Tour de France Tour de Force
You’ll love this report from Julian Middleton. Thank you so much for sending it in Julian and many congratulations on undertaking and completing such a feat.
It was a fantastic thing to do. Of course a massive physical challenge but a once in a lifetime experience which is undoubtedly the best thing I have ever done on a bike -but never to be repeated! The route covered 3300 kilometres and over 52500 metres of climbing – ascending Everest 6 times!
A couple of family members came out to ride a few stages with me but essentially it was me supported by my long-suffering wife Julia. She was driver/nutritionist/Director Sportif/masseuse and without her it would not have been possible.
The logistical challenges were almost as great as the physical cycling challenge. Booking and getting to accommodation in 23 different locations; driving to the start and finish of each stage (sometimes over 4 hours) was a logistical challenge – and exhausting in itself! The tripmeter on the car showed that we drove over 4500 miles in total.
My top 10 takeaways from the experience:-
- Riding the route in itself was challenging enough but to think that the pros race against each other as well is just mind blowing
- France is a big and very beautiful country
- Riding a bicycle is the most fantastic way of seeing the world, enjoying the outdoors and staying physically and mentally fit
- The French love their cycling and Le Tour in particular
- The seven “C’s” that were essential to my survival were: chocolate, coffee, chia seeds, caffeine, croissants, creatine & Coca-Cola
- Having the rear derailleur cage snap in two 10k up The Tourmalet is no fun – but a determined cyclist is a force to be reckoned with!
- There is nothing you can do to prevent pressure sores on the bum
- You need a very patient partner in support!
- It is a privilege to be able to do something like this on a bike
- Whatever your cycling ambition – get out there and give it a go!
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