Stuff I'm taking

Clothing
For race day: Assos shorts & Jersey; Rapha Gilet, defeet socks, shock absorber sports bra, headband, Giro Ionos Helment, Specialized mitts, Nike shades

Pre race days: 2 sets of kit, shorts, jerseys etc.
I'm also taking a cap, a lightweight jacket, arm warmers - just in case the forecast changes.

What I'm carrying
Saddle bag contains: 2 inner tubes, glueless patches, 2 CO2 cartridges & dispenser, Lezyne mini tool, tyre levers, few zip ties, rubber gloves (if I freeze on Ventoux), paracetamol, Torq energy powder canisters, chain link

Tribag contains: Powerbar Apple caffeinated Gels, Clif Peanut butter bars, mobile phone, credit card, few euros, laminate of profile

Jersey pocket contains: More gels and bars, Gilet, Torq energy powder canisters

On bike: Garmin 705, Lezyne mini pump

In Bike Box
Allen keys, spare tyre, spare CO2, spare inner tubes, pedal spanner, chain lube, cable ties, Energy drink, bottles, Joe Blow track pump, chamois cream

Other stuff
Passport, train tickets, campsite details, GARMIN 705 (DO NOT FORGET THIS), ipod, book, money, car hire details, sat nav, shoes, HR strap.....

It's a start, I'm sure that there is more.



I've spent the day sorting out various last minute jobs - including a 100 mile round trip to Rotherham to pick up one of the bike boxes. We have just managed to fit Colin's bike into the first but it wasn't an easy job and led to a bit of marital unrest. At one stage, I was almost going to France on my own! Colin's bike frame is very big but we eventually managed to squeeze it in and calm has descended once again. Getting one of those pedals off was one hell of a job, even with a big pedal spanner.

The steam inhalation and drugs are working - my head feels much clearer. I'm going to take the bike out for a 30 minute spin in the morning (as long as it's not raining). I just want to make sure that the gears are smooth now. Following that I'll do a very quick bike clean, take it apart and load into the case. I need to do a stack of ironing and once school is out, we'll make our way down to Ashford. The kids are staying here with grandparents - I'm really going to miss them.

I hope that now most of the admin is done, I'll be able to sleep soundly tonight.
Tomorrow will probably be my last post before the event - I'm going to tweet from Montelimar though.