I’m NOT in the Tour De France . . . for now.

I meant to post this last Monday, but what with one thing and another. Well, you know how it is.

I read Adrian Fitch’s blog last Friday (2nd March), and found out that he’d entered the Tour De France. Well, almost - just the British Cyclosportive the week before the actual first stage. So I checked out the web site, and found that there were four hundred and something places left. I emailed my Hackney-based cycling buddy, Doktor Seth (he’s a free-form jazz psychiatrist, but not often all at the same time) to see if he’d be interested . . . no response - either hiding from me and my bike, or away.

So last Saturday, I phoned my tall and very fit friend, R in Warwick, to see if he’d be up for it. BTW - R’s wife, K has just had their first child - rather a lengthy and uncomfortable birth, by all accounts. This was probably because their son takes after his father in proportions - as shown in this photo of the new baby and proud father. ANYWAY, R had to think about it (lots on his mind right now), so by Monday, I’d decided that I’d enter anyway.

DISASTER! All of the 1,000 ride-only places sold out within 24 hours of release, so I’m now having to look at entry via Sports Tours International. Bearing in mind that my parents live within 3 miles of part of the route, and within 25 miles of the start, I’m not at all keen on the prospect of paying more for accomodation, transport, and a whole host of other things I don’t need.

Watch this space.

Filed under: Cycling, Fitness

7 Responses to “ I’m NOT in the Tour De France . . . for now. ”

  1. Von Smallhaussen on March 10, 2007 at 10:40 am

    Good luck with getting a space for ride only excl accom!!!!!!

    Was a bit miffed to think you had seen a photo of baby C before me but love the one you have up there its great.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Have a great day.

    Jx

  2. Adrian Fitch on March 10, 2007 at 3:54 pm

    I thought £40 for the regular entry was reasonable, but paying over two hundred pounds to really just enter the event would be astronomical. At least you would get “Souvenir Limited Edition Cycle jersey”, let’s just hope it’s good quality.

  3. Karl McCracken on March 10, 2007 at 11:57 pm

    Yep - two hundred quid is a boat load of cash. I’m waiting to see what the email from STI says. If it is £200, then I’ll be the guy standing at the side of the road as you pass Rochester. I’ll cheer and make like it doesn’t matter, but inside I’ll be the green eyed monster!

  4. zappoman on March 11, 2007 at 5:50 pm

    Hello Mr. Bird, my name’s Worm. Did you miss me?

  5. Adrian Fitch on March 12, 2007 at 11:54 am

    Check out this page to try and win an entry from The Guardian. Entries close March 15. The Independent is the official media partner of the British Cyclosportive so expect them to offer places too. Good luck.

  6. Adrian Fitch on March 15, 2007 at 8:50 am

    You may still get your chance as 50 charity fundraising places are available for the British Cyclosportive. Children in Crisis is charging £99 per ticket and asking that participants raise £400 in sponsorship. Read more here.

  7. Another Last Chance to Enter The Tour de France (almost) « Get To The Point on April 4, 2007 at 8:21 am

    [...] I posted about this, whining about the potential cost of entering as part of a ‘package holiday’. And  [...]