posted Jun 11, 2008

hut ab !
do you live out there, or flew in just for the occasion ?
how did you get your max HR of 180 - in a lab or estimated ?

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posted Jun 11, 2008

Old Bloke: I'm a lot older than you!

I've done the last four Etapes, including last year's hell of 5 climbs.

You've confirmed what I've been advising people-dangerous to assume this year will be "easier". They've sent out the bib numbers and booklet but we won't know until we attend the sign-in what the eliminations will be.

Advice: I would have said do all the hill work you can over here but if you've actually done the climbs over there then I don't know what else you can do! After a certain level of fitness has been attained it's all about "blood 'n' guts" and a dogged bloodymindedness.

Until you've done one of these you won't know yourself and how you'll react when the inner voice starts nagging at you-"what am I doing here!"

Don't forget that it's done at pace but equally don't panic and try to keep up with the speed merchants. I assume you're aiming to survive, not to win the thing! Tuck yourself into a like group; don't get exposed on your own on a long drag with a headwind; don't stand about at the feed stations-aim to stay just a few minutes-bolt down as much water as you can, top up your bottles, eat a couple of the half bananas and oranges, stuff the gels and bickies and things into your pockets and away!

Bring with you a few favourite foods and have them as you proceed as a "comfort". E.g. I can't get down those Power Bars so bring some softer ones, some chocolate coated. Many people advise that you shouldn't risk the gels provided as your stomache may rebel; I personally don't have a problem but I do take my favourite Maxim gels as well.

Clothing: take light scarf, gloves, gillet or similar. But hope on the day you won't need to carry them. Carry arm and leg warmers if there's cold forecast. If it's pretty certain that the whole ride is going to be wet/cold then I guess a jacket over the vest. Otherwise, pack the jacket. It all depends. You don't really want to be humping lots of stuff. Always wear a technical vest under your jersey or jacket.

A couple of tubes, levers, and the CO2 pump system. A multi tool and a Tip Top repair outfit. A few sachets of antiseptic wipes...

I expect others will have some good tips for you.

I won't see you so good luck! And remember there'll be lots older than you!

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posted Jun 11, 2008

The general rule of thumb for calculating your maximum HR is 220 minus your age. Therefore, oldblokeonabike, your max HR should be 174, or thereabouts!!

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posted Jun 11, 2008

I guess there will always be somebody interested....

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posted Jun 12, 2008

Sorry, but (220 minus age) is pretty much useless to determine your maxHR for any serious purposes...

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posted Jun 20, 2008

the best way to determine your maximum heartrate would be to keep going until you collapse and die. That isn't acceptable to everyone, so 220 minus age isn't bad, or push yourself as hard as you can, see what your heart rate says and add 10% to it.

I rode the etape a couple of years ago, couple of things I would add to a list of things to take is some sun cream, you might be out in it for a long time, so get some good sports sun cream and plaster it on before you go out.

It is definitely about sheer grit and determination.

I'm trying to compile a list of all of the etapes around the globe here www.worldwideetapes.wordpress.com if you would like to contibute any you know. thanks, Jonny

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