights, hotels and that sort of thing.

I think we can work it in such a way that someone could fly home after a week or join in on week two. The first part of planning and booking comes in October when the tour route gets announced, we pick the stage to go to within 48 hours of the announcement or within minutes if it's a mountain stage. Hotels are booked there and then. Part two of the process comes in January when the ferry timetables come out.

My personal view would be to plan something that could be done without a van as if we don't get numbers or the van man has a change of heart it wouldn't end up ruining the trip. I'm also not doing it for charity next year. My initial thoughts are a possible Moret sur Loing trip with a good Kilkenny contingent, followed by a second week heading somewhere else, there's an Alpine challenge where we stay in the Alps for a week or two and cover a lot of the epic cols, same plan for Pyrénées.

Does this interest anyone, does anyone have any recommendations for me?

coastwatch · 05-09-2011 7:17pm

How about a Raid Pyrenees? Either the 100 hour challenge or the same route with a few extra days to take in the sights (and beers

) along the way? I'd be up for it.

Hermy · 06-09-2011 10:25pm

If you need a driver I'll be happy to oblige?

Captain Havoc · 06-09-2011 10:43pm

Hermy wrote: »

If you need a driver I'll be happy to oblige?

Thanks Hermy, still early days so I need to see if I'm going solo, small group, decent sized group. Judging by the show of hands so far, I'd say it's going to be an epic solo/ duo effort. How come you don't want to ride it anyway?

Captain Havoc · 12-09-2011 4:56pm

ROK ON wrote: »

Any hints?

How would cycling to Lourdes in week one followed by the Raid Pyrénéen in week two sound? If people just want a boards Raid Pyrénéen they can fly out for week two, if they want a relatively flat route they can do week one and then fly home. Try do it around the TdF, budgets and all that will be sussed out. I'd like to keep everything under €1k per head for the two weeks.

ROK ON · 12-09-2011 5:22pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

How would cycling to Lourdes in week one followed by the Raid Pyrénéen in week two sound? If people just want a boards Raid Pyrénéen they can fly out for week two, if they want a relatively flat route they can do week one and then fly home. Try do it around the TdF, budgets and all that will be sussed out. I'd like to keep everything under €1k per head for the two weeks.

I'd be surprised if you could do it for less than €1k during tdf week.

Captain Havoc · 12-09-2011 5:24pm

ROK ON wrote: »

I'd be surprised if you could do it for less than €1k during tdf week.

We'd only be going to one stage, so it'd be possible. I think this years trip was €480 ferry, flight and accomodation for eleven days. Booking early is the key.

ROK ON · 12-09-2011 5:27pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

We'd only be going to one stage, so it'd be possible. I think this years trip was €480 ferry, flight and accomodation for eleven days. Booking early is the key.

Cool. I would like to do the days around the Raid, unless the first week is particularly inticing. Need an incentive to shift about 15kgs at least. I have an option of doing the Raid with the club, but the dates really dont suit. So if you get this priced up etc, then I'm willing.

Captain Havoc · 12-09-2011 5:45pm

ROK ON wrote: »

Cool. I would like to do the days around the Raid, unless the first week is particularly inticing. Need an incentive to shift about 15kgs at least. I have an option of doing the Raid with the club, but the dates really dont suit. So if you get this priced up etc, then I'm willing.

Cool, I'll check it out and see what I can come up with. We'll check out the tour route in October and see what that brings.

Coronal · 12-09-2011 10:25pm

I'd be on for the Raid. Need something to make me train over Winter.

velopeloton · 12-09-2011 10:28pm

Another Kilkenny man on day 1 of the Raid today.
This is on the 18% grade

of the Marie Blanque.

http://www.velopeloton.com/raid-pyreneen-day-1/

Captain Havoc · 12-09-2011 10:34pm

velopeloton wrote: »

Another Kilkenny man on day 1 of the Raid today.
This is on the 18% grade of the Marie Blanque.
http://www.velopeloton.com/raid-pyreneen-day-1/

AKA TheDocMan

Captain Havoc · 13-09-2011 2:21pm

How does starting the raid the day after the TdF finishes sound? Obviously this is dependent on the route the tour takes and our opportunities to get a stage or two in. People have the option of cycling down with me the week before and flying home before the raid, flying over for the raid or doing the two with me. I'd be looking at getting man with van for the raid, anyone cycling down would be carrying their necessary gear and get the luxuries to come in the van. That's what I'm thinking anyway.

ROK ON · 13-09-2011 2:27pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

How does starting the raid the day after the TdF finishes sound? Obviously this is dependent on the route the tour takes and our opportunities to get a stage or two in. People have the option of cycling down with me the week before and flying home before the raid, flying over for the raid or doing the two with me. I'd be looking at getting man with van for the raid, anyone cycling down would be carrying their necessary gear and get the luxuries to come in the van. That's what I'm thinking anyway.

Suits me. I would only do the Raid part (prob for charity). Not that pushed about seeing the tour live. The idea of spending an afternoon on a mountain with 500000 other people is quiet frankly my idea of hell.

Man with van would be great. I would gladly pay to have someone absolve me of ever travelling on a plane with a bike.
Thanks

Captain Havoc · 13-09-2011 4:27pm

All we need now are a few more interested souls.

velo.2010 · 13-09-2011 5:07pm

Tempting. Didn't the lone journeyman Blorg and Barrrabus(or was it empty) do this a couple of years back?

Kaisr Sose · 13-09-2011 5:50pm

Sounds interesting. Can I have some more info on what is planned. For example is it intended to get ferry over and cycle to Alps:Pyrenees ( as per the 11 day trip you did this year) Or fly over and meet up with bikes in France?

Captain Havoc · 13-09-2011 5:53pm

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

Sounds interesting. Can I have some more info on what is planned. For example is it intended to get ferry over and cycle to Alps:Pyrenees ( as per the 11 day trip you did this year) Or fly over and meet up with bikes in France?

Both, you have a choice.

ROK ON · 13-09-2011 6:07pm

If you could get a min of say 6 people it will be about breakeven to fly over and get a person to drive with van and bikes/luggage.
Thus you walk on a flight to Biarritz as a foot passenger.
If you have about 10, then it will be more than likely much cheaper to fly/drive.
(I did the maths before based on Ryanair flights, taxes and charges for bikes).
I am adding into this that unless we recruit a completely benevolent soul that a van driver will be paid.
If someone was willing to drive for us just to get a week in the Pyrenees as a holiday, then I think the cyclists as well as paying the ferry and fuel that we should cover the accomodation cost also. Tuppence worth.
Want to keep the cost down, but all is doable within a budget with co-operation.

Very difficult to accurately cost anything now as Ryanair flight schedules are not yet up for July next year.

Captain Havoc · 13-09-2011 6:10pm

ROK ON, I calculated about €1,000 to get a van driver with accommodation and diesel should be enough. If you want 10 bikes return on a plane it's €800, I think if we get 10 it's well worth the extra €20 per head.

ROK ON · 13-09-2011 6:29pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

ROK ON, I calculated about €1,000 to get a van driver with accommodation and diesel should be enough. If you want 10 bikes return on a plane it's €800, I think if we get 10 it's well worth the extra €20 per head.

Absafupinlutely.
If you can do that, I think its a great price.

Hermy · 13-09-2011 7:26pm

ROK ON wrote: »

If someone was willing to drive for us just to get a week in the Pyrenees as a holiday...

I'm willing to do the driving but no longer have any wheels.
Anyone have a van they be willing to lend me?

realslow · 14-09-2011 10:59am

This all sounds like a fantastic idea, would definitely be up for it. We have a volunteer driver, maybe we can rent a van. What kind of age group/cycling standard are ye looking for.

Hermy · 14-09-2011 12:17pm

ROK ON wrote: »

I would gladly pay to have someone absolve me of ever travelling on a plane with a bike.

I would gladly contribute for the pleasure of driving a van through France.
Just need a fupping job.

el tel · 14-09-2011 12:20pm

Ive always wanted to do the raid

, would be some craic!

Idleater · 14-09-2011 12:48pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

All we need now are a few more interested souls.

I'll put in a tentative +1 to the Raid.

Coronal · 14-09-2011 12:51pm

I may have an interested non-Boardsie. Won't know for a week or two for definite, though.

Captain Havoc · 14-09-2011 1:28pm

AstraMonti · 14-09-2011 1:39pm

I could be interested if we are talking about one week. 1000euro with everything included sounds great as well. When do we have to take the decision?

Captain Havoc · 14-09-2011 1:52pm

AstraMonti wrote: »

I could be interested if we are talking about one week. 1000euro with everything included sounds great as well. When do we have to take the decision?

Can't make a decision until January on the raid when the ferry time tables come out. If they give us a ridiculous price on the van then we'd have to scrap that. If you're planning on doing the week before with the TdF I'd need to know the day the route comes out next month. I'm assuming everyone is OK with twin rooms or your OH/ bit on the side is coming, double rooms?

ROK ON · 14-09-2011 2:12pm

Just thinking here.
I will be doing the Raid for charity. If a few people going were doing it for their chosen charity, then we could begin to look for a donation of a van.

Just a thought.

Captain Havoc · 14-09-2011 2:23pm

We have a van and a man, we need to see how much it'll cost us to get him there. We pay for half his accomodation (he'll have woman and child with), ferry and diesel, anything that can be attributed to carrying his passengers we are not paying, i.e. under normal circumstances he'd be sharing a room, so instead now, he has to pay half, the difference in having a single passenger and his family on the ferry, will be paid by him etc..... He won't be driving behind or in front of us but we will have him nearby everyday if something emerges like a big mechanical or broomwagon is needed. If that suits everyone?

Hermy · 14-09-2011 2:29pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

(he'll have woman and child with)

No I won't...oh, you mean someone else.:(

Coronal · 14-09-2011 2:34pm

Hermy wrote: »

No I won't...oh, you mean someone else.:(

Come cycle it

Captain Havoc · 14-09-2011 2:35pm

Hermy wrote: »

No I won't...oh, you mean someone else.:(

No decision is final until money exchanges, I'm long enough in tooth to know this.

Hermy · 14-09-2011 2:45pm

Well I can't commit to anything just now but I'll keep an eye on the thread. I may be able to help out later on.

mahoo · 14-09-2011 2:57pm

had a look at the website for the raid there.. the scenery has me thinking yes, but my heart, lungs and legs are having issues

Monday: Hendaye to Laruns – 190km with 2500m of ascent.
Tuesday: Laruns to Campan – 100km with 3000m of ascent
Wednesday: Campan to Saint Girons – 150km with 2000m of ascent
Thursday: Saint Girons to Prades – 180km with 2600m of ascent
Friday: Prades to Cerbere – 91km with about 300m of ascent

...and its going to be 30+ degrees!

friday looks manageable

.. would love to do it but those numbers are pretty intimidating... i like the idea of extra days and beers....if i did it, it would be just for the raid anyway. ill keep an eye on the thread

ROK ON · 14-09-2011 3:30pm

mahoo wrote: »

Monday: Hendaye to Laruns – 190km with 2500m of ascent.
Tuesday: Laruns to Campan – 100km with 3000m of ascent
Wednesday: Campan to Saint Girons – 150km with 2000m of ascent
Thursday: Saint Girons to Prades – 180km with 2600m of ascent
Friday: Prades to Cerbere – 91km with about 300m of ascent

...and its going to be 30+ degrees!

Yes it is intimidating, but you need to keep a few things in mind,
(1) its a challenge so its meant to be tough - tough yes but also doable with training and preparation.
(2) the heat will be a factor - no denying that.

Last year I spent 5 days in the pyrenees and cycled 350km over 3 of them. Now it was snowing, so it was easier to climb versus the baking heat.
However, if you took your time it was possible to get over all of the climbs. Its just that you end up climbing for a long time. IIRC, my avg pace was about 20km/h. Apart from one climb, there was nothing we encountered that had killer gradients for very long. Mostly its a sustained 6-8% (that is sustained over 10-18km). Thats the real difference between there and here.

The main thing if you are a slow climber is to lose weight and find a way to occupy your mind for what is a long time climbing. Any group will break up on the climbs, so forget about company. Even if you have company, it can be quiet on the climb (talking takes effort). Next year I will bring an ipod to listen to music while climbing.

I would hope to get much fitter (lose weight) and improve that). After cycling 100km the first day )over Tourmalet and Aspin) we cycled 130km the next day over a hellishly steep 8km climb plus the Hautacam. TBH, it wasnt too bad - I expected worse.
The main thing is to make sure that you can spend a long time operating at threshhold pace, and that you are able to cycle for four days in succession. Once you do this then it will be doable.
Now I have a feeling that it will be significantly tougher doing this in July than May, but thats part of the challenge.
You have 10 months to prepare for this so dont be put off.

lennymc · 14-09-2011 3:50pm

i may be interested in this, but like mahoo would have concerns over the amount of climbing. Im normally slow and steady on the climbs. Rok On makes some good points tho.

ill have a think about it. Put me down as a maybe?

Daithi BC · 14-09-2011 6:11pm

I'm a definite maybe. Because of work, I'd have to back in Ireland before the 20th of July, but if the dates suit for that, then I'd like to think I'd be able to make it.

lennymc · 14-09-2011 8:05pm

right, spoke with mrs lenny and I have flight clearance for a week!

I need to get training!!

http://www.velopeloton.com/raid-pyrenees/

NickDrake · 14-09-2011 9:26pm

I am planning to do a similar challenge in 2012 and I was planning on doing it on my own.

Now I just saw this. Very Very interested but I'd say I would be looking at a week to 9-10 days max.

This really could be epic and great motivation to put in a hard winter.

mahoo · 14-09-2011 9:49pm

ROK ON wrote: »

Yes it is intimidating, but you need to keep a few things in mind,
(1) its a challenge so its meant to be tough - tough yes but also doable with training and preparation.
(2) the heat will be a factor - no denying that.

Last year I spent 5 days in the pyrenees and cycled 350km over 3 of them. Now it was snowing, so it was easier to climb versus the baking heat.
However, if you took your time it was possible to get over all of the climbs. Its just that you end up climbing for a long time. IIRC, my avg pace was about 20km/h. Apart from one climb, there was nothing we encountered that had killer gradients for very long. Mostly its a sustained 6-8% (that is sustained over 10-18km). Thats the real difference between there and here.

The main thing if you are a slow climber is to lose weight and find a way to occupy your mind for what is a long time climbing. Any group will break up on the climbs, so forget about company. Even if you have company, it can be quiet on the climb (talking takes effort). Next year I will bring an ipod to listen to music while climbing.

I would hope to get much fitter (lose weight) and improve that). After cycling 100km the first day )over Tourmalet and Aspin) we cycled 130km the next day over a hellishly steep 8km climb plus the Hautacam. TBH, it wasnt too bad - I expected worse.
The main thing is to make sure that you can spend a long time operating at threshhold pace, and that you are able to cycle for four days in succession. Once you do this then it will be doable.
Now I have a feeling that it will be significantly tougher doing this in July than May, but thats part of the challenge.
You have 10 months to prepare for this so dont be put off.

Darn it. its that kind of encouraging advice that may make me stupid enough to do it

i actually like climbing, but as you say i've never experienced anything like a 18k climb before. im 90kg too so would need to loose a few pounds. and prob need to get a bigger sprocket on my bike too (i want cobo's 32 30 gearing!) ive cycled 4 days in a row before but only averaged about 100k a day so it would be a big step up for me. but there is time....hmmmmmm

lennymc · 14-09-2011 9:53pm

mahoo wrote: »

Darn it. its that kind of encouraging advice that may make me stupid enough to do it
i actually like climbing, but as you say i've never experienced anything like a 18k climb before. im 90kg too so would need to loose a few pounds. and prob need to get a bigger sprocket on my bike too (i want cobo's 32 30 gearing!) ive cycled 4 days in a row before but only averaged about 100k a day so it would be a big step up for me. but there is time....hmmmmmm

ditto. we can suffer together. 90kg is lightweight btw! try 108!!

ROK ON · 15-09-2011 10:47am

Its fine being 90 and 108kg now. If you are that weight next July you are going to be in for an extraordinary world of hurt.
BTW, I'm not having a go. Im 92 right now. The aim for me would be to drop to below 82kg by next May. (Thats 14st9lbs to 13st).
The only other time I was in the Pyrenees I had a triple with a 12/27 on the back. I weighed 87kg back then.
I have since ditched the triple. But I will be running a 34/28, or if I fit an SRAM Apex rear derailleur, I will run a 34/30.

manafana · 15-09-2011 10:59am

i msy be interested and im free next summer and was looking for a cycling holiday this could be just the trick.

lennymc · 15-09-2011 11:08am

this will be a good incentive to loose that weight. ill also be running 34/28.

what training would people recomend? hills, hills and more hills? Distance? Time?

Coronal · 15-09-2011 11:18am

lennymc wrote: »

what training would people recomend? hills, hills and more hills? Distance? Time?

You want to increase your aerobic capacity as much as possible, so something along the lines of Vo2 max intervals would be good. Basically, lots of intervals that are designed to increase your funtional threshold (detailed here for example). Hills are also important, as lengthy a hill as you can find. Long times of suffering and learning to enjoy it your own company is important.

I'll be following the 12 week training program on that same website starting next week, which should give me a decent base. Haven't worked anything out after that. Make sure you are comfortable in the saddle for several hours at a time.

Captain Havoc · 15-09-2011 2:58pm

Training plan? My training will be basic, cover as much as possible up to a month to go, then relax, it's not a race, you just need enough to get through it. 'twas far from VO2 maxs and thresholds I was rared.

ROK ON · 15-09-2011 3:42pm

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Training plan? My training will be basic, cover as much as possible up to a month to go, then relax, it's not a race, you just need enough to get through it. 'twas far from VO2 maxs and thresholds I was rared.

What are you going to to for Vinadloos in the middle of the Pyrenees?;)

Captain Havoc · 15-09-2011 4:29pm

Viande de louuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Cycling forum Raid Pyrénéen trip 2012

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