Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: javier on 22 September, 2017, 08:18:10 pm

Title: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 22 September, 2017, 08:18:10 pm: The website is now available http://www.alpi4000.it/

It'll be on the 22nd of July 2018
Registration opens October 1st
A maximum of 350 riders
No qualification required
~~1200km~~ 1400km 20000m of climbing I'm seriously considering it.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: drgannet on 22 September, 2017, 08:48:03 pm: 1400km?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 22 September, 2017, 08:57:43 pm: Quote from: drgannet on 22 September, 2017, 08:48:03 pm
1400km?
You are right
Corrected in the original post
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 22 September, 2017, 09:04:19 pm: Interesting, good link. Like that :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 23 September, 2017, 09:04:33 am: Goes through my hometown... got to be good! ;D

Big climbs, but also a lot of flat... on paper (and in my opinion) it looks more doable than MC1K and MP1k. Between Biella and Mantova there is hardly one vertical meter of elevation, it's flatter than the fens.

Too big for me though... :P

Javier, if you drop me a line on my email (remember your wheel builder in Richmond?) I can give you some advice about riding in Valle d'Aosta... there are a couple of things you want to know about prevailing winds, that might save you a hell of a lot of hard work!!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Peter on 23 September, 2017, 11:27:03 am: I've read the link - what's the 4000 about? Is it that the passes are over 4000 metres?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 23 September, 2017, 12:50:49 pm: Thanks for the post, this is the first time I've heard about the ride. My holidays start on Friday 20th July and I may need to pick between this and the Mille Cymru for a July ride. I'll then nee to decide if I want to double up and ride Madrid-Gijón-Madrid 1200 in August as well. I've never ridden any of the ALPI 4000 roads, but it looks like a fantastic route with a mixture of scenery.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Veloman on 23 September, 2017, 12:54:19 pm: Quote from: Peter on 23 September, 2017, 11:27:03 am
I've read the link - what's the 4000 about? Is it that the passes are over 4000 metres?

I assume it is because it passes 2 Apline peaks that are above 4000 metres in height (Gran Paradiso and Pizzo Bernina). Highest passes are nowhere near that height which is just as well as when I used to climb those peaks and others above 4000 metres it was bad enough with having to cycle as well! (4000 metres is an iconic height for Alpine peaks)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Peter on 23 September, 2017, 12:57:17 pm: OK, thanks!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Veloman on 23 September, 2017, 12:58:29 pm: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 23 September, 2017, 12:50:49 pm
Thanks for the post, this is the first time I've heard about the ride. My holidays start on Friday 20th July and I may need to pick between this and the Mille Cymru for a July ride. I'll then nee to decide if I want to double up and ride Madrid-Gijón-Madrid 1200 in August as well. I've never ridden any of the ALPI 4000 roads, but it looks like a fantastic route with a mixture of scenery.

Stelvio and d'Iseran are both very nice and rather iconic passes so far as cycling is concerned. Of course, you don't have to ride 1400km just to ride them, but a very nice looking bike ride (if a also challenging).
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postie on 23 September, 2017, 02:22:55 pm: Its on my list :thumbsup:
Title: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: postrestant on 11 October, 2017, 01:15:20 am: Registration seems to have opened yesterday (10 Oct). http://www.alpi4000.it/en

>>
A Grand Tour through Alps and northern Italy, at the centre of Europe. ALPI 4000 goes around Alps over 4000 high peaks (Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Cervino, Pizzo Bernina), it leads you to the best valleys and the highest passes. You will pass by Italian big lakes (Maggiore lake, Como lake and Garda lake) and cross the padanian plane following the longest Italian river Po.
>>

Partner with 1001 Miglia and 999 Miglia (and 6 + 6 islands in 2019)
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: whosatthewheel on 11 October, 2017, 06:22:03 am: I've seen the route... I come from NW Italy

You will get pretty good views of the Mont Blanc, but not a chance to spot the Cervino (Matterhorn)... for that you d'need to take a diversion and climb another HC col (col st. Pantaleon) ;D dubious you'll see the Gran Paradiso either...

With the exception of the Padana plain, it looks very beautiful
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Zed43 on 11 October, 2017, 08:00:23 am: Am I reading this right that you'll climb the Stelvio after you've done 1400km? wow
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 11 October, 2017, 08:40:05 am: Quote from: Zed43 on 11 October, 2017, 08:00:23 am
Am I reading this right that you'll climb the Stelvio after you've done 1400km? wow
Always warm up properly before strenuous exercise.
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 October, 2017, 09:21:45 am: Stelvio is long but well-graded , with all of those famous hairpins. Mind you, I didn't have 1400km in my legs the time I ascended!
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 October, 2017, 12:24:50 pm: Interested, but the logistics of having to fly, and then take a 2.5hr train ride with a bike box (both ways) are slightly putting me off.
Any comments?

I see the route passes near Turin. That would have made a good start/finish point (as per Rome last year for the 999 mile start).
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: postrestant on 11 October, 2017, 12:40:10 pm: I took the train from Bristol to Rome last year. That was a pain (and a lot more expensive than flying); had to pack the bike at the station in Paris (and vice versa). But if you were flying, you'd already have the bike in a box, and would already be taking public transport into Milan? So not sure it would be much extra effort than to carry the bike in and out of a station, and on and off a train. Mind you, I wasn't using a bike box but a bike bag -- the trains are pretty friendly to bike bags ...
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: veloboy on 11 October, 2017, 02:37:36 pm: Ah, this looks amazing! Of course I was already aware of this after finishing the last 1001 Miglia edition and this past summer's 999 Miglia (South of Rome).

I've pre-registered now (only 10 euro) - Something to loook forward to as I start to plan next year. Looks like the easiest way of transplrt would be fly to Milan or Bergamo and either train / taxi (lots of carrying / transfering with a bulky box) or hire a mid-sized car.
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Manotea on 11 October, 2017, 03:10:29 pm: Ride up from Milan. Another two days cycling in Italy... what's not to like?

I'm hoping the word 'up' is figurative though I suspect it may not be....
Title: Re: Alpi 4000 -- 1450km along -- 20 km up
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 October, 2017, 05:06:06 pm: Quote from: Manotea on 11 October, 2017, 03:10:29 pm
Ride up from Milan. Another two days cycling in Italy... what's not to like?

I'm hoping the word 'up' is figurative though I suspect it may not be....

From a quick look at Google maps, for example:- its 214km from Milan Milpensa to Bormio , with 2693 m of climb, so definitely 'up'. A gentle warm-up? That was a 'walking' route, with warnings about some 'private' roads and a ferry. On the bright side, it will be mainly 'down' back to the airport (or hotel if you store your bike box there).

Car hire from Milan is another option, as Veloboy writes, but expensive to leave it parked up unused during the event.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 11 October, 2017, 05:16:56 pm: Only 10€ guaranties you one of the spots and at discounted price? Too tempting for me, I'm pre-registered.

Alpi 4000 is now one of my priorities for next year. Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 11 October, 2017, 06:58:01 pm: I've paid my 10€ :thumbsup:.

I'll be flying out Friday afternoon / evening.

I read somewhere on the website the organisers were planning on a shuttle from one of the Milan airports.

Ah yes http://www.alpi4000.it/come-raggiungerci

"TRANSFER will be organized (for PAYMENT) for the evening of July 20, which can also carry packed bicycles."
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 11 October, 2017, 07:04:54 pm: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 11 October, 2017, 06:58:01 pm
I've paid my 10€ :thumbsup:.

I'll be flying out Friday afternoon / evening.

I read somewhere on the website the organisers were planning on a shuttle from one of the Milan airports.

Ah yes http://www.alpi4000.it/come-raggiungerci

"TRANSFER will be organized (for PAYMENT) for the evening of July 20, which can also carry packed bicycles."

Two airports actually... Malpensa and Orio al Serio (bergamo)... the latter is a low cost hot spot...Ryanair and the likes fly there
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 October, 2017, 09:23:51 pm: I've registered now. No 256 already :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 12 October, 2017, 01:13:19 pm: Yesterday when I pre-registered, slightly less than 24 hours ago I was no 224
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Zed43 on 12 October, 2017, 05:16:20 pm: Did you get any confirmation besides the one from Paypal? Because I didn't and think this is rather unusual.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 12 October, 2017, 05:28:07 pm: Quote from: Zed43 on 12 October, 2017, 05:16:20 pm
Did you get any confirmation besides the one from Paypal? Because I didn't and think this is rather unusual.

Yes I got an email to info@alpi4000.it and cc myself Pre-Accreditation received. Congratulations your pre-accreditation has been successfully received. It was followed by my name and Country.

Maybe you did a typo in your email address?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: billyam998 on 12 October, 2017, 06:40:33 pm: either the site has crashed or, they have closed registrations. ???
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: billyam998 on 12 October, 2017, 07:48:10 pm: Quote from: billyam998 on 12 October, 2017, 06:40:33 pm
either the site has crashed or, they have closed registrations. ???

I got a very nice note telling me the site was open again, entry no 304 - gulps.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 13 October, 2017, 03:03:12 pm: On the list 327. :D
Initial plan (not really planned at all) is to incorporate as part of a few weeks riding in Europe.
Just need to investigate a fun route down there now.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Von Broad on 15 October, 2017, 12:43:23 pm: You wait till I see that Manotea bloke! I got sucked into this project while riding the Nyctophobic yesterday.
[And that was bad enough] This caused a short circuit and I got ideas about building a dual 20" folding/suitcase recumbent to do the ride. I am so not suited to this kind of event it's absurd.

It sounds like a really terrific grand tour though - and getting a bit bored with riding over here, it's time to travel outside the box and liven things up a bit!

Still, at 351....didn't quite make it :-)
[wipes brow]
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 15 October, 2017, 11:05:47 pm: Quote from: Von Broad on 15 October, 2017, 12:43:23 pm
Still, at 351....didn't quite make it :-)
[wipes brow]

On the website it says entries limited to 450, not 350!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Manotea on 15 October, 2017, 11:35:56 pm: My impression was the initial entrty was limited to 350 at net 200EUR with the residual being offered down the line at a 300Eur (but i could be wrong...)

Here s hoping I make it pass the first control next year. No more heatwaves please!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Zed43 on 16 October, 2017, 02:29:49 pm: There are currently 374 riders pre-accredited (http://www.alpi4000.it/en/preiscritti). Relatively speaking many from the Russian Federation, Thailand and Japan.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 16 October, 2017, 02:54:45 pm: Quote from: Manotea on 15 October, 2017, 11:35:56 pm
My impression was the initial entrty was limited to 350 at net 200EUR with the residual being offered down the line at a 300Eur (but i could be wrong...)

Here s hoping I make it pass the first control next year. No more heatwaves please!

It's not even a case of heatwaves anymore. Any day from late june to late August in Italy goes above 30 degrees, with very few exceptions. During heatwaves it gets to 38-40. It has changed from 20 years ago, when the norm was 28 and the exceptional was 33
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 16 October, 2017, 04:27:18 pm: Presumably the main heat may be on the Padana Plain. One to ride at night? Last time I was at the Passo delle Stelvio, it was sunny, but at 2757m, apparently that doesn't happen very often. Likewise on the Col d'Iseran at 2770m. I'm sure it will be a both challenging and very beautiful route, given reasonable weather. Of course the latter is always unpredictable in the mountains. Nice also to visit Italy, France and Switzerland on the same ride.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 16 October, 2017, 05:44:02 pm: Quote from: Pete Mas on 16 October, 2017, 04:27:18 pm
Presumably the main heat may be on the Padana Plain. One to ride at night? Last time I was at the Passo delle Stelvio, it was sunny, but at 2757m, apparently that doesn't happen very often. Likewise on the Col d'Iseran at 2770m. I'm sure it will be a both challenging and very beautiful route, given reasonable weather. Of course the latter is always unpredictable in the mountains. Nice also to visit Italy, France and Switzerland on the same ride.

The heat is everywhere... of course above 2000 metres is fresh. The Aosta valley is a furnace in July and you'll have a stiff headwind in the afternoon going east... that is a good one to do at night, when the wind switches direction.

The padana plain is hot and humid... night is better, but I'd avoid riding at night over the weekends in the densely populated areas... lots of drunk and high teenagers driving around going from club to club
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 16 October, 2017, 06:00:31 pm: Thanks for the information.

Will be interesting to see how much climbing there will be when the route is finalised. Currently it says 20,000m+. Last year, for the 999 Miles Ride, the final amount of climb was quite a lot more than the initial estimate, as I recall.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 16 October, 2017, 07:00:50 pm: Quote from: Pete Mas on 16 October, 2017, 06:00:31 pm
Thanks for the information.

Will be interesting to see how much climbing there will be when the route is finalised. Currently it says 20,000m+. Last year, for the 999 Miles Ride, the final amount of climb was quite a lot more than the initial estimate, as I recall.

Don't think it will be over 20K... the Padana plain is seriously flat
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postie on 16 October, 2017, 08:41:04 pm: I am in , number 385. Veloboy has a lot to answer for!!!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Angstbremser on 18 October, 2017, 11:57:38 am: Quote from: postie on 16 October, 2017, 08:41:04 pm
I am in , number 385. Veloboy has a lot to answer for!!!
So it will be you as well. Looking at the preregistered list, this will be one fun reunion.

Astonishing how quickly it filled up. I wonder if everybody knew what exactly thex were signing up for.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 18 October, 2017, 01:20:02 pm: Quote from: Angstbremser on 18 October, 2017, 11:57:38 am
Quote from: postie on 16 October, 2017, 08:41:04 pm
I am in , number 385. Veloboy has a lot to answer for!!!
So it will be you as well. Looking at the preregistered list, this will be one fun reunion.

Astonishing how quickly it filled up. I wonder if everybody knew what exactly thex were signing up for.

I supposed some will be disappointed it's not 4000 Km... ;D
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postrestant on 18 October, 2017, 02:22:37 pm: Quote from: Zed43 on 16 October, 2017, 02:29:49 pm
There are currently 374 riders pre-accredited (http://www.alpi4000.it/en/preiscritti). Relatively speaking many from the Russian Federation, Thailand and Japan.

The registration page today gives (roughly):

Italy      98
Germany      24
Thailand   18
France      15
UK      14
Belgium      11
Russia      9
Spain      9
USA      8
Netherlands   6
Taiwan      5
Austria      2
Greece      2
Japan      2
Philippines   2
Bosnia      1
Canada      1
Croatia      1
India      1
Ireland      1
Romania      1
South Africa   1
Sweden      1

Who's maddest for Audax by population? Belgium 1 / 1 million population, Netherlands 2.8, Germany 3.4, Thailand 3.8. Italy, at 0.6, would win, but are excluded owing to home advantage.

But perhaps we should control for distance? Thailand must have a pretty good claim in that case. I'll leave the maths to someone else.

(The 999 Miglia was more diverse, I think; but maybe the registration proper will see more of a mix.)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 18 October, 2017, 03:11:58 pm: You missed Jamaica (although the name sounds Italian...Enrico Monti). Also I saw at least 13 listed from Japan, not 2?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postrestant on 18 October, 2017, 07:46:18 pm: Ah. The page I used gave a single list, but was from (I now notice) 11/10/17. The more up to date page is broken up into 'sheets' of 50 or so riders. So, counting up my list, there's almost another 200 riders to add. So the list above is early birds / the organized / the networked.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postrestant on 18 October, 2017, 10:09:40 pm: More up to date, but the lists still have gaps (total in this count 351):

Italy      161
Germany      33
UK      22
Thailand   19
France      16
Japan      16
Russian Federation   16
Belgium      11
USA      11
Spain      10
Netherlands   6
Austria      5
Taiwan      5
Greece      3
Sweden      3
Denmark      2
Australia   1
Bosnia & Herzegovina   1
Canada      1
Colombia   1
Croatia      1
India      1
Ireland      1
Jamaica      1
Lithuania   1
Philippines   1
Romania      1
South Africa   1

By population: Italy 1 per .3 million, Belgium 1 per million, Austria 1.7, Germany 2.4, Netherlands 2.8, Denmark 2.8, Jamaica 2.8, UK, Sweden, Bosnia &H, Thailand, Greece in the 3s, France, Croatia, Spain, Taiwan, Ireland in the 4s, Japan 7, Russia 8, Romania 19, Australia 24, USA 29, Canada 36 ... Thailand very well represented ...
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 18 October, 2017, 10:53:42 pm: Low numbers for Spain I'd say, but I think that can be attributed to MGM expected in August 2018
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 21 October, 2017, 03:52:50 pm: Quote from: javier on 18 October, 2017, 10:53:42 pm
Low numbers for Spain I'd say, but I think that can be attributed to MGM expected in August 2018

Simple - ride both :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 21 October, 2017, 04:27:35 pm: That's exactly what I think. Alpi 4000 is set in my calendar but when more details about MGM are announced I'll give the idea of riding both serious consideration.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: RobW on 24 October, 2017, 07:10:20 am: Couldn't resist - I'm in!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: RobW on 24 October, 2017, 12:21:59 pm: Found this interesting link on a facebook search:

https://www.relive.cc/view/r9106012108/explore

No idea if accurate ITO have route. Not found a GPX, but did reply on FB whether there was one.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: ian_oli on 30 October, 2017, 12:51:01 pm: Phew! Just got in #426. I have already booked an entry for the Tour d'Etape on the 8th July and as I will be retired by then, the time in between that and the 4000 is my own.
I did the Stelvio when I did TCR02, so I had the ride from London in my legs and didn't find it too bad, just long and bloody cold at the top - it was raining hard. It was tricky going back down the same way, I had just put on new brake blocks and they were almost completely useless in the wet, so I went off the end of the first hairpin - harmless but tiresome, thus I had to take it really slow until the bends ended.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: RobW on 31 October, 2017, 05:20:12 am: Quote from: ian_oli on 30 October, 2017, 12:51:01 pm
It was tricky going back down the same way, I had just put on new brake blocks and they were almost completely useless in the wet, so I went off the end of the first hairpin - harmless but tiresome, thus I had to take it really slow until the bends ended.

I switched to discs for TCR05 - didn't fancy combination of steep descents, wet, possibly dark, hands weakened with palsey, and heavily laden bike. Also wore through a set of pads part way and had to put spare set in. Bike should be a bit less loaded for Alpi 4000, but will still carry spares given the hills we're going over
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 10 January, 2018, 09:43:16 pm: I had an email earlier today this ride and so I'm now properly paid up; 190€ for the ride and 10€ for the bag drop. There was also an optional jersey (45€), but the design didn't inspire me enough to add to my collection.

(http://www.alpi4000.it/sites/default/files/2018-01/maglia_r.png)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 10 January, 2018, 09:57:27 pm: Before i pay can anyone offer any advice on the medical note required for the entry,
It appears more than just a scribbled note from a friendly GP is required, cheers.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 10 January, 2018, 09:59:26 pm: I noted the medical thing and figured I'd deal with that when the time arrives....... I know that is a totally unhelpful answer!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 11 January, 2018, 07:31:04 am: The law has changed in Italy a few years back. These days for any organised bicycle ride exceeding 20 km, a full medical is needed, which has to include an ECG. The old doctor's note is no longer enough.
How this is administered to foreign riders is more of a mystery. Some events have forms that you can download and pass on to your GP.

Anyway, it is a ballache, although I appreciate the good intentions
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 11 January, 2018, 10:24:08 am: Cheers. That does indeed sound like a right faff. Hey ho, I guess it'll just mean paying a silly amount of money in order to gain that sorted ::-).
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 11 January, 2018, 11:05:52 am: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 11 January, 2018, 10:24:08 am
Cheers. That does indeed sound like a right faff. Hey ho, I guess it'll just mean paying a silly amount of money in order to gain that sorted ::-).

It might not be that bad. It's the same for the Eroica and I haven't heard much moaning on forums about it, which means possibly foreigners get away lightly. Ultimately it is down to your GP to sign the form and some GPs might be satisfied that you meet the requirements without having to go through a full medical. You don't have to physically submit your ECG for scrutiny from the organiser.
Equally, it might well be that your GP doesn't want to sign it or requests that you undergo an ECG at your own expense.

As always in these cases, the last resort is forgery, which has been common practice for years in events like "La Marmotte" but we don't talk about it... ;D
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 January, 2018, 12:41:32 pm: Quote from: whosatthewheel on 11 January, 2018, 11:05:52 am
Quote from: αdαmsκι on 11 January, 2018, 10:24:08 am
Cheers. That does indeed sound like a right faff. Hey ho, I guess it'll just mean paying a silly amount of money in order to gain that sorted ::-).

It might not be that bad. It's the same for the Eroica and I haven't heard much moaning on forums about it, which means possibly foreigners get away lightly. Ultimately it is down to your GP to sign the form and some GPs might be satisfied that you meet the requirements without having to go through a full medical. You don't have to physically submit your ECG for scrutiny from the organiser.
Equally, it might well be that your GP doesn't want to sign it or requests that you undergo an ECG at your own expense.

As always in these cases, the last resort is forgery, which has been common practice for years in events like "La Marmotte" but we don't talk about it... ;D

I agree. It wasn't too bad with a similar ride in the series ( 999 Miles )last year. I downloaded a medical form template from the Eroica website called 'Health Certificate for cardiovascular intensive sport activity (cycling races/events). 'The subject , according to clinical investigations carried out, doesn't present any contraindication related to sport to cardiovascular intensive activity. (cycling races/events).' The doctor, who knows my history of entering insane cycling events, charged about £30 to sign. It was accepted without question when scanned across.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postie on 11 January, 2018, 02:33:50 pm: I did my own doctors note last year, worked no problem :thumbsup:

No need worry, no medical needed.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 January, 2018, 04:05:48 pm: Quote from: postie on 11 January, 2018, 02:33:50 pm
I did my own doctors note last year, worked no problem :thumbsup:

No need worry, no medical needed.

I wasn't going to say that - in case the organisers view this forum... ;)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 11 January, 2018, 06:27:06 pm: so sounds like last years (other) event in this series was happy with a scanned form, good to know :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 January, 2018, 08:15:18 pm: I just looked at the Registration Form link for this year's event, and the medical form we have to get completed is available as a link there, and is also very similar in wording to the Eroica one I quoted in my post above.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 13 January, 2018, 05:22:48 pm: Just finished completing my registration and have payment confirmation. Really easy and straightforward!
There’s always a way to get the ‘right’ medical certificate! :thumbsup:
More of a logistical problem is getting to Bormio, from any of the three airports near Milan! ::-)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Manotea on 16 January, 2018, 01:16:27 pm: I was playing with the idea of cycling out... Google's not much good for route planning though.... apparently a lot of the direct roads to Bormio are closed at the moment for some reason.

So much for Swiss efficiency!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 16 January, 2018, 01:41:34 pm: I have just scanned the small print on the website and FAQ says a 'Malpensa-Bormio airport shuttle will be arranged for a fee. In May timetables and rates will be communicated.'
This is different from their original plan, I think. :facepalm: I had already booked a Ryanair flight to Milan Bergamo al Serio, which is the closest airport at 190km - Malpensa is 250km. So now I'll have to hire a car I guess, unless they decide to run a shuttle to/from Milan Bergamo as well ...Anyone want to share a car?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 16 January, 2018, 02:45:55 pm: Quote from: Manotea on 16 January, 2018, 01:16:27 pm
I was playing with the idea of cycling out... Google's not much good for route planning though.... apparently a lot of the direct roads to Bormio are closed at the moment for some reason.

So much for Swiss efficiency!

Pretty hard to keep a mountain pass open when you get a foot of fresh snow a day... round here they can't even cope with an inch of snow in one winter

Use Strava or ridewithgps maybe?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: maxap on 16 January, 2018, 02:49:25 pm: Hello,

Anyone know whether tribars will be OK for this ride?

All I can find in the rules is: "All two/three wheel-means are admitted. Handlebars and muscle strength pedals propulsion are required. "

Thanks
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: ian_oli on 16 January, 2018, 04:15:52 pm: Quote from: Pete Mas on 16 January, 2018, 01:41:34 pm
I have just scanned the small print on the website and FAQ says a 'Malpensa-Bormio airport shuttle will be arranged for a fee. In May timetables and rates will be communicated.'
This is different from their original plan, I think. :facepalm: I had already booked a Ryanair flight to Milan Bergamo al Serio, which is the closest airport at 190km - Malpensa is 250km. So now I'll have to hire a car I guess, unless they decide to run a shuttle to/from Milan Bergamo as well ...Anyone want to share a car?

There's a train service to Tirano, which is 40k down the valley from Bormio. There is a bus service onwards - no idea if it takes bikes if you have stuff you cannot carry by bike. The cost of having a hire car sitting around Bormio for a week will be quite high.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 16 January, 2018, 04:58:24 pm: Quote from: ian_oli on 16 January, 2018, 04:15:52 pm
Quote from: Pete Mas on 16 January, 2018, 01:41:34 pm
I have just scanned the small print on the website and FAQ says a 'Malpensa-Bormio airport shuttle will be arranged for a fee. In May timetables and rates will be communicated.'
This is different from their original plan, I think. :facepalm: I had already booked a Ryanair flight to Milan Bergamo al Serio, which is the closest airport at 190km - Malpensa is 250km. So now I'll have to hire a car I guess, unless they decide to run a shuttle to/from Milan Bergamo as well ...Anyone want to share a car?

There's a train service to Tirano, which is 40k down the valley from Bormio. There is a bus service onwards - no idea if it takes bikes if you have stuff you cannot carry by bike. The cost of having a hire car sitting around Bormio for a week will be quite high.

Thanks, Ian, the good news is I have remembered that I booked a flexible return leg of the flight, so I could cycle it or change the return to be from Malpensa, (thus take the organiser's shuttle from Bormio). If I cycle I would need to use my heavier bike, though, with a pannier rack (which I was hoping to avoid).
It's early days yet and their plans for a shuttle aren't finalised yet.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Robert Charbonnier on 17 January, 2018, 03:40:24 pm: Quote from: ian_oli on 16 January, 2018, 04:15:52 pm
Quote from: Pete Mas on 16 January, 2018, 01:41:34 pm
I have just scanned the small print on the website and FAQ says a 'Malpensa-Bormio airport shuttle will be arranged for a fee. In May timetables and rates will be communicated.'
This is different from their original plan, I think. :facepalm: I had already booked a Ryanair flight to Milan Bergamo al Serio, which is the closest airport at 190km - Malpensa is 250km. So now I'll have to hire a car I guess, unless they decide to run a shuttle to/from Milan Bergamo as well ...Anyone want to share a car?

There's a train service to Tirano, which is 40k down the valley from Bormio. There is a bus service onwards - no idea if it takes bikes if you have stuff you cannot carry by bike. The cost of having a hire car sitting around Bormio for a week will be quite high.
Bikes are allowed on the Tirano - Bormio buses, I already used them going to the Valtellina Extreme Brevet. I wonder though if there will be enough space for bikes if many riders arrive by the same train the day of the Alpi 4000.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Humpdoc on 24 January, 2018, 07:14:34 pm: I have a flight from Manchester landing in at about 15:00 on Friday. I have provisionally booked a hire car given the issues getting from Milan to Bormio. Return flight on Saturday at 14:30. May be interested in sharing costs.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 14 February, 2018, 05:30:28 pm: Quote from: Manotea on 16 January, 2018, 01:16:27 pm
I was playing with the idea of cycling out... Google's not much good for route planning though.... apparently a lot of the direct roads to Bormio are closed at the moment for some reason.

So much for Swiss efficiency!

That's my plan too. Just have to decide on a route, I haven't done much Germany but that could be saved for the return trip.
All paid up and just seen the route pages on the website, looks great. I presume there will be GPX files available
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Manotea on 16 February, 2018, 12:01:41 pm: Quote from: Jack_P (Burlycross) on 14 February, 2018, 05:30:28 pm
Quote from: Manotea on 16 January, 2018, 01:16:27 pm
I was playing with the idea of cycling out... Google's not much good for route planning though.... apparently a lot of the direct roads to Bormio are closed at the moment for some reason.

So much for Swiss efficiency!

That's my plan too. Just have to decide on a route, I haven't done much Germany but that could be saved for the return trip.
All paid up and just seen the route pages on the website, looks great. I presume there will be GPX files available
Regretfully, I've let the complete preregistration deadline pass without me. Too much else going on to be able to commit to the event. I still hope to see some mountains sometime this year. Just not on the ALPi4000. <<sadface>>
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 01 March, 2018, 10:09:38 pm: In case anyone hasn't noticed it there's now a load more information on the website regarding the route: http://www.alpi4000.it/en/tappe
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Von Broad on 01 March, 2018, 10:14:56 pm: Quote from: Manotea on 16 February, 2018, 12:01:41 pm
Regretfully, I've let the complete preregistration deadline pass without me. Too much else going on to be able to commit to the event. I still hope to see some mountains sometime this year. Just not on the ALPi4000. <<sadface>>

Same here.
But I have an excuse - I can blame you for getting me interested in the first place? It's not my fault! Remember the conversation? ;D

Looks a terrific ride. I'm nowhere near what is necessary to be a serious contender.
Best wishes to all who take part.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 03 March, 2018, 11:56:20 am: Stage 8 takes in the climb to Andrate (steep at 8-10%, then steady 6-7% then steep again after the village) and then the classic SS Tracciolino road, with the first 3 km being on gravel, but rideable with any tyre. The road is then paved, it is stunning and climbs up gently to the Oropa sanctuary (Unesco World Heritage site) before a fast descent down to Biella...

Stunning road that and one of my locals back in Italy!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: LMT on 03 March, 2018, 10:47:32 pm: Sometimes when you lose you actually win. I won't get to ride Leith Hill in the Ride 100 this year due to me not getting a place, instead it'll be the Stelvio pass. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 10 April, 2018, 04:44:40 pm: Information about the transfers from MXP and BGY to Bormino have appeared on the website, see here: http://www.alpi4000.it/en/transfer

FRIDAY 20TH JULY 2018

11.00 AM
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM MILAN MALPENSA TO BORMIO
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO TO BORMIO

07.00 PM
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM MILAN MALPENSA TO BORMIO
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO TO BORMIO

SATURDAY 21TH JULY 2018

1.00 PM
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM MILAN MALPENSA TO BORMIO
1 BUS WITH BIKE CARRIAGE FROM BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO TO BORMIO

I don't land in MXP until 9:20pm (and that's assuming Ryanair aren't delayed....) so I'll be hoping to get a space on the Saturday service from MXP. At least I'll have plenty of time on the Saturday morning to build up the bike.

Next job is to find a hotel room at MXP for the Friday night.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 10 April, 2018, 11:06:32 pm: That's excellent news about the transfers. :thumbsup:

Aiming for the Friday 11am bus plus bike transfer from Bergamo Orio Al Serio on the 20th and return on Sunday noon on the 29th. I switched my (flexi) Ryanair flight to Sunday evening.
The amount of detail and information in the route section is amazing. Total 1518km and 21,162 m climb. I might need to up my game considerably to even get back to Bormio in time for the transfer ;)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 11 April, 2018, 09:51:32 pm: It's an interesting proposition and good to see the organisers have are offering a direct transfer :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

At 11:00, the departure time is a little early - in fact too lat for my flight from LGW that arrive MXP 12:30. I could change to an earlier flight, but even that only arrives MXP 09:55 - not much time to wait and collect bike box and checked bag, and make the bus for an 11:00 departure!

I suspect this option will appeal to those traveling alone. I worked out the cost of a mid-sized hire car Friday 20/07 to Friday 27/07 at about £200 (or £235 returning Sat 28/07). Split between two travelling together, it's not much of an uplift in price (bar a tank of petrol). If you book through a brokerage, you get a much better price and full insurance included, so hassle free and no worries!

I will consult my travelling companion Postie, and make a decision soon!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 17 April, 2018, 03:15:04 pm: I've booked my bus transfer and it was very easy using the ALPI4000 website and PayPal. There wasn't any options to select which transfer I needed, but I had an email asking for that information and it's now all confirmed.

I'm impressed. :thumbsup:

Right, just need to remember how to ride a bike as running had been getting in the way since November.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 22 May, 2018, 06:56:30 pm: I've just been looking at some of the options for accommodation for the day before the ride :o Hopefully if I keep looking I can find something a bit cheaper than what a quick search indicates.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: javier on 22 May, 2018, 07:21:27 pm: Is anyone looking for transfer alternatives to and from Malpensa to the one provided by the organization?

Transfer options offered by the organizers don't work with the flights Julian and myself have booked so we ended up making a booking with a taxi driver based in Bormio. He can take three cyclists and three bicycles in his vehicle so if anyone wants to share the ride a place is available.

The pickup would be in Malpensa on Friday 20th of July at 14:20
The return would be in Bormio on Saturday 28th of July at 6:30

The total price would be 200€ each of us if we are three passengers.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 23 May, 2018, 12:36:01 pm: I've found an Airbnb place in town for the Saturday night. It's a twin room. ~~I'm happy to have it to myself but equally if anyone needs somewhere to stay then drop me a PM.~~
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: ian_oli on 02 June, 2018, 06:42:22 pm: I am going to drop out - I started the year at zero fitness and while my efforts have made me a good deal fitter it's not enough to enjoy the event. If someone wants my place PM me as soon as possible, I pay a lower cancellation and perhaps (and I stress perhaps) you pay a lower entry fee.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 13 June, 2018, 04:56:09 pm: Half of the Col d'Iseran will open tomorrow :thumbsup: Hopefully the other half will open before we arrive!

https://twitter.com/valdisere/status/1006925922644185088?s=19
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 13 June, 2018, 05:41:29 pm: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 13 June, 2018, 04:56:09 pm
Half of the Col d'Iseran will open tomorrow :thumbsup: Hopefully the other half will open before we arrive!

https://twitter.com/valdisere/status/1006925922644185088?s=19

By July they are all open... shouldn't be a worry at all
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 13 June, 2018, 05:54:40 pm: Time to get your medical certificates!Or self-cert as the case may be (in some cases)...Good Luck.
Look at the Alpi site or see the email - I received one yesterday.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Phil W on 13 June, 2018, 09:16:33 pm: Quote from: whosatthewheel on 13 June, 2018, 05:41:29 pm
Quote from: αdαmsκι on 13 June, 2018, 04:56:09 pm
Half of the Col d'Iseran will open tomorrow :thumbsup: Hopefully the other half will open before we arrive!

https://twitter.com/valdisere/status/1006925922644185088?s=19

By July they are all open... shouldn't be a worry at all

Usually has 8 foot high snow banks on Bonneval-sur-arc side in early July. But road will be open for sure.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 15 June, 2018, 02:04:15 pm: Quote from: Pete Mas on 13 June, 2018, 05:54:40 pm
Time to get your medical certificates!Or self-cert as the case may be (in some cases)...Good Luck.
Look at the Alpi site or see the email - I received one yesterday.

My medical certificate confirmation / approval has arrived now! O:-) :smug:
Don't forget you need to get your medical certificate scanned to Data Health and approved by the end of June if you are taking part in the ride! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 30 June, 2018, 08:27:15 pm: I've extracted the gpx files from Openrunner (which is where the ALPI 4000 files are hosted), downsampled them using Phil W's application (https://simple-gpx.herokuapp.com) and uploaded them to a google site from where you can download them: click (https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000).

Files are viewable on bikehike.

Stage 1 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%201%20to%20Passo%20Bernina.gpx)
Stage 2 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%202%20to%20Chiavenna.gpx)
Stage 3 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%203%20to%20Laveno.gpx)
Stage 4 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%204%20to%20Biella.gpx)
Stage 5 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%205%20to%20Venaria%20Reale.gpx)
Stage 6 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%206%20to%20Lanslebourg.gpx)
Stage 7 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%207%20to%20La%20Thuile.gpx)
Stage 8 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%208%20to%20Biella.gpx)
Stage 9 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%209%20to%20Pavia.gpx)
Stage 10 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2010%20to%20Piadena.gpx)
Stage 11 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2011%20to%20Pieve%20di%20Coriano.gpx)
Stage 12 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2012%20to%20Valeggio%20sul%20Mincio.gpx)
Stage 13 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2013%20to%20Tremosine.gpx)
Stage 14 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2014%20to%20Spormaggiore.gpx)
Stage 15 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2015%20to%20Silandro.gpx)
Stage 16 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2016%20to%20Bormio.gpx)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 03 July, 2018, 03:57:56 pm: Medical approval recieved, time to start thinking about this properly and plan a route out there :facepalm: just Mille Pennines to survive first.

Good work on the routes there Adamski
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: whosatthewheel on 03 July, 2018, 05:04:04 pm: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 30 June, 2018, 08:27:15 pm
I've extracted the gpx files from Openrunner (which is where the ALPI 4000 files are hosted), downsampled them using Phil W's application (https://simple-gpx.herokuapp.com) and uploaded them to a google site from where you can download them: click (https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000).

Files are viewable on bikehike.

Stage 1 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%201%20to%20Passo%20Bernina.gpx)
Stage 2 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%202%20to%20Chiavenna.gpx)

Stage 3 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%203%20to%20Laveno.gpx)
Stage 4 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%204%20to%20Biella.gpx)
Stage 5 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%205%20to%20Venaria%20Reale.gpx)
Stage 6 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%206%20to%20Lanslebourg.gpx)
Stage 7 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%207%20to%20La%20Thuile.gpx)
Stage 8 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%208%20to%20Biella.gpx)
Stage 9 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%209%20to%20Pavia.gpx)
Stage 10 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2010%20to%20Piadena.gpx)
Stage 11 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2011%20to%20Pieve%20di%20Coriano.gpx)
Stage 12 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2012%20to%20Valeggio%20sul%20Mincio.gpx)
Stage 13 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2013%20to%20Tremosine.gpx)
Stage 14 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2014%20to%20Spormaggiore.gpx)
Stage 15 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2015%20to%20Silandro.gpx)
Stage 16 (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/alpi4000/Alpi%2016%20to%20Bormio.gpx)

Stage 8 is where I come from... I love how bikehike's elevation profile makes it look so easy... :-)

The "descent from Pre St. Didier to Settimo Vittone can be quite taxing in daylight hours, as the thermal channels through the narrow valley and in places you have a wall of wind... much easier in the dark or very early morning.

The climb from Settimo is steep at the bottom... then eases... after Andrate there is a gravel section of about 3 km... in fairly good state, I've always done it with 23 mm tyres. Then you get to Oropa, which is a truly magnificent sanctuary in the mountains
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Humpdoc on 03 July, 2018, 09:24:33 pm: Awesome thanks!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 09 July, 2018, 09:10:20 pm: I'm starting to think about what clothing to take with me on this ride, especially considering the possibility of changeable weather conditions in the mountains.Last year on the 999 Miles ride in Southern Italy the weather was set fair, so I left my warmer waterproof/and reflective in the drop-bag, and suffered when the weather turned at the end.

I've luckily got an airlight down vest (bodywarmer) from my company Gant, which is light and packs down quite small. I think I'll take that for any emergency cool conditions and a fairly light but windproof waterproof (DHB) that I would use for all-day wet conditions, plus the PBP 2015 Reflective jacket, plus armwarmers and 'rainlegs' to keep the legs warm, and lightweight long-fingered gloves.

What is everyone else taking and perhaps whosatthewheel has some advice?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: frillipippi on 10 July, 2018, 09:30:39 am: Quote from: Pete Mas on 09 July, 2018, 09:10:20 pm
I'm starting to think about what clothing to take with me on this ride, especially considering the possibility of changeable weather conditions in the mountains.Last year on the 999 Miles ride in Southern Italy the weather was set fair, so I left my warmer waterproof/and reflective in the drop-bag, and suffered when the weather turned at the end.

I've luckily got an airlight down vest (bodywarmer) from my company Gant, which is light and packs down quite small. I think I'll take that for any emergency cool conditions and a fairly light but windproof waterproof (DHB) that I would use for all-day wet conditions, plus the PBP 2015 Reflective jacket, plus armwarmers and 'rainlegs' to keep the legs warm, and lightweight long-fingered gloves.

What is everyone else taking and perhaps whosatthewheel has some advice?

(I live in Italy, close to the center of the loop of Alpi 4000)

Don't forget the lapse rate: the route highest point is at about 2,770 m, the lowest almost at sea level, you can expect 18°C of difference just because of the height. You might have to face snow at Passo dello Stelvio (at the end of July it's improbable but not impossible) while the lowest part of the route, the Po Valley, can easily reach 36°C at daytime, and is usually very moisty to make things worse.
You'll meet really high mountain passes (2,000 m or so) in stages 1, 2, 6, 7 and 16.
The (optional) bag drop in Biella is at the end of stage 4 and 8, so it splits the route in three parts, but none of them is without high mountains, so you can't pick up/leave all your warm clothes at the bag drop, because you need them in all of the three parts.
My suggestion is to try and organize your ride so that you pass through the Po Valley (mainly stages 9 to 12) during the night/early morning, and on the contrary don't plan to ride in the late night in the mountains: apart from the cold, you would miss the scenery.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Phil W on 10 July, 2018, 04:02:16 pm: It was 7C here in the Dolomites at 2,300m at 11pm last night. Will let you know what we get on Thursday night when sleeping back up higher again. Afternoon storms came in today at 3:30pm. There are big sections of snow higher up in a few places.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 July, 2018, 03:25:25 pm: Thanks both for the information/analysis - very useful.

Fortunately I have ridden both the Stelvio and Col D'Iseran in the last 3 years, but not during a long self-supported audax ride.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 16 July, 2018, 10:37:15 am: There is now a Facebook Group for Alpi 4000, with a lot of useful information, including...to paraphrase,'Don't forget to print out the disclaimer form and take it along to Registration'.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 16 July, 2018, 08:52:05 pm: Doh that's Handy as I'm halfway across France. I'm sure some helpfull sole will print off a blank copy for me to sign there.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 16 July, 2018, 10:13:20 pm: Very useful detailed communication from the organisers today:

"Apart from the offered menú you will have the possibility to buy other food and drinks at checkpoints:

Beer, soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, ice creams and vitamins."

I do like the order of priorities here!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 17 July, 2018, 07:11:02 am: Is vitamins a translation of salbutamol?
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 20 July, 2018, 08:28:11 pm: The 30 min descent into Bormio in a storm this evening was a tester. After a 1500km trip to get here in baking heat doubly so. 11 degs and wet hurt. Luckily rescued by Ostello Alpino, great food and beers with other competitors and all is good. 1 day recovery should do the trick you think
😅
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 20 July, 2018, 11:28:30 pm: Pissing down in Milan this evening. It was a bumpy flight over.

Transfer leaves MXP at 1pm so I'll be in Bormio so time after 4pm. See people then :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 23 July, 2018, 03:54:30 am: Myself and Rima's we're directed to the dirmitorio for CP3 as we didn't fancy the ferry and a late ride to the bag drop. It was a hotel, fantastic night's sleep and some breakfast snacks before the first 5.30 ferry
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 23 July, 2018, 08:56:05 pm: I'm in a hotel a the bottom of the Col d'Iseran with veloboy and postie as we didn't want to find out how cold it can be at 2700+ m at 11pm!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Humpdoc on 25 July, 2018, 11:56:15 am: Myself and Javier have made good time and are now baking in the Po Valley we have 1100km in the bank after 3 1/2 days so are slowing down to be cycle tourists now!

Planning to climb the Stelvio on Friday morning to complete this brutal but epic ride.

Several abandons already. Good luck out there guys!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 25 July, 2018, 06:08:16 pm: 7pm Wednesday and Veloboy, postie and I are in Piadena. 1016 km done, I think. Definitely Piadena!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 25 July, 2018, 10:14:27 pm: Just having a beer in piadena 11pm, that's after watching the whole of this afternoon's tour stage for a chilled day, no stress
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 26 July, 2018, 10:49:29 pm: Veloboy, postie and I are staying in Dro Rohit, leaving us with 220 km / three hills for tomorrow [Friday]
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: GrahamG on 27 July, 2018, 03:52:27 pm: Judging by Twitter, there's only the stelvio to go and they're done.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 27 July, 2018, 07:22:57 pm: We are done :thumbsup:

Time for beer
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Humpdoc on 27 July, 2018, 10:02:36 pm: A breakdown of our ride (Javier and myself)
Day one
2000m of climbing in the first 50km to warmup then a 50 km descent yes 50km incredible.
Cold climbing the first Alpine col, then boiling hot in the valley
Got the ferry and pushed on at Lake Como
Total for the day 339km 4801m climbing in less than 15 hours
Brutal at times

Day 2

289km 5673m climbing including passo Moncenisio, la Magdalene, Col d'Iseran, and Passo Piccolo San Bernardo. A dream for a climber wannabes or a complete nightmare for those who hate climbing it was
34t and 34t for me
Total 628km 10,521m

Day 3

388km 1899m very long day 04:30 till midnight

Surprisingly we came to the conclusion we were riding way too fast. Three days and only 500 km and no hotel in Bormio till Friday - we are both in our mid to late fifties!
We tapered like pros to prepare for the Stelvio stage

Total: 1016km 12,941m

Day 4

253km 2205m (flat)
Easy day by Audaxing standards

We got going at at 9:00, very, very hot, we took it easy!
Total: 1,268km total 15,146m

Day 5

Aiming to overnight at a hotel very near the final control
So only 194km but 2,809m of climbing spectacular scenery

Total: 1460km 19,187m

Final day today

35km 1,975m of climbing and a 20km descent back to Bormio
Not an easy climb when you have 1,450km in the legs but doable at a steady pace like most climbs

Alpi4000 done. 1520km 21,162m

We unlike others had a uneventful ride - and enjoyed everything the route threw at us.
I’m sure there will be ride reports soon - I’m back propping up the front door of the NHS so my not have time.

I’ve got super experiences and memories and a great sense of personal and collective achievement.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 30 July, 2018, 01:37:44 pm: Here's my ride on Relive, but minus Day 1 and Day 3 as they were too long for Relive to process. (Some of the photos appear in the wrong place - sorry).

Day 2: Biella to Bonneval-sur-Arc https://www.relive.cc/view/1735254119

Day 4: Candelo to Cesole https://www.relive.cc/view/1735253948

Day 5: Cesole to Dro https://www.relive.cc/view/1735254031

Day 6: Dro to Bormio https://www.relive.cc/view/1735255005
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 04 October, 2018, 08:56:30 pm: Results have appeared on the www.audaxitalia.it website, see here for the 140 BRM option:

https://www.audaxitalia.it/media/docUMENTI_2018/omologation-STRADA/0081_BORMIO_ST-BRM_220718.xlsx

Lots of people don't have a ACP number, which seems a bit odd ??? Although nothing, as yet, as appeared on the randonneursmondiaux.org site either.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: frillipippi on 04 October, 2018, 10:15:31 pm: Quote from: αdαmsκι on 04 October, 2018, 08:56:30 pm
Results have appeared on the www.audaxitalia.it website, see here for the 140 BRM option:

https://www.audaxitalia.it/media/docUMENTI_2018/omologation-STRADA/0081_BORMIO_ST-BRM_220718.xlsx

Lots of people don't have a ACP number, which seems a bit odd ??? Although nothing, as yet, as appeared on the randonneursmondiaux.org site either.

The ACP number in column E depends on the value of column D that identifies the Italian province or foreign state where the rider lives. Italian riders have a value in column E while foreigners haven't. When BRM issues the homologation, it will be in column A in this file.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 October, 2018, 10:19:41 pm: LRM's webmaster is currently riding a 1200, so updates will have to wait a little.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Somnolent on 28 November, 2018, 11:22:54 pm: LRM have done their bit now, and the sixteen riders I have been able to identify as AUK members now have the 15 points added to their last season's tally.
Any AUK members who completed the event within the 140hour limit, but who don't have this on their record, please e-mail recorder@audax.uk
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 11 February, 2019, 01:27:40 pm: I finally got round to my write up of the summer trip including the Alpi4K, it does ramble on a bit, :P :thumbsup:

well worth looking out for when they run it again.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/46201860494_45d6dab194_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2doGBtC) (https://flic.kr/p/2doGBtC)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Jack_P on 10 November, 2021, 11:11:36 am: Teaser for the 2022 event with a new route, a great event.
(https://plumzenduro.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/alpi4000_2022.png)

https://www.alpi4000.it/ (https://www.alpi4000.it/)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 10 November, 2021, 12:12:57 pm: It is quite a bit different to last time and looks like it stays within Italy. Given the COVID situation that seems a wise move.

I see there'll be 8 km of gravel to look forward to from Susa up to the Colle delle Finestre. And nice the route is reversed from Biella to Oropa.

From a quick glance of the map I wonder if it'll be even hillier because there isn't the days of pancake flat riding across the Po Valley this time round? Or perhaps the climbing is just more even spread out without that very hillier French section (the climb to Lac du Mont-Cenis, Col de l'Iseran and Col du Petit Saint-Bernard)?

Anyway, I'll be watching from home this time around because it is now taking place during term time.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Notfromrugby on 10 November, 2021, 12:48:58 pm: Notable appearance of the Col del Nivolet... the road to nowhere featured in the "Italian Job" film. Stunning climb, especially now that the old road has been resurfaced and it's possible to avoid the nasty 3km tunnel.
I wonder how they're going to make it into a control point... not exactly the easiest of places to man for a prolonged period of time.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 10 November, 2021, 01:17:00 pm: Last time they had massive boards up at a few control points with a list of all riders. You had to add your signature next to your name to prove you'd been to that location with one of the (many) permanent markers tied to the board.

For example:

(https://i.ibb.co/ZTkHPP7/Screenshot-20211110-132636.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YjqDMMw)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: postie on 11 November, 2021, 08:12:54 am: Ok i am interested, great ride last time.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Notfromrugby on 11 November, 2021, 09:28:25 am: The route looks fantastic... I have to say
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Ivan on 27 November, 2021, 02:11:29 pm: Registration has now opened & I've entered. Excited for the route, dovetails quite nicely with TCR07, my only other ride through the Alps.

Need to figure out the best way to get there by train, probably going to 'Rinko' the bike and then ride up from Tirano.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 01 December, 2021, 12:29:19 pm: I've entered as well. The revised route looks fantastic!!
The train idea sounds nice, although Eurostar is far from bike-friendly travel anymore. When they were more flexible (and allowed taking bikes in bags as part of your normal baggage allowance) I did Eurostar to Paris, then Paris-Milan TGV, which was quite a scenic route.
I'll probably fly to Malpensa and looks like the organisers are arranging a transfer (coach or mini-bus) to Bormio (details by April 2022).
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: hippy on 27 December, 2021, 08:08:36 pm: Did anyone else have trouble entering this? I was going to throw an entry in but get an error when trying to pay from the njuko website.
Looks like the problem is their end. I've tried multiple cards and browsers and it's an error on their side.

Orgs got back to me and apparently it's ok for others so maybe they just don't like my bank cards? Paypal it is then...
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: veloboy on 29 December, 2021, 07:06:04 am: I didn't have any problems using my credit card for payment.
Alternatively, set up your credit card on PayPal and use 'that' selected payment method when prompted by PayPal. Some credit cards offer a much more competetive (fee free) exchange rate than PayPal.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Killie Flyer on 30 January, 2022, 07:51:56 pm: Hi all, I've registered for the Alpi 4000 - I've only done a few UK Audaxes but nothing to match this. Always wanted to cycle the Italian Alps so I'll get the training in and see how we go! It looks an incredible route, really excited and scared at the same time :-)
Keen to know what average speed most riders will be aiming at.
If I could hit the 150 hour time limit (or probably the alternative 162 hour limit!) or probably just finish I would be very happy. I'm not a youngster and would welcome any tips or suggestions/advice. Travelling from Scotland so will probably fly to Malpensa and get the transfer coach. Thanks in advance. Ian
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 31 January, 2022, 12:31:34 pm: As a veteran of the Mille Miglia 1001, 999 Miles, and I nearly finished the first Alpi 4000, I suggest you go for the 162 hour BRI limit, as it will allow more time for sleep and other stops, if you are not sure how you will go. As for advice, you should read all the general advice in this thread, from page 1 onwards, as the last Alpi 4000 had similar challenges to the current one. Also search for the Mille Miglia and 999 miles threads for advice. Another tip is too book some private accommodation along the way, that can be cancelled if not required, e.g. via booking.com as the communal stops can often be crowded and noisy, preventing you from resting properly. Bear in mind it's advantageous to have previous experience of multi -day audax events, and many of riders will have completed PBP and other 1000 km events.

Personally I would have loved to ride this event, but have decided that I'm now too slow to really enjoy it, without putting myself through some serious danger from sleep deprivation. I may perhaps still come out to ride some of the course though! The provisional route is now up: - https://www.alpi4000.it/en/tappe

EDIT:- I am now aiming to ride the route over 10 days. Send me a PM if you want to know more. I found B&Bs from £27!
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 02 February, 2022, 12:48:48 pm: On the point about accommodation: For Alpi4000 in 2018 postie, veloboy and I used the provided accommodation in Biella for the first night. Then for the remaining four nights we booked accommodation in the afternoon for that evening based on what we could find on booking.com
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Ivan on 06 May, 2022, 10:35:46 am: I was asked about AAA for this over the weekend in Darlington - this is my understanding of how this should all work.

If you plan on riding it in under 150 hours then once it's validated as BRM/LRM email the recorder at audax.uk and cc aaa (me) to have it included in your results as an overseas 1400 and I'll add on the 23.5AAA (based on their current headline climbing figure). This is how Borders of Belgium (partial-AAA in the Ardennes), etc. have been handled in the past.

However if you are only going for their 162 hour BRI brevet then I believe the 'Hamburg-Berlin-Cologne' rule (for non-ACP overseas brevets) would apply so you would need to enter as a 1400 *BP* (based on the time limit) DIY as well to get any AAA, and you would have to decide to do this beforehand.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: αdαmsκι on 07 May, 2022, 12:57:30 pm: None of us who rode the 2018 ALPI asked about AAA points tho it would have been interesting to know how many we could have claimed. I don't think the routes are that dissimilar so around 20 would be seem about right.

(My Ride With GPS track has 1,540 km & 19,400 m.)
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Pete Mas on 10 July, 2022, 09:18:13 pm: How did all this year's entrants get on? I've heard of a few successful results. I greatly enjoyed riding the route independently over 10 days, and spoke to some of the riders that i saw on the route, including some on the Stelvio about to finish, though it was not the finish for me, as i started in Milan Malpensa. I didn't manage to avoid night riding completely, due to having a long day when I had to shelter from several thunderstorms, and went off route as i loaded the wrong garmin track...Hence that night I didn't make my planned hotel, and slept outside another near Susa on chairs. as it was too late to check-in. That actually helped me as i could start the climb of Colle delle Finestre before dawn, and before the heat of the day. most days it was 33C even late in the day, and a gilet was rarely needed on descents. the scenery was amazing, and the roue was a good mix of faster roads alongside cyclepaths, and some gravel sections. Earlier I particularly enjoyed Lake Como, where we took a ferry from Varenna to Bellagio, and the climb to Madonna to Ghisallo cyclists' chapel and museum.
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: hippy on 10 July, 2022, 09:50:52 pm: We both got around. It was far and away my partner's longest "ride" but breaking it into 230k days and having decent hotel stops meant we did it quite comfortably.

I need to get my photos into a proper gallery, but here's some Strava links to the various days and some photos. Absolutely stunning scenery.

https://www.strava.com/activities/7415933056 Passo Gavia shakedown ride
https://www.strava.com/activities/7418418875 Shakedown 2 Torri di Fraele & Bormio 2000
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419050448 Passo del Gavia, Mortirolo, Lake Como, Madonna del Ghisallo
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419050276 Oropa Sanctuary, Colle del Nivolet
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419050004 Colle Delle Finestre, Sestriere
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419049856 Lago di Viverone
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419049869 Lake Endine, Lake Iseo, Passo Tre Termini, Passo di San Rocco, Lake Garda
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419049463 Lake Molveno, Passo Palade, Sud Tirol
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419048594 Decided to stop early on the far side of Stelvio so we could see it in daylight.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7419048270 Bormio (not) recovery ride Could barely manage this, let alone the full 32k or whatever it was. Not much flat road in Bormio.

hippy
Title: Re: ALPI 4000
Post by: Ivan on 11 July, 2022, 03:16:05 pm: Full (LRM) finish list is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U9IDe9-oJVh3C9R2_nA6MLr4EXOC7Z-k/

I got round on fixed with a flip/flop hub which might be a first for Alpi from the way everybody seemed to be staring at my bike at the start. Had akin for company for most of it which helped a lot, sharing hotel rooms, towing each other across the Po valley, etc. It was challenging but riding in Italy is fantastic once you have adjusted to their way of doing things, in particular the driving.

I posted a minimal diary on instagram (sorry if login required):
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfQY3GNI4m3/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfVQqDfIMqw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfYDgFjowXE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfgFmoisigy/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfgKrqMMx7P/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfeoafssfKq/

And of course it's on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/7400620194

Went by train (Eurostar+TGV to Milan, then Trenord to Tirano) and back again with very little hassle at all, thanks to Olaf's blog: https://cycling-intelligence.com/2019/07/31/the-secrets-of-a-rinko-bike-how-to-get-a-near-perfect-steed-for-train-travel/