Most recent activity
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"The disc brake versions include more internal clearance up to 38mm tires, and can also be custom trimmed for rim brake bikes sporting larger tires."
gravel compatible https://bikerumor.com/2018/09/25/null-winds-aerodefender-carbon-aero-fenders-slice-headwinds-faster-than-aero-wheels/ -
Not envious at all : ) PM / mssg via the TNR site if you've not seen the route files by then, will send them over. Plus I should have edited the cue notes by then.
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Quick update. The road repairs in the Roya valley are progressing well, updates available here
https://www.inforoutes06.fr/
Some sections are on a 1-way alternating system.The re-route needed to navigate the Tende area damage isn't as dramatic as I thought it may need to be. The shorter way off the Tende down the switchbacks is out for now, sadly. The Via del Sale section is now the standard route rather than a longer option and other options before and after it will shorten the route if needed. It's worth it though, a real highlight of the route -
In the Roya valley the lower section of the old route to the Fort de la Forca is closed, revised route goes up an alternative road to reach the same gravel track for the last 9km or so to the Fort de la Forca. It's still a big climb with 1700m gain and the new road section looks more than ok -
New route collection due onto komoot soon, new route cards and DIY TNR patches available late June onwards.
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Chilterns?
edit, yup, rtft -
Near Redbourne? Think I recognise it.
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Yes that highest pass does look like a tough one. Certainly MTB terrain there. Anything that comes up a dotted red line on the OSM Cycle layer is MTB/hike, that and the gradient are the useful signs I think.
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Browsed the WIP route, section around 160-170km area looks interesting.
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Sounds good. Andy Cox / doubletrackfanatic on IG has been riding a lot of this kind of terrain in the last couple of years, I think his routes are on Komoot.
Have a look on dangerousroads.org, that's a great resource for gravel passes and interesting roads.
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Not sure he's really getting to the pro/con point in that video is he. The weight gain thing is a weak argument against 700C, it's only ~7% more than a 650B rim and tyre. 150g, 150ml of water in a bottle.
Structural concerns? Nah.
Geometry concerns maybe, if you're really after something that feels quite road-like or a shorter rider with some specific geometry wants. That mix of geometry and ride feel influence is the main decision maker I think. Gravel bikes do seem to be used around the tipping point between 'Road Plus' and light XC 29er.But not needing roll-over because you 'steer round bumps not ride over them'? What can I say.
Bit of an update. Got the re-routes done now, info via TNR website if of interest.
Tende switchbacks have re-opened to cyclists.
The damaged Roya valley is passable but has a 1-way traffic system, this from a local rider recently:
Riders would need to respect the roadworks and the instructions they find there at the time - it's about safety as much as the reputation of riders. It's a downhill section, on gravel at the moment before the road is fully repaired, and traffic that way is reduced so I doubt it'll be a problem to ride through that 6km section.
You might need to plan for the roadwork delay so you aren't late to Nice if you have a flight to catch.
There are shortcut routes included from this area and from the Col Turini and the cafes in La Brigue are really nice if you have some time to relax there. I sat in the small park by the church for breakfast the last 2 rally rides.