Belgium_so_far
Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 7:59 am
Hi everyone,
Today I rode in the "Grinta Challenge La Tournay", a 'tour' in the French region of Belgium. I was supposed to do 104 km, but after my riding partner broke a spoke (12 km in), I did the 65 km route. He got picked up by the sweeper van and then waited at the finish. This wasn't a race, but it was a great work out: Sometimes riding with fast guys, other times pushing hard into the wind alone. Good fun and in great weather (26 C here today). Oh, and for several thousand riders it cost 13 euros each and included a completely marked route (actually four marked routes - the longest was 151 km), people with flags at intersections, individual numbers, red cross support, sweeper van, and a T-shirt at the end. Our GrandFondos do not have to cost >$200. I am not suggesting we can do all of that for less than $20, but >$200 isn't right (IMO)
One other reason for posting is to mention something I've seen here that might be of interest for our rides. Many clubs here have their own sweeper vans for groups rides. Extra wheels, water, food and a pick-up if something breaks that can't be fixed. Also, it makes the group more obvious/protects the flanks. Something to consider perhaps.
Three weeks to go. Getting homesick - the forum helps.
JT
Today I rode in the "Grinta Challenge La Tournay", a 'tour' in the French region of Belgium. I was supposed to do 104 km, but after my riding partner broke a spoke (12 km in), I did the 65 km route. He got picked up by the sweeper van and then waited at the finish. This wasn't a race, but it was a great work out: Sometimes riding with fast guys, other times pushing hard into the wind alone. Good fun and in great weather (26 C here today). Oh, and for several thousand riders it cost 13 euros each and included a completely marked route (actually four marked routes - the longest was 151 km), people with flags at intersections, individual numbers, red cross support, sweeper van, and a T-shirt at the end. Our GrandFondos do not have to cost >$200. I am not suggesting we can do all of that for less than $20, but >$200 isn't right (IMO)
One other reason for posting is to mention something I've seen here that might be of interest for our rides. Many clubs here have their own sweeper vans for groups rides. Extra wheels, water, food and a pick-up if something breaks that can't be fixed. Also, it makes the group more obvious/protects the flanks. Something to consider perhaps.
Three weeks to go. Getting homesick - the forum helps.
JT