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I'm considering entering one of the organised charity rides to Paris in 2012. I don't own a road bike so would probably pop a couple of slicks on my Whyte HT.
Just wondering if any one has done one of these events before and what the experience will be like - will I be surrounded by roadies and completely off the pace or is it survivable?
i know a few people who have done the LtoP. everything is possible but a MTB with slicks would certainly not be my choice especially if i wanted to keep up with those on road bikes, i wouldn't fancy only having one position (no tops/hoods/drops) either.
there may be different LtoP's though? maybe the charity ones are full of nodders on hybrids bimbling along so a mtb will be no handicap?
The Operations Director at my place of work did it last year, on a flat barred BSO that he bought specially for the event - he built up to it by getting as far 60 mile training rides and didn't die - he found it hard though - more training would have sorted that...
I bet there will be plenty of MAMIL's
Depends on the ride. Each one has a pace. For example, the British Legion rides really don't hang about........until they hit the bar!
Completely depends on the actual trip you book on. I rode one years ago on a Spesh Rockhopper with slicks and that was fine.
I guided a couple last year and will be doing more this year (start on Wednesday!). From the guiding perspective, some trips have been 100+ miles per day where everyone used real road bikes and some have been much lower mileage with a mix of bikes and abilities.
You can certainly ride from London to Paris on a MTB with slicks. Just call the organisation before you book and make sure it's not going to be a roadie speed-fest.
Hope that helps!
Cheers all. That helps ...