PH does the (UK bit of the) Tour de France

[SixPotBelly]

Sold.

[tobinen]

Yes, I quite like that. Not all yellow which was my main reservation had that been offered. Nice work gruffy.

[Gruffy]

It obviously bears no relation to existing PH branding, so I've taken a bit of a liberty at this stage. Please cross all fingers and toes while I wait to hear if Top Brass are cool with the design.

[burriana]

That looks superb. Very classic(s).

I doubt however that HM will let you bastardise their typeface... but it would look ace in a Camagnolo style font

[burriana]

That looks superb. Very classic(s).

I doubt however that HM will let you bastardise their typeface... but it would look ace in a Camagnolo style font

[Marcellus]

surely the Shimano logo would be better

[Eddh]

Gruffy said:

Nothing was really working well in the translation to yellow, so I thought I'd go retro instead. The rear pockets have the stage profiles and key climbs on them. All subject to approval from PH, of course.

Just noticed that, it looks ace!

[anonymous-user]

Gruffy, Whats the deal with hotel bookings or do you have a plan?...

[Gruffy]

The plan is still being formed.

[anonymous-user]

There were ten in the bed and the little one said....

[Gruffy]

Gruffy said:

Sunday evening is the deadline for getting this order submitted.

Once the order is submitted it's not possible to add to it or make any changes, so it's now or never (or next time, anyway) if you're thinking about some Team PH kit.

[Thurbs]

Just seen this thread, can I add my name to the list? Full monty for me.

Couple of other questions:

I assume we wont all go in a big pelaton? I am fat and slow so it may take me longer than the rest of you mear slips of people.
I live near Cambridge so could get friends etc to hire a minibus and bring everyone down? Would need to split the hire and fuel costs though + beer tokens for the driver.
I was going to do it in a campervan with a helper following me around to keep costs down. I assume this is ok?
Is there a provisional date?

Also, I have signed up for the Tour de Yorkshire 140KM route, anyone else doing it? http://letour.yorkshire.com/tour-de-yorkshire/spor...

[Gruffy]

Thurbs said:

Just seen this thread, can I add my name to the list? Full monty for me.

Couple of other questions:

I assume we wont all go in a big pelaton? I am fat and slow so it may take me longer than the rest of you mear slips of people.
I live near Cambridge so could get friends etc to hire a minibus and bring everyone down? Would need to split the hire and fuel costs though + beer tokens for the driver.
I was going to do it in a campervan with a helper following me around to keep costs down. I assume this is ok?
Is there a provisional date?

Also, I have signed up for the Tour de Yorkshire 140KM route, anyone else doing it? http://letour.yorkshire.com/tour-de-yorkshire/spor...

It's going to run on the 8th, 9th and 10th of May.

We'll aim to start each stage together but after that the group will naturally split into groups of similar speeds. You can go as fast or as slow as you like. And you're welcome to go campervan support crew if you like.

I'm still working with the chaps at PH to try and organise some of the logistics on a grander scale, but it doesn't hurt to be considering do-it-ourselves options for transfers. I may be in touch in a few weeks about that minibus.

[Thurbs]

A week after the Yorkshire ride, perfect timing!

[Gruffy]

Perfect warm-up ride

[j00pY]

Right then. I start training again for this tomorrow. My old bike was written off by the accident, so got a nice new bike to start using.

[johno_78]

Full monty for me please Gruffy.

I've no support crew to bring unfortunately, so am looking to join others if possible.

[Gruffy]

We have a new thread for the inaugural Tour de Pistonheads. Please watch/bookmark the new thread, add your names to the Team Pie roster if you plan to ride and add your contributions and ideas if you're interested in being part of the team supporting the ride.

I'll be updating the first post with more details as they are confirmed.

[Marcellus]

Ok so to keep this off the main organisation topic, it's dawned on me the enormity of what we're planning on doing, 560km (350miles) in 3 days with 8100m (26,400 feet) of climbing!!

So I'm now thinking i need to put some serious training in but as i've never trained for any sporting activity i'm not sure where to start.

So far all I've had suggested is "ride lots" and "get some long back to back rides in".

I guess i'm in the relatively lucky situation of being able to ride every day for as long as i want from now until the ride.

But what do i actually do to optimise my training plan?

I'm thinking;
Week 1, 2 & 3 - 75km on mon, tues, thurs & friday and then 100km on saturdays
Week 4, 5 & 6 increase to 100km weekdays and 150km saturday
Week 7 - 200km mon & fri and 100km tues and thursday, sat 200km
Week 8 - 100km per day

Does this sound like a reasonable plan from a buidling strength, stamina and power, given the need to not only ride but also rest, plus i'd like to keep wednesdays and sundays free for dinghy racing!

I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

(Current level is 80kms with 3,600ft of climbing in 3hrs 40mins with no issues)

[Gruffy]

Avoid the temptation to do all of your training at the same distance and intensity. You simply plateau after a while. I'm no expert but if I had your training opportunities I'd be splitting my week like this:

Mon: HIIT
Tues: Long distance ride
Weds: Rest
Thurs: Elevation (set an elevation target and hill repeat until you've hit it)
Fri: Long distance ride
Sat: Medium-long distance ride
Sun: Rest

Intervals are hard so these are best when you're rested. Following a long ride with a medium-long ride at the end of the week is the benchmark bit for you to track your progress. Stage 2 is a monster for climbing so Thursday's elevation-based rides would be a way to work towards being fit for that.