L'Etape 2021 The Cancelled Unofficial Edition

Sadly the 2021 version of the L’Etape Australia was cancelled, ad no it wasn’t due to COVID {insert shocked look here}

They had to make the decision based on some cataclysmic weather predicted for race day, but given I was down a couple of days early and the weather the day before seemed fine ... I thought lets get out and ride the course.

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INSTAGRAM: @chrismiller27 @nerocontinental
TWITTER: @chrismiller @nerocontinental
BIKE: Devel Project A01
GROUPSET: Campagnolo
KITS: Rapha Custom
SERVICE & SUPPORT: Cycling Projects Racing

[olivercarpenter]

That climb out the back of Fitzroy Falls, up from the reservoir to Robbo (that you said you’d ideally do) is fantastic, my favourite in the area

[discbrakefan]

Killing me sitting in the booked apartment in Kiama watching this today! But absolutely the right call, the weather came later than expected but would have impacted the final parts for the mortals riding behind the elite group.

Hoping for great weather in early December. The scenery really deserves to be seen properly.

[trevs]

Touched on a topic I've heard plenty of people say > "Why would I pay to go in XYZ, when I can ride those roads some other weekend". So yep, you can go ride whenever you want but when can you ride with appropriate support, closed roads, with a couple of thousand others with all the infrastructure & atmosphere that make LeTape, Peaks, Alpine Classic, Bowral Classic, Fitz's etc.
Exactly, It's not just a day out going for a ride. It's far more than that.

I personally would have much rather LeTape have stayed in Jindabyne and the Alpine Climbs, Ive done all 4 LeTape's so far and think it's a much better place for this, far less disruptions (plus a big Alpine climb) when comparing the two towns & their surrounds.
In one sense the whole of Jindy that w/e has people & bikes everwhere for LeTape, whereas Kiama being a close enough drive from Sydney means more (Sydney siders) would just drive down early on the day. If anyone who's done Peaks at both Falls Creek & the Gold Coast would easily see the difference between those two.
I wonder if Kiama v's Jindy would be similar? will have to wait for the next one to find out :P

The negative info out to the community, "Warning, roads will be closed is a good point. I'm sure any marketing/advertising company wouldn't be promoting the negative aspects of a product but highlight the good. Maybe the local councils that puts these notices out could have a rethink.

[derekcravenPT]

Stay safe over there. I love Kiama, I have some great memories of that place. Here in the north of NZ we’re still having warm, dry summer cycling weather!

[AndrewSmith-cdzf]

Fun fact - the Mayor of Kiama and I did a sighting ride up Berry Mountain, got kicked off due to road works by Shoalhaven Council. The funny bit was that without me saying anything he drew out the ace card and there was no result ( wrong local government area - on your bike son). Really pro cycling council Kiama - so anytime you’re in our LGA feel free to phone the council and ask for me ( our office is like a bicycle depot - and the Mayor leaves his bike in the front Foyer of the building). Looking forwards to part two with fine weather and safer riding - calling off the event was correct as it rained all day and one bike would be ok but many would have produced chaos.

[Sydneyrider_vintagecollectable]

Rather than heading down to the accommodation we’d already booked in Kiama and not ride at all, we bought the Mtb’s down and rode a 30km loop late Saturday morning. Heading down Saddleback was pretty hairy on the Mtb with the driving rain and wind gusts, on 25mm tyres it would have been slow going.

[alfonsolizarazo]

Nice format! I enjoyed this. Probably a good idea to show your favourite routes in this way? Cheers

[bcskitouring]

You are very brave to ride the main road through KV by yourself, especially in the very wet conditions Chris. Stay safe.

[willbeau]

Chris, wicked channel mate. Can you do a video on variety of rides in Sydney? or creating a new loop for you? I think once you do CP to Lapa, Akuna, Northern Beaches Ride, Royal National Park you have practically covered Sydney. I am missing something? Do you have suggestions for finding variety?

[nadgeemark]

Maximum kudos Chris. That’s a challenging ride on a good day. 👍🏼

[cliffordchaperon]

Chris - how did the WTO Bora wheels go in the wet with rim brake bike - especially with the steep descents ?

[seanmaguire]

So Chris, with your local knowledge, what would be your ideal non closed roads L’Etape recce route? Sold on the jacket btw

[spuds]

How did you enjoy Saddleback, did it last year, cracking climb.

[danielmoorhouse]

Hi Chris. Sounds like your pedal situation is resolved. Have i missed how this was achieved?
Thanks.

[scottborg]

What is the name of the Rapha jacket used sounds good ??

[peterpittar]

what what the name and type of rain jacket you used, as it is hard to find a light one that is water proof

[Papaburr]

Chris I heard you say you got your pedals working mate. How’d you reset it?

[michaeljohngradel]

what is your height and the size of the frame? thanks!

[adaml]

Terrible conditions. Did you run lights? Dark clothing - thoughts on hi-vis stuff? Thoughts on cyclists taking a role to be visible on the road - especially your rain jacket? The only bright gear I saw were shoe covers! Good to see drivers giving heaps of room.

[michaelcox]

did you choose to descend Cambewarra instead of Berry Mountain for this video? In seeing the latest route video, I was surprised they chose the Berry Mountain descend for The Race instead of Cambewarra.