Marmotte 2011 update

[iandv]

My mate Julian managed to find a hotel in Alpe D'Heuz, very close to the the finish area, so that is finally sorted. Accommodation is hard to find as the tour goes up the Alpe this year and it's already getting booked up. I have paid a deposit for x4 twin rooms.

I have also booked my flight - I am flying from Stanstead to Lyon on Fri 1st @ 12.30 and flying home on Sunday 3rd at 15.30 with Easyjet. These flight times work really well and the hire car was also booked thru Easyjet. The flight was £100, bike £37, baggage £18.50.

Julian is going to drive so if you don't fancy flying he will have space in his car but its a long way!

If you need more info give me a call.

I have checked the sportscommunication website and entries are still not open, I think it will be January.

rgds

Ian D

[Ian D]

La Marmotte entries are now open on line and I think everyone is now entered which is great news. It feels good to know that all our plans are in place really early to give us time to plan and get stuck into some training.

The full Marmotte squad is :

Ben
Keith
Marc
Ian D
Julian ( Warrington RC )
Ian Barker
Andy Robinson

A fairly useful squad !

I am proposing a big ride in the Peaks over Christmas as a team bonding session, Ben and I have discussed a route at length. We are talking about an early start from Fairholmes carpark, say 7am to get over the Snake and Holme Moss before the roads get busy. Then Hade Edge, Strines, Bamford Moor, Edale, Cement Factory, Glider Club, Monsal, Froggart, Stannage Edge, Bamford - this is about 85 miles with 12 named climbs - this should be a grand day out that may require a packed lunch.

Any suggestions on dates, 23rd 27th, 28th - what do you think?

I have some Conti Gator skins on order to help with traction on the steeper climbs and an oxygen mask for the final assent up to Stannage Edge.

Had an email from Marc who is in South Korea but assures me he is training hard! Not 100% sure that he understands the full magnitude of what is going to happen in the Marmotte build up, but I am sure he will pick it up after a ride in the Peaks with us giving it full bore! Clearly a few hours in the company of Andy R will recalibrate his view on training and suffering, it has certainly helped me!

Anyway, off to the gym now to ponce about with a few weights before getting down to business on the spin bike.

lets hope for some decent weather before next weekend. there are only 29 Sunday's between now and the race itself. That's not many. They all need to count.

stay safe

Ian D

[bennyburrito]

Have completed my registration and am ready for what promises to be a very eventful next 29 weeks!

Currently training involves Rocky Style running in the snow to and from the local shops trying to track down the elusive food and drink known as bread and milk whilst trying to convince myself that Mince pies are part of a controlled diet.

Ian has planned a a great route for our Christmas ride, i think we hit the bottom of Froggats after 87 miles and 7000ft of climbing, Come on!! For a detailed route map and description see the link below;

beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25659888.

This promises to be a great day out and i cannot wait.

Will discuss dates at the meeting tonight in Braithwell (weather permitting) i am away from the 27th and back on the 29th. So only days i can do will be the 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

I will also be doing a boxing day ride, just a local couple of hours if anyone fancies joining me. Will be leaving Braithwell at 9.00am will be heading over to Ulley, Laughton, Carr, Firbeck, Tickhill etc Nothing to heavy just something to keep the legs spinning. Once again will speak to you tonight at the meeting to try and firm it up.

Ben

[cyberclist]

Who's Ian Barker??

I Know a great bloke called IAN PARKER!!! LOL