Tour Of Flanders 2012

Hi,

I'm organising a trip to the Tour of Flanders, as per 2011. Please RSVP in the events page if interested or contact me direct. Post Q's here.

I can accommodate up to 10 people at my place (or more at B&B round the corner). Travel over on the Friday 30th, take part in the Saturday sportive, then watch and mingle with the pro's on the Sunday. Great atmosphere, great event and, personally, I again plan to do the full 265km route. Outstanding places to drink but most people fall asleep after a 265km ride.......though there's the 150km option and 80km one as well.

Last year we did the course in warm, sunny weather. Previously I have done the 265km in freezing, wet conditions with a gale blowing in from the coast. Still loved it, but not everyone's idea of spending 10hrs plus turning those pedals! You do 5,000ft of climbing, often up sharp, cobbled hills. When they are wet, it's chaos as you go up the Koppenberg. Even the pro's land up pushing!

It will cost you about £140 to cover transport, event entry, accommodation for two nights, in-house food and the odd beer from the fridge. Massage not included.

This is the route Map!

Chris

Tags: 2012, flanders, of, tour

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Christopher Moss on November 15, 2011 at 15:04

You've probably already got me down on the list but just in case, I'm a yes. PS I've just seen the picture. What am I on ?

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Permalink Reply by Chris Dines on November 15, 2011 at 15:13

You're in!

That's a picture of the Koppenberg, which hits you at 191km in. It's over 20% gradient and basically impossible when it's wet and the mud is slurrying across the road.....not to mention people falling off their bikes in front of you.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Fitzgerald on November 15, 2011 at 21:07

Hi Chris

As per our chat, please count me in mate.

Aiming to do the long route this time.

Cheers

Bill

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Permalink Reply by Chris Dines on November 15, 2011 at 21:40

Done. No backing out now!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Bowman on November 18, 2011 at 22:17

I promised myself I would never ever do this again, but put me down!

I'll probably incorporate this into a week of touring - Brugge is a two bike ride away if anyone wants to join me.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Dines on November 19, 2011 at 9:00

Brilliant! So we have Chris M, Bill, Simon C, you and me confirmed so far. Are you serious about cycling to the start, from here?!

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Permalink Reply by Frankie Hobbins on November 19, 2011 at 19:27

No idea what I'm doing but if I go I wanna ride to Brugge too!!!!! I've riden there before its ok....

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Permalink Reply by Doug Gray on November 19, 2011 at 21:25

Lol. You've never experienced anything like the cobbles. These aren't the little cobbles you find in the city centres, these are beasts that will rip your wrists off your arms. Everything goes completely apeshit the moment you hit them. Our Turbo guy Jimmy from V02 raced it 3 times as an under 23 and only finished it once. And that was the short route.

Count me in! I want revenge!

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Permalink Reply by Chris Dines on November 20, 2011 at 9:44

OK, so we now have me, Bill, Chris, Simon and Doug doing the fairly sensible thing of driving to Bruges for the event with Steve and Frankie cycling there. Now looking for an extra joiner with car (or we hire one). Finish is now in Oudenaarde (great place) which is an hour's drive from Bruges.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Cater on November 24, 2011 at 11:29

Is that April 30th?

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Permalink Reply by Chris Dines on November 24, 2011 at 11:39

No, March 30th Andy. The main event is 1 April. Interested?

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Permalink Reply by Andy Cater on November 24, 2011 at 11:51

Definitely interested. March 30th is my 21st though so might have to see what else I'm up too, will also have to check what races are on that weekend as it's the start of Easter for me so will hopefully be flying again.