1 May, 2008: Doubting But Determined

When you think of riding the course of the Tour de France, you think of picturesque European landscapes, long hours in the saddle, tired legs, and all of the calories that will need to be replaced (foi gras IV, anyone?) What you don't think of are the logistics: how early you will need to start, when will the route be closed, how fast you will need to go to finish before the caravan comes through, how to attach panniers to a carbon fiber racing bike, how much gear you will carry, where you will find groceries, where you will refill your water bottles, how you will get from the finish of one day's stage to the start of the next, where you will sleep, etc. etc. All of the very unromantic details that could prevent you from reaching the finish line.

I've been worrying a lot about these details of late. Has anyone even tried this before? After several hours of googling, I haven't found any record of a previous attempt. I did, however, come across Steve Bauer's website and his report of a rider who completed the route of a previous year's Tour. Of course, this rider achieved the feat several years after the Tour had passed through his route, and he did it with a support vehicle. Still, I thought I'd take a shot and see if Mr. Bauer (a former pro cyclist and boyhood hero of mine, by the way) had any advice.

The good news is that, to my surprise, he responded promptly (thanks!). The bad news is that his response was not exactly encouraging. Phrases like "very tough" and "very challenging" were expected. "I would highly recommend against it" and "if they close one mountain pass to vehicles including bikes 3 hours before the race...you're finished"--not so much. 

Here is the email thread:

Jesse, You are going to have to source someone to support you. Any other way is going to be very tough.

What you are trying to do.. (the day of the event) is very challenging. I would highly recommend against it. You will risk to be stopped on the route. If they close one mountain pass to vehicles including bikes 3 hours before the race.. your finished.

I would suggest the day before... the route is marked, the hotels are easier to get etc etc. If it were me.. that is the way I would do it. Steve

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Dear Steve,

Thank you very much for the reply. If you have time, a few questions:

1) Why would it be impossible to start early AM and finish before the peleton? Are roads closed? Trains full? When I was there two years ago, they didn't close the roads to bikes until just before the Tour came through. If I'm not carrying luggage, I'm pretty sure a five-hour head start would suffice. I'm not averse to starting earlier, but would prefer to see as much of the race as possible. I also like "travel adventures."

2) Since I have very little money myself and am doing this to raise money for a charity, do you think there might be someone who is going to be following the Tour anyway who might be willing to support the cause by carrying a small backpack? I know that there will be plenty of vehicles going from stage start to stage start; I just need to find a sympathetic person with a car. If you have any connections with one (a tour company, a cycling team, anything), I'd be happy to list your company as a corporate sponsor on ricksride.org and in press releases. Any tips are appreciated.

Thank you,

Jesse

-----Original Message-----

From: Steve Bauer [mailto:trips@stevebauer.com]

Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 9:47 AM

To: Jesse Czelusta

Subject: re: 2008 Tour de France attempt

Jesse, If you do the Ride during the tour.. my advice... go on the route 24 hours prior. Otherwise it will be impossible. Finding someone to haul your gear should not be a problem.. you need to rent a van and pay someone to help. Its quite simple. Its a very tough physical challenge you have. You must be very methodical and take your time.

I can likely find someone to help you but they would expect to be paid between about 150 per day + all expenses. Rental cars are not cheap but if you are going to go I will put you onto an interesting agency. steve

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Dear Steve Bauer Bike Tours,

As a fundraiser for disabled athletes and to honor the memory of a cycling friend who recently passed away, I will be attempting to complete the entire route of the 2008 Tour de France, on the same days as the Tour itself. (See www.ricksride.org.)

I read with great interest the account of Mr. Bruno Rodi's feat last year. I am hoping that you can help me with information and perhaps logistical support. I am most in need of someone with a vehicle to carry about 40 pounds of gear from one day's stage start to the next. (I may be able to handle the flat stages with panniers, but conquering the mountains with a loaded bike, on schedule, seems unlikely.) I know that there will be plenty of vehicles following the route; do you think it would be possible to find someone with space for a little gear? Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!

Best,

Jesse Czelusta

www.RicksRide.org