La Marmotte July 4th 2009

barrabus

As some of you already know I want to do the Marmotte in July.
I have already canvassed the idea with emty, nicetom, el tonoto and a couple of others and there seems to be a reasonable level of enthusiasm.
If I am to do it I want to book it early so that I have something big to aim for through out the winter and also to organise accommodation and flights before they become more expensive.

I am posting firstly to see if others are interested and secondly to see if anyone has done it before and has any advice on arranging it.

So has anyone here done it before?
If so did you do it independently or did you book a package?
I have done a little checking, the registrations open on January 1st 2009.
If anyone has done it independently was registration straight forward or awkward?
Ryanair have cut their schedule to Grenoble but there are flights out on Thursday the 2nd and back on Tuesday the 7th. I might look at flying else where as early july isn't a good time for me to be dossing off work for too long ... that is what September is for


For those of you who don't know ... the marmotte is a legendary cyclosportive race over 174 km and with a 5000 m height gain. Departure from Bourg-d’Oisans (717 m), arrival at Alpe-d’Huez (1 880 m). Riding over the mountain passes of Glandon (1 818 m), Télégraphe (1 570 m), Galibier (2 642 m) and Lautaret (2 057 m). .....

I can imagine it is quite tough but doable.

TinyExplosions

Well, I've not done the Marmotte, but we did do all the climbs individually when we were over in France in October, and basically, it's tough, but do-able imo. (although coming to the base of Alpe-D'Huez after 170k and knowing you've got to climb it is going to be 'interesting' to say the least!)

I think a lot of the accommodation is going to be booked up that weekend, and I suspect flight prices will be jacked up too. Maybe the cheapest/easiest way is one of the organised packages -a little pricey at about 800 quid, which I think is worth it for the fact that everything is laid on for you (it's the option I think I'm going to use, though if someone want's to put together a 'boards' type package, I'd be up for it too, as I'm definitely doing it next year!)

It will be tough... the first climb is about 30k of solid 6%+ up to the Glandon (well, there's a couple of downhill sections, but you have to gain all that back, and the Glandon incidentally is where I beat Blorg up a hill!). There's then a fairly long section of downhill/flat that leads you to the bottom of the Telegraphe. That's not too hard a climb, 16k or so of about 6% again. At the top, there's a brief downhill section and some flat before you're on the lower slopes of the Galibier. Now, we drove this side of the climb (Blorg cycled it ahead of us), and it seems about as tough as the other side that we did, which is pretty damn tough. It's quite long and unrelenting, and I'd say will be quite tiring with the miles already in your legs.

From the top of the Galibier, it's a great downhill run most of the way back to Bourg D'Oisans, with a small dig before the town, but nothing major, and then it's on to the Alpe D'Huez, and possibly a world of pain! First 4 hairpins are the worst, but it's fairly steep the whole way up.

DirkVoodoo

Wow, sounds like an experience all right!

E@gle.

I have already signed up for this with sportactive around €850, i know its a bit steep but guarantees entry to the event,flights, Accomodation, transfers etc,

Its a tough sportive, if you have read this months procycling they have a good piece on it. It gives me something to aim for next year anyway

blorg

I'm certainly on for this, would be a lot keener on trying to do it ourselves rather than the packages which are crazy money. Unlike the Etape the Marmotte is a loop so that makes it slightly easier, get somewhere in Bourg D'Oisans and you are sorted.

If we could get enough people together soon we could possibly enquire after the chalet that Tiny booked for us when we were over there last month? I think it fitted around 14 max which could make it quite affordable even if the price was jacked up a bit.

sy

Chez Nous a good site for booking chalets in that region. English based and allows you book directly with the owners. No connection with company.

TinyExplosions

blorg wrote: »

I'm certainly on for this, would be a lot keener on trying to do it ourselves rather than the packages which are crazy money. Unlike the Etape the Marmotte is a loop so that makes it slightly easier, get somewhere in Bourg D'Oisans and you are sorted.

If we could get enough people together soon we could possibly enquire after the chalet that Tiny booked for us when we were over there last month? I think it fitted around 14 max which could make it quite affordable even if the price was jacked up a bit.

Our one is booked out for that week

sy

TinyExplosions wrote: »

and the Glandon incidentally is where I beat Blorg up a hill!.....

That's some "hill" alright Tiny. Hate to see what you call a mountain!
By the way never realised you beat Blorg up a hill :rolleyes:
@ Blorg Well done on your epic trip at the weekend. You too Tiny

smithslist

this sounds like a very good idea, I'm certainly interested.........especially if we try organize it ourselves

TinyExplosions

well, if people want to look into doing it ghetto style, I'm certainly interested (just don't really have the time to organise it myself), but put my name on the list and tell me what it'll cost!

As for helping whoever wants to take on the oraganisational task, Ryanair fly into Grenoble, which is about 1hr 30 from Bourg D'Oisans, but the flights are limited, so it would mean staying Thursday-Tuesday (which is what we did in October, and was great!), though they may put more on in the summer?

Aer Lingus fly to Geneva, and I'd guess it's a couple hours from there to Bourg D'Oisans.

I'd suggest Ryanair, as they have no weight limit on bike boxes, so you can stuff 'em full of kit and everything!

I found the chalet we stayed in (which was fab, apart from Blorg trying to destroy the cooker -which we got away with btw, deposit was returned in full!) from holiday-rentals.co.uk (Bourg D'Oisans chalets here) -but it's taken for that weekend (I suspect quite a few will be)

There's also 8 campsites around the village. See Link, which may be an option.

I think it's worth pricing this out, but would say if it comes anywhere close to the 850is that the organised trips cost, we use them, as everything is thought of and laid on, and there's a support car on the day (could be handy!)

Cadex

Hi, I was thinking of doing one of these big boys in 2009. Doing the research now on L'Etape or Marmotte ets. but would be keen to get involved and do it as a group so this might be the one. Don't mind too much how we do it, would be nice to be able though!

barrabus

I have emailed sportcommunication.com to see if the registration process is straight forward or if it is convoluted like i think registration for l'etape is.
will post if i hear back.
After that I’ll check out the story with accommodation ..

paddyb

ive never done it but i know you can just register individually online

http://www.sportcommunication.com/GT/index.php?langue=1.

blorg

I have heard you can even register and pay on the morning of the Marmotte. Not that I am suggesting we do this of course, but point being that it is not a lottery like the Etape, if we get the applications in early it should not be too difficult AFAIK.

EDIT: (Babelfish translation, original here):

INSCRIPTION ON THE SPOT
Is it possible to be registered on the spot?

YES - the deadline of closure pre-inscriptions takes place:
15 days before the date of the test (postmark being taken) for those carried out by mail.
3 days before the date of the test for those carried out on line.

Passed these deadlines, engagements are carried out:
Each test day before of 14:00 to 20:00 with an increase of 3 euros.
The morning 1:00 before the departure with an increase of 6 euros.

RobFowl

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/rides/Marmotte_blog_Edward_Pickering_article_262963.html

This is what you're letting yourselves in for !

barrabus

okay then accommodation is the next thing ..

We'll need to firm up on numbers before booking some where..a gite / apartment is preferable as it gives flexibility.

Who is in:
Cadex
Smithlist
Blorg
Barrabus
Tiny
Caroline
Emty?
Tonto?
NiceTom?

Who has my book on the french alps as far as I remember that has decent enough accommodation listings, I'll also look at the links posted above.

penexpers

Would like to do this but I'll be doing the Ring of Kerry

blorg

penexpers wrote: »

Would like to do this but I'll be doing the Ring of Kerry

I think it would be worth skipping the ROK

I am definitely in if we are arranging it ourselves (e.g. the price is cheap.) I will avenge on the Glandon. :pac:

Chips Lovell

barrabus wrote: »

We'll need to firm up on numbers before booking some where..a gite / apartment is preferable as it gives flexibility.

Who is in:
Cadex
Smithlist
Blorg
Barrabus
Tiny
Emty?
Tonto?
NiceTom?

I won't be able to say one way or another for months, so it might be best to proceed without me for the moment.

TinyExplosions

blorg wrote: »

I am definitely in if we are arranging it ourselves (e.g. the price is cheap.) I will avenge on the Glandon. :pac:

Well, you'll have to wait at the dam, but we can race from there!

now, where's my EPO....

@barrabus -afaik Emty has your books

TinyExplosions

Using Holiday Rentals, a lot of the Chalets are taken that weekend:
This one is free, 2 bedroom, sleeps 6
And this one, also only 2 bed -rest are booked out

Caroline_ie

... I feel very hurt that my name wasn't put down on the list ...

TinyExplosions

Caroline_ie wrote: »

... I feel very hurt that my name wasn't put down on the list ...

Especially as you're the queen of lists

barrabus

Caroline_ie wrote: »

... I feel very hurt that my name wasn't put down on the list ...

what you talkin about ...

Caroline_ie

barrabus wrote: »

what you talkin about ...

I am up for the Marmotte too maybe by then, I will be a great climber!

Lumen

RobFowl wrote: »

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/rides/Marmotte_blog_Edward_Pickering_article_262963.html

This is what you're letting yourselves in for !

"I didn't enter the Marmotte blind. I'd ridden all of the climbs before, albeit never on the same day. And I've done enough sportives to know how to pace myself, more or less.....I'll draw a discreet veil over the final 75 minutes of my ride, and allow you to construct your own version of the horrors I experienced.....Too tired to even feel relieved, I sat on the floor and vowed never to do it again."

That's not fun. You lot are all mad.

The thing with Marmotte is that you either love it or hate it.

Coat! Taxi!

DirkVoodoo

Ok, I don't want to drag the mood down but I saw a sign in my weetos this morning and I would like to join this madcap band.

I reckon with a lot of training I could be up to the challenge.

Caroline_ie

well if everything goes according to plans, I would have been training in the pyrenees at least 2 weeks prior to that ... so i will be dead already ... so another couple of tiny hills won't do any harm ...

TinyExplosions

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Ok, I don't want to drag the mood down but I saw a sign in my weetos this morning and I would like to join this madcap band.

I reckon with a lot of training I could be up to the challenge.

Good man Dirk!

It'll take a bit of training, but is do-able I think... not easy, but not impossible!

DirkVoodoo

I'm guessing a few runs up the sally Gap won't cut it?

Misery loves company and all that - I'm sure we could organise some extra-long super-tough multi-hyphenated training spins?

Chips Lovell

You could adopt the Magnus Backstedt approach to hill repeats. Go up a hill in 53x11. Repeat in 53x12 and so on until you reach your lowest gear. (Shudder).

niceonetom

so very IN. i would probably prefer DIY the arrangements but that's probably a lot harder to do during peak season so if it proves too hard to find accommodation, or car rental is an issue, then it could well make sense to pay the €850.

i need something to motivate me. fear is the best motivator. those mountains are scary. so it all makes sense really.

el tonto wrote: »

You could adopt the Magnus Backstedt approach to hill repeats. Go up a hill in 53x11. Repeat in 53x12 and so on until you reach your lowest gear. (Shudder).

another reason to opt for a compact over a triple.

E@gle.

barrabus wrote: »

okay then accommodation is the next thing ..

We'll need to firm up on numbers before booking some where..a gite / apartment is preferable as it gives flexibility.

Who is in:
Cadex
Smithlist
Blorg
Barrabus
Tiny
Caroline
Emty?
Tonto?
NiceTom?

Who has my book on the french alps as far as I remember that has decent enough accommodation listings, I'll also look at the links posted above.

Im in for sure, but i have my accomodation sorted, so i can still meet up with guys over there

ventoux

Hi there, my mate and I compleated the marmotte last July and its a great day once its over.We booked all ourselves and it worked out very reasonable.We ended up staying at the hotel Le Dome at the top of the alp and it was fine,the Sportactive gang used the same hotel.
Its a very tough day and requires alot of training to get through it comfortable and in a reasonable time but now is the time to decide so good luck.

honkjelly

Did the marmotte last year with 5 other lads and are heading back in 09 to try and do it quicker. We organised everything ourselves. Flew ryanair to grenoble. Stayed just outside Bourg d'Oisans, where the race starts (and is also at the base of Alpe dHuez so we could free wheel home after the race). Link to the accommodation is: http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/France/holiday-apartment-Alpe-dHuez/p66989.htm

Before the race you will have to head up to the registration centre (at the finish on Alpe dHuez) to get your race number, timer etc. You will also need to get a document signed by your doctor saying you are fit enough to complete the race.(http://www.la-marmotte.info/GT/certificatgb.pdf).

Would also recommend doing the tour of Ireland for Marmotte training in may (http://www.tourofireland.eu/) If you can do five days around the country la marmotte will be grand. Good luck

barrabus

I know Blorg, NiceTom, Caroline, Emty are definitely into this as I've spoken with them about it over the last two weekends.
Could other interested people PM as I am in the process of arranging accommodation (with the assistance of Caroline's French speaking skills ....)

stopped_clock

I'm rather belatedly trying to organise a trip for a mate and myself. I've got the entry sorted (I think), but reckon accommodation will be the tricky thing at this stage.

I was wondering if anyone who's been to the Alps would have any tips?

Ta...

Esroh

I was trying to get to do this and had contacted http://www.hotelalpazur.com where I stayed for sking a few years back.They had double rooms available but that was 3 week ago.It in Alpe d'Huez about 1 km from finish
Basic enough but had no complaints at all

Diarmuid

Another option is the camping one. I guess if you are flying it's not so convient but it's good fun if you can work out the logistics.

Also there are quite a few other sportives on around that time of year. Here is a good calendar. In particular there is the Stephen Roche/Lucien Aimar on in Sisteron (1 hr from Grenoble) on the 24/25 May..

stopped_clock

Esroh wrote: »

I was trying to get to do this and had contacted http://www.hotelalpazur.com where I stayed for sking a few years back.They had double rooms available but that was 3 week ago.It in Alpe d'Huez about 1 km from finish
Basic enough but had no complaints at all

Thanks for that - have contacted them and waiting to hear back...

Diarmuid wrote: »

Another option is the camping one. I guess if you are flying it's not so convient but it's good fun if you can work out the logistics.

Also there are quite a few other sportives on around that time of year. Here is a good calendar. In particular there is the Stephen Roche/Lucien Aimar on in Sisteron (1 hr from Grenoble) on the 24/25 May..

I'm kinda committed to the Marmotte not least because of time off etc. Camping actually sounds like a good idea, but I don't know about sleeping on the ground the night before such a long spin.

barrabus

here who am I looking for accommodation for at this stage.
Myself, Blorg, Emty for sure .
NiceOneTom / Caroline / Tiny?
Others?
I am going to muster my enthusiasm and do it this week ..

Caroline_ie

barrabus wrote: »

here who am I looking for accommodation for at this stage.
Myself, Blorg, Emty for sure .
NiceOneTom / Caroline?
Others.
I am going to muster my enthusiasm and do it this week ..

I am really not sure I will able to pull this one off this year. It's a tough year for a lot of us. I am not in a position to book anything atm... sorry.
I am still available to help you with the bookings in french if you need me and I won't charge you.

barrabus

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I am still available to help you with the bookings in french if you need me and I won't charge you.

Ta, you will probably be hearing from me .
PM me your number if you would.

TinyExplosions

Still interested here!

Diarmuid

Did a bit of a mashup and put up a map of the 2009 sportives in France (mainly). You can add the calendar to your calendar tool also.

blorg

I am still 110% on for it. I will avenge on the Glandon.

bunnygreen

Hey Diarmuid,what part of France are you in?,i'm over quite a lot of the year myself.

Diarmuid

bunnygreen wrote: »

Hey Diarmuid,what part of France are you in?,i'm over quite a lot of the year myself.

Nice. Good biking territory!

stopped_clock

Right, with the Etape being mentioned in another thread, it's time to resurrect this one!

Are any of you doing this?

I got my confirmation letter in the email last week. I still need to provide my medical cert. Do I need to send this in advance or can I just turn up with it on the day?

In terms of training, there's still a lot to do. I managed to take my bike to Mallorca for a fortnight a couple of weeks ago and got some long(ish) hills in - including a first ever imperial century - so I'm more confident than I was that I'll manage the thing. Longest climb in one go was about 10k at 7%. Longest overall was a good bit more, but I stopped for lunch halfway up.

Biggest lesson I learned was to take off the sunglasses going through a steep tunnel with a dodgy road surface...

I'm definitely going to swap the standard double for a compact. Reckon that'll be enough?

TinyExplosions

Barrabus, Blorg, Emty and I are doing it.

We're entering on the day, and I'll be using a compact with a 12-27 cassette

Caroline_ie

stopped_clock wrote: »

Are any of you doing this?

A few people are yes - not me hehe i am way too slow

Oh yea .. the Marmotte has a broom wagon, it's not the WW200 ... if you can't keep up, you end up at the back of the van and shipped to a fat camp in the middle of the Australian desert.

I think 3 weeks is very little to get ready for the Marmotte, especially that you can't really improve much the week before the event.