Oversea haute route

[Marcus]

I generally have only good things to say about the Giro Sardegna but the haute route events may interest someone looking for something different (and harder). Cost starts at 1700 euros for the race and accommodation in a nuclear shelter with breakfast and a post race hot meal. http://www.hauteroute.org/

[EricS]

I really want to do this, but not until 2016. If a TS team doesn't form up this year (for 2015), I will try to get one together next year (for riding in 2016). Looks absolutely terrible. In a good way.

[JohnT]

The time to start training for this is now! Expensive, but intriguing. Are you considering it Marcus?

JT

[Marcus]

I am sixty years old next year John. I think it is time for something monumental. I toured the Dolomites in a camper van a few years ago and came across Tom Boonen on a training ride on a 14 switchback pass amidst amazing scenery and I can't get that image out of my head. To ride there would be the dream. Training starts tomorrow at least in my head. Is there a holiday Monday ride from Fairfield Starbucks?

[sylvan]

Yah mon, the usual Sunday ride on any holiday Monday. See you at 7 for a beverage.

[Chris Marshall]

This looks like it would be an incredible experience.
Count me in.
Chris

[FairweatherMike]

I've been looking at the Haute Route for al couple of years now and just, well, dreaming about it. My one concern is doing it in the August heat - I've toyed with the idea of replicating the route in June or September. Comments? Anyone want to try a private, unoffical version? In any event I want in, but may have to train until 2016!

btw, who is coordinating the next Giro Sardegna? I'm intersted in that also, given that I might be a prime contender for the coveted Black Jersey.

[wonger]

Here's their Facebook page...

https://www.facebook.com/CyclingHauteRoute

Lots of good video here - check out the guy with one leg summiting Ventoux.

[Marcus]

I registered yesterday for the 2015 Dolomites route with the basic accommodation option. Yikes. However it sounds like there is an out if needed.

Exact dates and Grand Depart / Finish cities will be confirmed at the end of September for each of the 3 events. You may transfer your entry to another event or receive a full refund should the exact dates or Grand Depart / Finish cities present an issue for you.

. The price goes up September15.

[sherritran]

For a wicked, still awesome stage racing in the mountains, check out the Giro delle Dolomiti.

http://www.girodolomiti.com/index.aspx?l=2

It's in Italy. It's in the Alps. It's climbing. There are KOM sections. What more do I need to say?

It happens during the last week of July to first few days of August. Apparently, it's run by the same organisers as the Tour de Sardegna.

It's 5 mountain stages in the Dolomites so you really can't beat that. It's something like 200 euro for the full thing or 48 euro per stage. I came so close to doing it and the only thing holding me back was weather (looked like rain), which I now TOTALLY regret wimping out on.

Full details for the 2015 version probably won't be up til late Spring or early Summer 2015, but it's another option for those who can't do Haute Route.

Definitely on the bucket list as I have unfinished business with the Dolomites.

Sherri

[wonger]

I met Matt Barlee today and he sent me the following email, in case anyone is interested in the service that his company provides. A couple examples he gave me were that the hotel accommodation his company provides is walking distance to the start lines rather than a 45 minute drive. Last year Trevor Linden broke his bike and they found a new one for him to use, etc...

From Matt:

We have been in business for 28 years and take more Canadians to the European amateur tours (Tour Transalp, Haute Route Alps, Pyrenees, and Dolomites) than any other tour provider. I just returned from HR Alps with a 16 rider Canadian group, and we presently have another 16 person team riding HR Pyrenees. We've been involved with HR since its inception, and our close relationship with the organizers gives us a unique insight into the demands of racing these events.

Our services include full race support, from pickup at your arrival to dropoff at your departure, and an exceptional service level that has earned us an 84% customer return rate. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the race.

Our 2015 roster for the HR races is filling quickly, so if you or your team is interested in doing any of the HR races, please visit our website to learn more: http://www.magicplaces.ca

[John D]

From today's Guardian: "Gears, tears and breathtaking ascents: how I cycled the Dolomites and Alps"

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ ... aute-route