Richie Cross

Good run today in lovely weather. One of Tony's special routes so seemed like we were on C and D roads at some points! Glad to be out. First half century in months!

Hope to make this and I'll head home at Stewarton. By minor roads...do I need extra inner tubes!

Ah...should've read the whole thing then although he ends it by saying 'I'm one of 284 out of 351 starters to finish' Still not in the thousands enough for me

Based on the article, I'm not taken by there only being 350 starters in Spain. I like to have plenty of folk round me so that I think I'm doing ok!

I love the idea of the Marmotte and Letape but have been put off/scared of missing time limits or us all not getting an entry.

Boo For that reason, 'I'm out'. Might have a solo weekend in Italy

Andy, define your fitness levels and autumn pace!! Any idea what way you'll be going yet?

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Registration for next year opens in October so plenty of time

Unfortunately, like the organised company trip, a Fri-Mon would suit me best. Wife will be back at work and wee man will only be 11mths by then.

Mrs C gave me the all clear for this Only got work to get round for the shifts off. My OCD can go into overdrive now

I had a quick look at hire cars thinking it would be cheaper just doing 2 one way trips rather than keep the car for the whole time, but a pick up from Milan doesn't have a drop off in Bormio, only Tirano which is a half hour bus journey away from Bormio apparently.

Great day to be at work

Do we need a separate GF Stelvio thread?

Good point Al but like Marl says, seems to be a favourable leaning to Italy. Get the preferences in and I'll compile a table The sportive would suit me for a shorter trip if I was still able to get a bed in a chalet that people were staying in for the week etc.

Hahaha I was tired and relying on my co driver!

I'm loving the idea of this....might get me back on my bike! Usual issues of getting off work and the fact the wee man would only be 11 months old! I'm guessing we would be going solo as opposed to with a company like the one in Paul's link? Must be cheaper? Looks like the hardest part might be getting the 200 odd km from Milan to Bormio. Seems like you can get the train to Tirano which is half an hour from Bormio or it's hire cars again? Been in touch with someone who has done it and they reckon there should be plenty of empty chalets to pick from and getting a place wasn't a problem. It's not heavily subscribed to like Letape etc. Has anyone worked out a rough price yet? The dates that the tour company had of going on a Friday, fly home Monday would suit me with family etc. And at least you've got me to get stuck into any required searching/planning etc. I do like that kind of thing!

Billy, are you or Geo on Bike Parts for Sale - Scotland on Facebook? Might be worth a shout? I sold my tubs there.

Can't make it Graham. Rough night with the wee man so my wife isn't up to look after our eldest.

Stayed here http://pyreneescyclinglodge.com when I was in the Pyrenees. Tourmalet/Luz Ardiden etc within 20km. Situated about 20miles from Lourdes in the Argelès-Gazost region that Darryl mentioned. Ran by an Irish couple. Pick up/drop of from the airport. Paddy can act as a guide but we didn't get lost. Only sleeps 14 so might be lucky to get everyone in depending who goes. As for the Alps. Rented a gite through Gites de France and stayed in Allemont which is 6 miles from Bourg d'Oisans at the base of the Glandon. Drove all the way which was a mission but it's about 40km from Grenoble.

Chapeau to you all looking a bit wet in Stewarton.

Not much of a polis either to be fair. Too nice I think Might get out on the bike tonight. Some midweek madness with the Dunlop Cycle Club easy rider group

Even worse!! I was near the loch at the top of Bowfield about 9.45 so you couldn't have been far behind

Aargh. Typical...I get to go out but missed you. If you went the planned route, I'm guessing you went over Bowfield and straight to the crossroads before turning right towards Lugton? I'd turned up earlier to intercept you..,or so I thought

I stayed up til 2am playing my Playstation so was never getting up.