A Typical Day
08:00 Buffet Breakfast
Each selected hotel provides a varied and complete breakfast menu to enjoy whilst the support crew prepare your bidons.
09:00 Stage Briefing
You will be given an itinerary card which conveniently fits into your back pocket.
The card provides information and locations of the feed stations, major climbs and emergency contact numbers.
Your GPX maps will have been sent to you several weeks prior to your arrival. Load up your stage map and you’re ready to depart after the briefing.
We tend to ride as a group for the first 50/60kms to the Hydration Stop. The Ride Guide maintains an average pace so as not to stress your legs first thing in the morning.
Those who prefer to ride a quicker pace are welcome to ride off the front.
09:30 Departure
Whilst you’re enjoying the ride with your friends, the Support Crew will transfer your luggage to the next hotel.
They’ll also prepare the first Hydration Station (FS1) and the Lunch Station (FS2).
If you run into difficulty during the day the Broom Wagon will provide assistance.
Or, if you have a major mechanical, the Support Crew will recover you to the next hotel.
We carry a comprehensive set of tools and emergency spares which should fix most problems. However, you should bring some spare tubes, a spare tyre, chain and gear hanger just in case.
11:30 Hydration/Snack Stop – FS1
The Support Crew will refill your bidons and supply you with more energy bars and fruit.
After FS1 the group tends to fracture into smaller groups defined by the pace each group prefers.
However, the Ride Guide will always maintain an average paced group for those who want to ride in an organised peloton.
You’re welcome to form into quicker or slower groups depending on how you want to ride the next 50/60kms to FS2.
14:30 Lunch Stop – FS2
The Support Crew will have prepared a very nourishing and delicious lunch stop. Each day is a different menu.
They’ll also refill your bidons and supply you with more energy bars to sustain you through the last segment of the Stage.
After FS2 the Ride Guide tends to accompany and support those riders towards the back and provide encouragement up the last few climbs of the day!
Cut off times are very generous but if you need a helping hand, the Broom Wagon will take you to the hotel where you can recover, ready for the next day.
17:30 Arrival Stage End Hotel
On arrival you will find you have already been checked in and your suitcase delivered to your room.
The Support Crew will have prepared a Protein Shake for you which is iced on hotter days.
You’ll be handed your Tote Bag in which you would have placed your footwear. In your Tote Bag you will find your Room Key, Stage Card and Energy Bars for the following day.
You will also be supplied a laundry bag in which to place your cycling kit every other day. Your kit will be returned the following morning.
18:00 Sports massage
Each evening you can book yourself in with the massage therapy crew.
This team of qualified sports massage therapists provide a comprehensive programme of treatments and injury prevention strategies (charged by the session).
20:00 DINNER
Every night varied and regional dishes are prepared for you to enjoy. The 3 to 4 courses are created using locally sourced produce and, of course, wine from the region.
