I'm planning a trip to the 2013 Tour and Etape and not using a tour company. It's a logistical nightmare so I asked Tim Marsh of velonomad.com to help me out. We cover stage watching, flying with bikes, campervans, hotels, rides through the Alps, and much more.
I’ve mentioned it a little on the show, but now I’m getting serious about my trip to the 100th Tour. I have started doing research and came across an excellent resource from Tim Marsh. So I asked him onto the show to help with some questions I have about planning my trip. Oh and by the way are you coming? What’s your experience with the Tour and the L’Etape? What can a company offer for $7000 that I can’t do on my own?In your opinion, how many stages is optimal to watch roadside? What could I do between stages?Is driving to the Pyrenees after the L’Etape an option? Any must do rides?Is there any reason I should change my plans?The cost of campervan compared to hotels?What’s your best tip for dealing with bikes and planes?
5 stages of planning:
Can you run through a mountain stage you’ve watched? How can non-riders get up the mountain? When can you get back down?
Can you explain what L’Etape is?
How and when can I enter?
If I don’t get on entry, then what?
What is the minimum fitness needed?
Are you joining me next year?
MY ROUGH ITINERARY
July 4, Leave home.
July 5, Fly in.
July 6, L’Etape registration (Saturday)
July 7, L’Etape: Annecy to Annecy-Semnoz, 125km (Sunday)
July 8, rest day,
July 9, ride, TV
July 10, ride, TV
July 11, ride, TV
July 12, ride, TV
July 13, ride, TV
July 14, stage 15: Givors to Mont Ventoux, 242km (1.5 hours drive)(Sunday
)July 15, rest day, Car trip - 250km radius?
July 16, stage 16: Vaison-la-Romaine to Gap, 168km (40 minute drive)(Tuesday)
July 17, Car trip - 250km radius?
July 18, stage 18: Gap to l’Alpe d’Huez, 168km (Thursday) (2 hours drive + ride)
July 19, stage 19: Bourg d’Oisans to Le Grand Bornand, 204km (Friday)(ride)
July 20, stage 20: Annecy to Annecy-Semnoz, 125km (Saturday)(ride)
