Most recent activity
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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.
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Looking for a base for a road/touring bike that will be using a SS rear and 2 rings up front. Doesn't need to be anything special brand/model wise, would consider anything from decent beater state up to a mint cond Raleigh or similar. As long as it's straight and not dented the spec / fit / geo is what's important.
Must have
- fwd facing semi-sloped dropouts so it can be run singlespeed
- clearance for 700 x 28 and guards or more, plus eyelets
- steel fork
- 57 - 58cm TT
Bonus for
- 126mm rear spacing
- canti posts for bigger tyres
- band-on shifter mounts and FD cable guides i/o brazed-on
- dropout screws for chain tension / axle adjust
- OS tubes, 31.8 DT and 28.6 TT
- A bit more laid back than the trad road >73 HTA
Thanks
- fwd facing semi-sloped dropouts so it can be run singlespeed
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.