La Marmotte 8th July 2018

The Noble Nudge

Might as well start a new thread for next years event...all going well.

Buddy of mine was talking to ship my bike the weekend and the lad will give us a deal if we get 5 people to book in...
Any body interested..I have 3 so far.

wanderer 22

Interested..will give you a shout!

sbs2010

I'm interested too.
Any idea of cost?

The Noble Nudge

sbs2010 wrote: »

I'm interested too.
Any idea of cost?

For the event itself or for the bike shipping? €265 is what im told and if we get 5 not sure but it will be a bargaining chip.
I wasn't really clear on my opening post....

The event itself you can do DIY which is our chosen route...
Booked online €116 with insurance (not sure what the one we bought what your covered for it was only €5 so cant imagine its much and going to book a separate one anyway)

Mavic09

Has registration opened for this event yet?

sbs2010

I'm afraid that was a rush of blood to the head from me the other day.

Its not really doable for me this time around. 2019 perhaps.

Best of luck to all who do make the trip.

The Noble Nudge

Mavic09 wrote: »

Has registration opened for this event yet?

Opened for solo events 13th...
http://www.marmottegranfondoseries.com/index.php

The Noble Nudge

sbs2010 wrote: »

I'm afraid that was a rush of blood to the head from me the other day.

Its not really doable for me this time around. 2019 perhaps.

Best of luck to all who do make the trip.

As Mrs Doyle in Father go wan, go wan, go wan go wan...:D

Doc07

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Might as well start a new thread for next years event...all going well.

Buddy of mine was talking to ship my bike the weekend and the lad will give us a deal if we get 5 people to book in...
Any body interested..I have 3 so far.

Recommend it. Did it last year. Will do it again but in another couple of years when I'm 40 so get a few extra minutes to try for gold medal.
You can obviously cycle all the famous climbs plenty of other days without the same expense but it really is a special event.

My only advice is to consider renting a bike. You have to act fast as the shops seep out months in advance. You can get fantastic bikes for 3 days rental for half the price of shipping your bike.
That been said the shipmytribike lads are reliable.

Kyran7

How is the training going? Turbo for me only. Time and weather causing havoc.

Kyran7

There are 5 of us going over again from Limerick. Flying into Lyon on July 6th. Have rented 2 car/vans. Bikes already hired from shop on top of Alpe d'Hueze. Staying 20 mins outside of Bourg D'Oisans.

The Noble Nudge

Kyran7 wrote: »

How is the training going? Turbo for me only. Time and weather causing havoc.

Training outdoors consistent albeit havent broke a century yet,
Eating less on the other hand is a taking a bit of getting used to...
Trying to shed a bit of timber....

Rhetoricman

Kyran7 wrote: »

There are 5 of us going over again from Limerick. Flying into Lyon on July 6th. Have rented 2 car/vans. Bikes already hired from shop on top of Alpe d'Hueze. Staying 20 mins outside of Bourg D'Oisans.

Also signed up. Had been hoping to take my bike but now checking out rentals. Can you recommend a reputable bike rental shop?

Kyran7

Rhetoricman wrote: »

Also signed up. Had been hoping to take my bike but now checking out rentals. Can you recommend a reputable bike rental shop?

We have used Rocky Sports for the past 4 years. Using him again this year. He is situated just a little bit from finish line on Alpe D’Hueze. Can’t fault him. But there are others there also and more in the town of Bourg D’ Oisans under the Alpe. My advice woulld be to book now or as soon as possible.

The Noble Nudge

Ive not done it before but this lad was the only crowd who got back to me from a few emails id sent off earlier.
He’s based in Bourg D’Oisian (start line).
He did say he was taking some time off during the ski season in case you dont get a response but you can book it all online.
Having saved on accomodation costs we’ve decided for the extra €100 or so to ship our own bikes.

https://www.prompt.cc/lamarmottecyclehire.aspx?coldate=06/07/2018&hiredays=4&order=&filter=&size=

Kyran7

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Ive not done it before but this lad was the only crowd who got back to me from a few emails id sent off earlier.
He’s based in Bourg D’Oisian (start line).
He did say he was taking some time off during the ski season in case you dont get a response but you can book it all online.
Having saved on accomodation costs we’ve decided for the extra €100 or so to ship our own bikes.

https://www.prompt.cc/lamarmottecyclehire.aspx?coldate=06/07/2018&hiredays=4&order=&filter=&size=

Good stuff! Do you mind me asking where about ye are staying? I had accommodation in Bourg D Oisans but lost it. Like that little town. No about 20-25 mins outside the town.

The Noble Nudge

Kyran7 wrote: »

Good stuff! Do you mind me asking where about ye are staying? I had accommodation in Bourg D Oisans but lost it. Like that little town. No about 20-25 mins outside the town.

Staying in Alp Dhuez itself not sure of the exact hotel or name but its very central.
I’ll check the details and pm you Monday when I get to a computer.
Did it through the main website (same you booked the event on) accom partners section...they had places reserved for attendees as we were strugglng to get accom before Christmas.

Rhetoricman

Thanks to you both. Good luck with the training. It’s going to be a tough day out. The last I did it, the climb up Alpe was in 40 degree heat and had bodies littered on both sides of the road.

The Noble Nudge

Kyran7 wrote: »

Good stuff! Do you mind me asking where about ye are staying? I had accommodation in Bourg D Oisans but lost it. Like that little town. No about 20-25 mins outside the town.

Here you go Kryan... Hotel available for 3 nights arriving 6th in Alpe Dhueuz
Just go into the link below accommodation section it will bring you through.

http://www.marmottegranfondoseries.com/epreuve.php?C=1#villes

We just paid a deposit balance to be paid 4 weeks before...

The Noble Nudge

Rhetoricman wrote: »

Thanks to you both. Good luck with the training. It’s going to be a tough day out. The last I did it, the climb up Alpe was in 40 degree heat and had bodies littered on both sides of the road.

Where they dead or alive bodies:eek:

The Noble Nudge

Rigtheo next batch of questions for past participants...

i keep getting an email to upload my medical form (I will sort it soon)

Do I need a cycling Ireland membership? If so what version is best?

How are the pen numbers dished out? Is it on the morning of registration or does your CI membership dictate the pen you get entry too?
I want to try get started quick as possible on the morning.

All looks a bit straight forward but just to ask the experienced.

Chumpski

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

i keep getting an email to upload my medical form (I will sort it soon)

Do I need a cycling Ireland membership? If so what version is best?

Im not a past participant, first year doing it too but...

I used my CI license and they accepted it.

Im really really looking forward to this day in the saddle

The Noble Nudge

Any excuse to buy a new bike
Hows the training going Chumpski?

Chumpski

Quite well.

I did the Etape in 2015. I started training for that in March. Very late! I was going well for July, but not good enough. I regretted not being more prepared as i would have enjoyed the day much more. I totally underestimated how hard it would be. Col du Glandon is an absolute monster.

This time, my aim is to road race all year and my main aims are in that. Im not taking Marmotte lightly, but I just want to enjoy the day and the week overall as a cycling holiday. I started winter training back in October and ive logged alot of hours with a structured training plan, plus 1 long Z2 spin a week to balance endurance.

From mid May, ill combine racing and longer rides to prepare for Marmotte. I think that should work well.

EDIT:
How is yours going Noble?

The Noble Nudge

Yeah going grand the training is easier than trying to lose the few kg,
I am working on consistency as in 3 spins a week two short (50k 700m ish) during the week and a long spin at the weekend.
Filling in the gaps then with strength and conditioning, hill running, MTB and adventure racing (until April),
Narrowly ahead of the lads who just road bike in the group but I've just done Gaelforce Dublin (I've to be very careful how I word that they are known lurkers in here not to mention a few oulwans who watch for grammar)
Looking at a few sportives WW200, Mick Byrne, Orwell Randonee and the likes for May/June..

Chumpski

Hey, question for past La Marmotte entrants.

I registered for La Marmotte with my cycling ireland license which was an A4 license at the time. Now i have been upgraded to A3 and my license number has changed.

La Marmotte approved my entry ages ago and my registration letter refers to my old A4 license. It also has a UCI ID.

There is no way i can see to update the entry to use the new A3 license. Should I try to update it or does it matter that my current license does not match?

Im thinking its doubtful this will be a problem and I could just hang onto my A4 license card for a while just in case and present that on the day (if asked).

_waldo_

Hi Chumpski,
You could email them to change it. I found them to be responsive via email.

wexandproud

Chumpski wrote: »

Hey, question for past La Marmotte entrants.

I registered for La Marmotte with my cycling ireland license which was an A4 license at the time. Now i have been upgraded to A3 and my license number has changed.

La Marmotte approved my entry ages ago and my registration letter refers to my old A4 license. It also has a UCI ID.

There is no way i can see to update the entry to use the new A3 license. Should I try to update it or does it matter that my current license does not match?

Im thinking its doubtful this will be a problem and I could just hang onto my A4 license card for a while just in case and present that on the day (if asked).

chances are you wont even be asked to show your licence . i have 4 done and neither myself nor any of the group were asked to produce licence on the day , just proof of entry email . Have also done another event a few times organised by same people and never been asked . If you have a licence you don't need medical form

07Lapierre

wexandproud wrote: »

chances are you wont even be asked to show your licence . i have 4 done and neither myself nor any of the group were asked to produce licence on the day , just proof of entry email . Have also done another event a few times organised by same people and never been asked . If you have a licence you don't need medical form

+1... 3 marmotte for me and never asked for anything other than entry email.

Chumpski

I thought so, ill keep the A4 license on me for a while just in case, thanks guys, hope the training is going well, crunch time now!

wexandproud

Chumpski wrote: »

I thought so, ill keep the A4 license on me for a while just in case, thanks guys, hope the training is going well, crunch time now!

while its important to be in shape , be prepared to hold back on the early climbs .
even when racing I was never a strong climber and the first year i went too hard , 85 - 90% on first climbs and thought i was flying until i hit alpe d'huez . 2 and a half hours to get up the f..king thing . went back the following year and climbed at 70- 75%and did the alpe in about 1.20 . Don't ride the hills at anybody else's pace .
enjoy ... its a fantastic day

Chumpski

wexandproud wrote: »

while its important to be in shape , be prepared to hold back on the early climbs .
even when racing I was never a strong climber and the first year i went too hard , 85 - 90% on first climbs and thought i was flying until i hit alpe d'huez . 2 and a half hours to get up the f..king thing . went back the following year and climbed at 70- 75%and did the alpe in about 1.20 . Don't ride the hills at anybody else's pace .
enjoy ... its a fantastic day

Good advice, yeah for sure, I plan to ride the climbs at 65-70% FTP. I did the Etape a few years ago and made same mistake as you did.

I’m a good climber and thought It was grand to ride them at 80-90%. Ha, when I got near the top of Col du Glandon at 12% gradient it wasn’t pretty....

EDIT: likely less than 65% FTP at high altitudes, everything way harder the higher you go.

Kyran7

Lads,
 You could add a picture of your dog in place of the medical Cert and it would be accepted, just saying.

The Noble Nudge

I was onto them myself some time back as i was getting emails on the medical and licence upload..
You dont need both so emailed them the medical and it completed my registration.
I also asked out the pens and how they are decided.
If you haven't done it before they've no record of you/your times so you are automatically given a high number its on your account that you signed into the site on (6000 odd or so)...so i doubt the different licence grade will be considered.
Hopefully the training is going well for everyone...Only 6 weeks away from last Sunday!!:D:eek::cool:

terrydel

Kyran7 wrote: »

Lads,
 You could add a picture of your dog in place of the medical Cert and it would be accepted, just saying.

Hahaha, I've a ridiculously cute dog, so might try that at the Etape!

The Noble Nudge

Kyran7 wrote: »

Lads,
 You could add a picture of your dog in place of the medical Cert and it would be accepted, just saying.

Could be very interesting in court if it came to that...
The Mrs finding a picture of her dog as a medical cert..after she sold the bikes for how much you told her they cost... :D
Theres a funny meme somewhere im sure..

The Noble Nudge

To finish under 8 hours 39 minutes for gold chaps from past participants any advice??

Oh and clothes wise bring everything?

07Lapierre

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

To finish under 8 hours 39 minutes for gold chaps from past participants any advice??

Oh and clothes wise bring everything?

You'll lose a lot of time if you stop at the food stops. if you must stop, bear this in mind and don't hang around too long.
the first stop at teh top of the Glandon is usually mental, so i suggest you bring some food with you and skip this stop. Just bear in mid the next food stop is not until Valloire, which is at the 100k point (there is a water stop at the base of the Telegraph)

The Water stop at the top of the Galibier can also be very busy, so again, don't hang around..another option is to buy some water from the shop at the Pantani monument (about 4k from the summit) which is quicker and then just roll over the top of the Galibier and keep going.

when you get the bottom of the alpe, jettison anything you don't need...just have some gels and one water bottle (500ml). There is a water stop at hairpin 5.

How are you at descending? practice it and turn a 52x11 on the descents.

As for what clothes, check the forecast. bring arm warmers and a gillet. if the weather is bad, i suggest you forget going for a good time and just aim to finish the event. enjoy!

Chumpski

07Lapierre wrote: »

You'll lose a lot of time if you stop at the food stops. if you must stop, bear this in mind and don't hang around too long.
the first stop at teh top of the Glandon is usually mental, so i suggest you bring some food with you and skip this stop. Just bear in mid the next food stop is not until Valloire, which is at the 100k point (there is a water stop at the base of the Telegraph)

The Water stop at the top of the Galibier can also be very busy, so again, don't hang around..another option is to buy some water from the shop at the Pantani monument (about 4k from the summit) which is quicker and then just roll over the top of the Galibier and keep going.

when you get the bottom of the alpe, jettison anything you don't need...just have some gels and one water bottle (500ml). There is a water stop at hairpin 5.

How are you at descending? practice it and turn a 52x11 on the descents.

As for what clothes, check the forecast. bring arm warmers and a gillet. if the weather is bad, i suggest you forget going for a good time and just aim to finish the event. enjoy!

Im a first timer, was also planning to skip the one on Glandon too. I think 100k is doable to get to the Valloire food stop considering there will be a water stop in St Micheal at base of telegraph.

07Lapierre

Chumpski wrote: »

Im a first timer, was also planning to skip the one on Glandon too. I think 100k is doable to get to the Valloire food stop considering there will be a water stop in St Micheal at base of telegraph.

Its 100k, with about 2000 meter's of climbing in what could be 28 degree heat! it's tough Bring food.

Chumpski

Oh yeah, i dont doubt it. My water bottles will def be empty when i hit St Micheal!

07Lapierre

Chumpski wrote: »

Oh yeah, i dont doubt it. My water bottles will def be empty when i hit St Micheal!

When you get to the bottom of the Glandon, sit up and wait for a group of riders to come along and draft along with them until the Telegraph. Its the flattest/windyist part of the route and you need to conserve as much energy as you can. fight the urge to try and make up time by working on the front of the group.

Farloo

I'm going to be in alpe d'huez at the time of the marmotte and am thinking of doing it. Is there still places available for the day of the marmotte only or can you book it when your over there does anyone know?!?

The Noble Nudge

Farloo wrote: »

I'm going to be in alpe d'huez at the time of the marmotte and am thinking of doing it. Is there still places available for the day of the marmotte only or can you book it when your over there does anyone know?!?

Still places on the Marmotte as far as I know...

https://inscription.sportcommunication.info/index.php

The Noble Nudge

07Lapierre wrote: »

Its 100k, with about 2000 meter's of climbing in what could be 28 degree heat! it's tough Bring food.

Id calculated 2200m in the first 37km...I have it scribbled down somewhere (dont hold me to it yet) ...I’ll have to dig it out and mark all these places. Keep the tips coming thanks Lapierre

Has anyone a strava file for it?

07Lapierre

No it's 36k from the start line to the summit of the Glandon, so that's about 1600meters climbing. The Telegraph is about 1000meters climbing and then there's a 5k descent to valloire. If the weather forecast is for a hot day, you'll be climbing the Telegraph around mid-day/1pm, so it could be hot. i think there's a water stop at the summit of the Telegraph, but as Valloire is only 5k further, I never stopped there.


Here's the route:
https://www.strava.com/activities/162512781

07Lapierre

The Marmotte is on July 8th this year.

That's only just over two weeks away. At this stage you're as prepared as you can be. If your using your own bike I recommend you give it a good going over now.

Fit new tyres, tubes, brake blocks, brake and gear cables. How old are the batteries in your speed/cadence and heart rate straps? If your unsure, replace them now. You've spent months training so the last thing you want is a mechanical problem on the day itself.

If your staying in Alp D'huez, take it easy cycling down to the start. It can be quite cold at 6am and you'll be freewheeling downhill for 14k. Wear an old tracksuit on the descent. They usually have bins at the start where you can dump this stuff, so you don't have to carry it with you all day.

Any other questions ask away.

The Noble Nudge

07Lapierre wrote: »

The Marmotte is on July 8th this year.

That's only just over two weeks away. At this stage you're as prepared as you can be. If your using your own bike I recommend you give it a good going over now.

Fit new tyres, tubes, brake blocks, brake and gear cables. How old are the batteries in your speed/cadence and heart rate straps? If your unsure, replace them now. You've spent months training so the last thing you want is a mechanical problem on the day itself.

If your staying in Alp D'huez, take it easy cycling down to the start. It can be quite cold at 6am and you'll be freewheeling downhill for 14k. Wear an old tracksuit on the descent. They usually have bins at the start where you can dump this stuff, so you don't have to carry it with you all day.

Any other questions ask away.

Im making a list...and will be back..
Mine will be more gear and route related..done all the training so tapering after this week.

1st one did you use 3 bottles?
Changed saddle last week and rear cage doesnt suit the new saddle so might buy another..
Reduce the stopping for refills was my thinking albeit carrying extra weight I find it helps me go further for longer..

07Lapierre

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Im making a list...and will be back..
Mine will be more gear and route related..done all the training so tapering after this week.

1st one did you use 3 bottles?
Changed saddle last week and rear cage doesnt suit the new saddle so might buy another..
Reduce the stopping for refills was my thinking albeit carrying extra weight I find it helps me go further for longer..

I used two 500ml bottles and refilled as I went. By the time I got to the bottom of the Alpe, I discarded one bottle and anything else I didn't need. I'm not a great climber, so weight was important to me. If your a good climber (and you drink a lot) maybe 3 bottles is the way to go, but it's a personal choice. I'd go with just two as there are plenty of opportunities to refill along the route.

wexandproud

07Lapierre wrote: »

You'll lose a lot of time if you stop at the food stops. if you must stop, bear this in mind and don't hang around too long.
the first stop at teh top of the Glandon is usually mental, so i suggest you bring some food with you and skip this stop. Just bear in mid the next food stop is not until Valloire, which is at the 100k point (there is a water stop at the base of the Telegraph)

The Water stop at the top of the Galibier can also be very busy, so again, don't hang around..another option is to buy some water from the shop at the Pantani monument (about 4k from the summit) which is quicker and then just roll over the top of the Galibier and keep going.

when you get the bottom of the alpe, jettison anything you don't need...just have some gels and one water bottle (500ml). There is a water stop at hairpin 5.

How are you at descending? practice it and turn a 52x11 on the descents.

As for what clothes, check the forecast. bring arm warmers and a gillet. if the weather is bad, i suggest you forget going for a good time and just aim to finish the event. enjoy!

the last year did it we actually put some 5 ltr bottles of water in the the grass at the top of the glandon the day before, just out sight of the heard . just rolled up next morning and refilled , it avoided the big scrum for water .
do they still turn off timers at top of glandon , it was like a war zone when they used to leave them on for descent

terrydel

07Lapierre wrote: »

The Marmotte is on July 8th this year.

That's only just over two weeks away. At this stage you're as prepared as you can be. If your using your own bike I recommend you give it a good going over now.

Fit new tyres, tubes, brake blocks, brake and gear cables. How old are the batteries in your speed/cadence and heart rate straps? If your unsure, replace them now. You've spent months training so the last thing you want is a mechanical problem on the day itself.

If your staying in Alp D'huez, take it easy cycling down to the start. It can be quite cold at 6am and you'll be freewheeling downhill for 14k. Wear an old tracksuit on the descent. They usually have bins at the start where you can dump this stuff, so you don't have to carry it with you all day.

Any other questions ask away.

The last bit is great advice.
Get those Italia 90 Ireland tracksuits out of the wardrobe!