TdeF: What to bring to the Alpe on race day

Davey5

Hi lads,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm heading to Irish corner for the Alpe d'Huez stage. I've two questions and would be grateful for any advice.

1. Is it realistic to expect to cycle up on the day or should I really be looking at walking from Bourg d'Oisans? Either way, how early in the day do I need to be climbing the Alpe before the gendarmerie close the road?

2. What should I bring with me? Given the heat and the crowds I'm assuming I should have a backpack with water, suncream, a few sandwiches - any other ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Davey

Darkglasses

Panda costume

Planet X

Biodegradeable wipes or Jacks paper.

ROK ON

Your soigneur should prep you for a race son.

But if you dont know, bring your race face.

Best of luck.

07Lapierre

BEER!! Don't forget the beer!

unichall

A leprechaun outfit with a plastic bum on the outside, an inflatable hammer and away you go!

hardCopy

unichall wrote: »

A leprechaun outfit with a plastic bum on the outside, an inflatable hammer and away you go!

Don't forget the flat cap and ginger wig to keep the sun off.

luapenak

I'm in the same position, not really sure how it's going to pan out yet. I am hoping I'll meet some people in the camp-site on the days before the stage who would had done it before and give me advice. Currently, I am planning on walking up early in the morning with some food/water/wine, maybe a light camping chair, sun-cream and a flag of course. This may all change though. Wouldn't mind cycling up but not sure how I would fair with a heavy bag on my back, will have to sus that out in the day or two before hand.

Captain Havoc

Water, lots of water. If you're drinking alcohol, bring more water.

daragh_

Print this out and wave it at Geraint Thomas

elduggo

Davey5 wrote: »

Hi lads,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm heading to Irish corner for the Alpe d'Huez stage. I've two questions and would be grateful for any advice.

1. Is it realistic to expect to cycle up on the day or should I really be looking at walking from Bourg d'Oisans? Either way, how early in the day do I need to be climbing the Alpe before the gendarmerie close the road?

2. What should I bring with me? Given the heat and the crowds I'm assuming I should have a backpack with water, suncream, a few sandwiches - any other ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Davey

I've done a bit of research on this. Basically the roads only fully close that morning. If you look at the timeline for the Irish_Corner twitter feed you'll find a link to the road closure plan. But that relates only to motorised traffic. It seems you'll be able to get up the mountain on a bike up to an hour before the riders arrive.

You'll need to get to Bourg early mostly because of the volumes of people. I plan on getting there, or somewhere nearby, early (6/7am) and hanging about there til mid-morning. Corner 10 isn't really a hotspot on the climb. If you want a spot near the finish line or if you want parking on the climb you'll need to be in position very early. I'd say you'll be time enough heading for corner 10.

Columbia

If you're cycling up, get a backpack of this type;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quadra-senior-gymsac/dp/B00404ZTM6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1

When you're out of the saddle it won't bounce around so much, it'll also let a bit more air onto your back.

It'll fit a 2 litre bottle of water, some food and maybe a couple of beers.

Only problem is that if the bag is full/heavy, the straps can become a little uncomfortable if you're wearing it for a long time.