Alpe d'Huez 2013

It starts at a jolly civilised 09:30 and is only marginally longer than a half-iron, so despite a couple of pesky up-flats, I reckon on being home & hosed in time for a long, late, legendary, lunch . Maybe a salade landaise followed by tartiflette, washed down by a gallon of burgundy? Then a brisk freewheel back down the hill for a siesta. Or something like that .

So I've entered. Logistics look like a pig, and the only time I went for a run in a ski station before, I felt like I was breathing through a bucket of soil. If anybody else is entered, or if you can offer advice based on previous experience, I'd love to chat, please!

2013 is full for me but this is one i would love to do at some point.

Looking forward to the report....think Donald raced this last year, he might be able to help with planning.

I am in for the lunch

The key is to make sure that your cheese has been aged for a minimum of six weeks, otherwise you won't get that nutty flavour for the tartiflette.

HTH

Matt

Think Donald made onto the TV coverage as well

I'll be driving past on the way to Embrun!    

I did this in 2011. Very good event, although it was a bit cold and rainy on the day. Am considering for this year as am also considering the Tour de Mont Blanc on the previous Sunday.

Would be happy to give you some background if it would help.

Embrun again, Slim? Awesome effort. I was tempted!

Sounds like the catering and cultural exchange bits are coming together, but I would value that background info, Dermot. Hope you don't mind me PMing you, or would you rather stick it on here?

P.s. sorry to be a plank, but who's Donald, please? I'm getting the impression i ought to know him .

He's another IM Pirate

STIL, I did this last year in preparation for IMW and I will be returning this year! Let's discuss logistics as I am coming in with a Sherpa that drove half the course last year behind me. PM me when you read this! I am so excited you are in this one too.

I saw VERY fit people walking up the Alpe last year mate ... just so you know!

So nobody's going to mind this vaguely fit bloke walking up the Alpe then?

Brilliant to read that you're doing this one again, Hokori. I'll drop you a line and look forward to meeting up with you again in July .

I was one of the very fat people who walked up the Alpe...... it was fecking hot and the hills are something you would really struggle to replicate in this country..... the first 2 go up and I mean up... no respite for 20+km, at least the Alpe is only 15k..... 

Well that's torn it . I'll get my coat.

Yep did it last year as well, didnt walk on the bike but walked virtually all the "run" and yes it was roasting. Doing the Marmotte this year though, but will go back one day and do a proper job.