Discussion: Tour de France simulation
in: Adventure Racing; General
Jun 30, 2016 4:45 PM
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For ages, I've ridden every day of the Tour most years. Once upon a time I thought it would be a good idea to try to ride the Tour distance each day, but I got over that. 20 some years later, I'm finally taking July off and am planning to ride the winning stage time each day. I really have no idea how hard it will be, or if I'll finish the plan.
First two weeks will definitely be in the greater Toronto area (I live north of the city). Third week might be in the Calgary area - I'll decide on that no later than the first rest day.
I'm open to suggestions for places to do stages and anyone who would like to join me for any part of a stage is more than welcome - I even have a spare shower and beverages at the house. The stage details are sketchy at present, but I'll put them in my log daily if anyone is interested. I won't mention any spoilers beyond the target ride time for anyone who will catch up with the Tour on tape.
I'll likely ride a couple of hours before the stage starts. Watch the race live (on TV), then go out and finish up the time. Weekday mornings are likely to be on the Nokiidaa trail to avoid commuter traffic. Weekend mornings will be in the box of Warden, Ravenshoe, hwy 48, Stouffville Rd.
Afternoons will be a mix of Albion Hills, Holland Marsh, the morning routes, Caledon Trail (July 15 is a guarantee for this with a break at Spirit Tree - to be determined if I drive there and ride out and back, or ride there). Then any suggestions I get .
It isn't a fund raiser, or raising awareness for anything. Just a personal mission.
I'll track weight and % water daily. Maybe record what I eat on the rides. Any tips are welcome.
First two weeks will definitely be in the greater Toronto area (I live north of the city). Third week might be in the Calgary area - I'll decide on that no later than the first rest day.
I'm open to suggestions for places to do stages and anyone who would like to join me for any part of a stage is more than welcome - I even have a spare shower and beverages at the house. The stage details are sketchy at present, but I'll put them in my log daily if anyone is interested. I won't mention any spoilers beyond the target ride time for anyone who will catch up with the Tour on tape.
I'll likely ride a couple of hours before the stage starts. Watch the race live (on TV), then go out and finish up the time. Weekday mornings are likely to be on the Nokiidaa trail to avoid commuter traffic. Weekend mornings will be in the box of Warden, Ravenshoe, hwy 48, Stouffville Rd.
Afternoons will be a mix of Albion Hills, Holland Marsh, the morning routes, Caledon Trail (July 15 is a guarantee for this with a break at Spirit Tree - to be determined if I drive there and ride out and back, or ride there). Then any suggestions I get .
It isn't a fund raiser, or raising awareness for anything. Just a personal mission.
I'll track weight and % water daily. Maybe record what I eat on the rides. Any tips are welcome.
Jun 30, 2016 8:44 PM
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Cool!
Calgary area? Why would you want to ride there? ;) (Highwood Pass, Bow Valley Parkway Banff to Lake Loiuise, Icefields parkway....)
Tips: EPO seems to have worked well for many Tour riders in the past...
Calgary area? Why would you want to ride there? ;) (Highwood Pass, Bow Valley Parkway Banff to Lake Loiuise, Icefields parkway....)
Tips: EPO seems to have worked well for many Tour riders in the past...
Jul 1, 2016 2:07 AM
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I've enjoyed some of those CO, though I would probably pass on Hoghwood pass with the road open to cars. I quite like the trail between Canmore and Banff - maybe called Legacy? Banff to Lake Louise migh be my favourite ride ever so I would love to do a stage there - probably have to do it out and back to get the time in. Bragg Creek would do for a day.
Jul 1, 2016 11:54 PM
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Yes, that is Legacy Trail.
They will be widening the shoulder on highway 1a from Banff to Lake Louise, so it will be even nicer for biking.
Yes, Highway 66 west of Bragg Creek is a great ride :)
They will be widening the shoulder on highway 1a from Banff to Lake Louise, so it will be even nicer for biking.
Yes, Highway 66 west of Bragg Creek is a great ride :)
Jul 2, 2016 5:33 PM
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Bash: I'll shoot you a note a day before I plan to hit the rail trail. I'll probably visit it 2-3 times.
'Bent: I'll come over any afternoon that suits you...and take it easy on my legs that morning.
'Bent: I'll come over any afternoon that suits you...and take it easy on my legs that morning.
Jul 16, 2016 11:37 PM
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Bash:
In case anyone wonders what this looks like on an AP log... That's a lot of riding!
<http://ar.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_11398/p...>
<http://ar.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_11398/p...>
Jul 17, 2016 1:48 PM
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I confess to it being a bit crazy. I found the 6 hour days a bit tough, but I think I have those behind me now. If has been fun though.
Jul 25, 2016 9:38 PM
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Bash:
Veinbuster made it to the Champs Elysées. Congrats!
https://ar.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_11398/...
https://ar.attackpoint.org/viewlog.jsp/user_11398/...
Jul 26, 2016 4:50 PM
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OMG, about 100 hours of activity over the last 23 days!! That's a good YEAR of exercise for more than most people! BRAVO!! Now rest up and eat well!
What a crazy challenge! (Love it! but don't think I could do it! so many 6 hour days!)
What a crazy challenge! (Love it! but don't think I could do it! so many 6 hour days!)
This discussion thread is closed.