Fools von Vlaanderen

fat bloke

I've found myself signed up for the ol Tour of Flanders Sportive as a birthday pressie from the mrs. -Could've just sat on the washing machine for 7 hours in my gear and saved a packet (if not my packet;)) but sure when 'tis put in front of you it's got to be done I guess. There's 3 of us so far signed up. Any other boardsies braving the cobbles??

michaelm

Not doing in this year but will be doing much of the route in 2 weeks time on a weekend trip to Oudenaarde. Which distance are you doing? Would give anything to be there for the pro race this year as the new route is going to be very exciting, reckon the crowds on the Koppenberg something else.

cipo

Double bar tape & 25mm tyres...
The worst bits are not the steep climbs but the 4or5 1 to 2km stretches of flat cobblestone sections....
It's a tough day out!!

BUT very enjoyable...

You ll love it!!

montac

I did it back in 2010, and it was amazing! I used 25mm tyres (Vittorias), and gearing of 34-27 and that got me around the hills. It was, however, raining on the day, so be prepared for some muddy sections.
From memory, the hills only start around 75km into the sportive (if you're doing the 160km version). Those first kms are filled with great excitement and tension as you get closer to those first steep climbs. +1 on the previous comment about the flat stretches of cobbles. They take a while to get used to!
But, there are few feelings better than cresting the Kapelmuur. Even for the sportive, there are people lining the muur, ready to give a helping hand.
I'd love to do it again sometime. Having the pro race on the next day is a super treat, so try and hang around to see it. If you plan it well, you can use your bike to get around the route to see the race go past a few sections, as a lot of the hills are located in a small enough area.
Enjoy!

DirkVoodoo

+1 on all the above, best sportive ever. Would also love to do it again sometime soon.

Extra grippy bottle cages too, and watch out for all the dislodged bidons when you are coming down, wouldn't want to clip one.

cipo

Reading these makes me happy ;-)

Great memories coming back to me... Especially the whole bottle cage / dodging bottles topic!!! The route is strewn with dislodged bottles left lonely and being hit by riders.
Use steel / metal bottle cages that can be bent to hold bottle tighter if possible!!

No fancy wheels. & a comfy saddle (arione) go a long way on the day too!!

I luckily rode my Ti Litespeed which as it turned out was fantastic for the route....

23,000+ people rode it in 2010... Amazing when you think about it.

And yes the folk on the roadside- beer handups and atmosphere on Kapel was savage!!!

Lastly definitely stay and watch race next day... Head back to Flanders museum in oudenaarde and see finish on big screen!!

Women's race starts and loops through oudenaarde in am so see that too...

I want to go back!!