PeterB here from Auckland, NZ. I am entering the cinq jour du Verdon this August, travelling with friend Mario Candellone from Italy. I haven't ridden this before and was wondering what sort of riding gear, tools and what type of sections to expect, also are any English speaking riders entering? (My French is not so good). I've already got time off work and booked the flights weeks ago so am definately going.
Mario reckoned I should do the middle route, blue I think. How would these sections compare to the ssdt?
Would I need tyre pump, tube, patches and "dog turds" - for the tubeless rims. Are there bike back up teams at the various evening stops?
I've read the report from hrc1 I think, very good.
I get the impression that it is a bit like an easier ssdt but with good weather and stunning scenery too.
When do entries have to be in by?
Thanks, PeterB.
Pete,
link to entry form posted earlier. I'm about to send off 7 or 8 entries, Yes you'll need turds etc plus a camelback - It'll be hot. Sections severity would be similar or easier than SSDT on blue route, but a lot depends on how the heat affects you. Terrain is very grippy rocks & gullies (apart from one infamous section). There are some factory/dealer vans there. You'll need a road legal bike with a bar pad - for some reason the French are fussy about bar pads. Summer riding kit , with maybe a lightweight top in case of thunderstorm...
The French call all their 3 - 5 day trials Classics - all are for modern bikes, but there's nothing to stop you riding some old nail if you wish...
Looks like they have all the usual classes - Expert through to Promotion (wobblers). Interesting Day 3 - open free format trial & no I'm not sure what that is either.
Best bet is a Cycling goretex jacket - wait for the sales - half price! & cheapo nylon trousers over your usual trials kit. Invaluable on the day were neoprene backed gloves & several pairs of dry gloves off any sort really.
Having just returned from said venue I have to admit it's pretty amazing. The French are so lucky to have that kind of terrain available to them without the UK-type whingers and tree-huggers complaining. The scenery is stunning and, even as a non-rider, it looks like some great Trials terrain.
Don't know where you stay when you're there, but we stayed in Castellane about 20k south of the venue. Beautiful little town - very traditional old world France with a nice restaurant in the town square and a few good bars to fill your evenings.
This trial winds its way up the Verdon Valley & so we stay at Digne le Bains, then Andre les Alpes & finally Val D'Allos. I see one day finishes at the Trials Park this year, so we may try the chalets there. We usually spend a morning "warming up" at the Boade venue. I just go for a gentle trial ride, whilst the younger riders with us usually crash too much and then have a panic stricken rebuild on their hands or the next days start. I'll have to see if I can spot the WTC sections, only to walk of course!!
& yes thats the venue of the recent World Round & a brilliant place to ride. Usually there are only 4 or 5 sections in this vast trials park which you enter from the hills above. This years route looks better planned than last year when one monster long ride was great fun, but made for a very late dinner/hotel etc.
Twinshock V Modern Trail Bike
in General Trials Talk
Posted
Yes, apart from a well set up Pampera at easy trials!