Have just signed up for the 2019 version, which spends a lot of time in Italy, before climbing back over the Lombarde and the Bonette. The 100hr time limit offers possibility for B&B accommodation each night, so will opt for 7am start on 3rd September and have tentatively booked Verrandi 272km, Robilante 543km, Chorges 755km with the aim of finishing about 9pm on 6th. Had a taster of the scenery watching Paris-Nice on TV today - as they climbed the Col de Turini (which looked brilliant). This will be my PBP substitute for the year and very much looking forward to mountains. Sophie has picked some very steep hills so gearing will be interesting, tempted to take the blue Roberts with its triple chainring with the Nelson Longflap to carry my belongings as I can't imagine its every particularly warm at 2800m on the Bonette.
Not sure how I will be getting there at the moment - almost certainly driving - not sure if I'll take the tunnel or a Portsmouth leHavre ferry. Can probably fit a second bike in the back if anyone else decides to give this a go.
