James and Stephs Paris to Barcelona Bike Ride





This blog is the Journal of James and Stephanie's Bike Ride taking place between the 17th and 30th July 2010, an unsupported ride taking in 800 miles of road between Paris and Barcelona, with the addition of the stage 14 tour de france ascents of port de pailheres and/or Ax 3 Domaine... both category 1 climbs!

We are supporting the Starlight Foundation a very worthy charity that grants wishes for terminally ill children

We Raised £10,000 for the starlight foundation
I have been asked a few times if I still have any of the routes / planning docs etc. by people looking to do a similar route - yes I do and happy to share, get in touch at james.cole@indigo-leaf.com


Saturday, 9 January 2010

The Bikes

Well, here is an example of how sometimes the internet can actually mislead rather than aid in research. I have spent several weeks looking into the likely bike configuration needed for the ride, and the internet continually pointed towards touring bikes, a heavy sturdy bike which has the capacity to carry front and rear bike bags, this did not sit well with me as weight should be the most important consideration, and touring bikes are generally steel framed and heavy beasts, and we were all about reducing weight... especially considering the Pyrenees. A few visits to some reputable bike shops has led me to believe we will be able to do the challenge on road bike’s built with speed efficiency and weight as the most important considerations, but with the limitation of a 7 litre handle bar bag and a 7 litre seat post bag. It will be tough surviving on 14 litres of packing space each, but then focussing the mind on only the essentials will be a positive step.

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