The reccie was Thursday May 21st through until the following Bank Holiday Monday May 25th. There were 12 riders and 1 driver. Having organised all the logistics: booking the hotel, organising the vans and driver (OK M did that bit), coming up with an itinerary, even designing and ordering the T Shirts; I was afraid that I would get the blame when bikes didn't arrive, the hotel was a dump, the weather prevented decent riding, the tee shirts turn up with a spelling mistake and the flights home were delayed. All in all I worried for no reason. The logistics all worked out and the hotel (Hotel Colombie recommended by Veloventoux.com)not only was good but the food was exceptional. The weather was hot and sunny and the bugs were biting. I am still scratching a week later.
Thursday mornng I had arranged for everyone to meet at Gatwick before security at 5:30 AM. I was picking M up at 4:10 AM when I got the first text message that the first person had arrived, checked in, and was going through security. M & I were some of the last to arrive and we were checking in well before 5:30 AM. People certainly were keen.
The flight was uneventful, with a nice egg and bacon sandwich courtesy of BA. Some of the group had paid the premium and enjoyed a cooked breakfast in Business class. At Marseille the bikes all arrived undamaged (although the handlers had certainly tested the strength of a few of the boxes judging by the marks on them).
Europcar made us wait an hour in a queue to get the vans we had pre-hired. Their service certainly could be improved, and we noted later in the trip that one of the vans had a bald tyre!
There was only one problem. Whilst the bikes and lugguage all fitted in the two vans (just) there were 13 of us and only 12 seats between the two vans - oops. We had to squeeze 4 people on a row of seats designed for 3 people, quite uncomfortable for the 140 Km ride from Marseille to Nyon.
We were origionally told by the hotel that whilst they could accomodate us two people would have to share a double bed. When booking in as I was organising the logistics everyone else was checking in. I was the last to arrive at reception to be advised I was in the triple room. Three of us went up to the room looking suspiciously at each other wondering which two of us were going to share. We entered the room to see two double beds, but then further exploration of the room found an annex room with a sofa bed made up - phew, relief
On the Thursday we arrived we got to the hotel mid afternoon (after stopping for a pizza lunch) so everyone went out for a 25 mile ride from Nyon (40 Km into the Etap) towards the start and back. There was a lot of good humour, bravado and positioning which set everyone up for the night.
Day two, the Friday we rode as a group from Nyon towards the finish. The day was glorious and with everyone in good spirits the ride went well. It really is a scenic route this year. We got to the base of the Ventoux late afternoon after riding 68 miles. It was very hot and very busy (someone was even riding up on a Brompton).
I must admit that I was one of the two who didn't make the top. The heat and the fast motorcycles and sports cars racing to the top got to me and 6 km from the top I got off and walked, in fact staggered. As I came around a corner I saw the support van and really struggled to get to it. As I was collapsed on the ground by the van another of our riders came around the corner, saw me and gave up also. Had I not been there I am sure he would have continued to the top.
Day three we split into two groups with the fast group going up the Ventoux whilst the slow group (which I participated in) cycled the short route from Nyons to Bedoin stopping there for lunch before returning.
Day four, Sunday, the fast group did a three hour drive to Alp D'huez whilst the slow group went up Ventoux from Malaucene. I was with the fast group. At the base of Alp D'huez it was suggested that we warm up with a trip up the Col Croix de Fer (cross of iron). This turned out to be a 25 mile climb gaining 1500 metres, however, every so often you would go down 100 metres and then climb again so the total climb over 25 miles was 1500 metres. At the end of that we decided that we had probably done enough and left the Alp D'huez for another day.
Whilst on the way up to the Col De Croix de Fer I had noticed a creperie. On the way back down I was climbing out of one of the annoying valleys and remembered that the creperie was just beyond the next summit. I really fancied a crepe and a coffee at this point but knew I didn't really have time to stop as the fast guys were in front of me and everyone else was close behind in the van (some people had had enough at the top and decided to ride the van back). There was a sign saying "Creperie 500 metres" as I reached the top confirming my memory. As I reached the creperie the fast guys were sitting outside enjoying a crepe, joy! I stopped and ordered a chocolate crepe with ice cream and a coffee. I was able to enjoy them in the knowledge that the last 10 miles was downhill or flat so no more climbs. It was delicious!!!!
Monday the fast group went up Ventoux again. As my bike was in the van right at the back I couldn't get it out without taking everyone elses bike out first. We had got back from Alp D'huez at 11 Pm and I didn't want to do it then and the fast group left at 7:00 AM Monday morning which was before I could get up (I had to do the admin over the bills with the hotel anyway). Those who didn't go with the fast group rode locally or explored the town.
At 1:00 PM we all jumped in the van and drove to Marseille Airport tired but satisfied after an enjoyable trip.
Be warned, the Etape will be hot, hard and with lots of biting insects. Don't over egg the first 90 miles, save yourself for the ascent of Ventoux.
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