gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
I am looking at it but only the 40 miles route due to my age ( over 70 ). Does @Mo1959 know the area? It is scheduled for 12 May 2024.
Has anyone done the 40 mile rouite?
Wife and I are signed up to do this for the first time. Commenting more to follow the thread. Perhaps see some of you there. Book accommodation early is what I have heard from a regular...
I agree about accommodation, book as soon as possible, especially if you want to stay close by (advisable as the road closures limit access before the start). We've stayed at the Faskally campsite in a static 'van for the weekend.
EDIT: Just to point out i was the OP of the Clustef**K 101 thread. Never felt so bitter about an event as i did the 2021 Etape Caledonia.
Happy to give my two cents; 2021 was a mess, 2022 was evidently better and 2023 a similarly improved trajectory. I didn't bother with 2022, was out of shape for 2023 and 2024 i'm keen on but.... it's so expensive. I'm waiting for local club members to drop out closer to the time and pick up their tikcets. It's £92.66 (including booking fees) for the 85mi route 🤢🤢🤢
The 40mi route cuts out Schiehallion entirely (it's a short, sharp, nasty climb) and the Fortingall loop (which is lumpy, no drags or climbs). Logierait ('Climb 4') on their map here is like 200yds or so of miserably steep end of ride climb (Google Map link here) up a farm track. Other than that you don't miss much of the route; the views over Loch Tay in the first 20mi or so are extraordinary.
Sweet baby cheeses. What do you get for over £1 a mile?
I did the tour of Anglesey this year and that was about £50 for 106 miles.
Closed roads which is awesome. A medal, racepack and feed stations. Marshalls are all volunteers. You pay extra for parking, and pay extra for premium parking. I'm fairly sure it'll get to a point where you have to have 20p for the portaloos at the feed stations...
But yes, i am absolutely with you that is obscene. I cannot recall how much it was in previous years when it was organised locally (or, at least, not by Limelight Sports) but the price is certainly offputting!