Julia Robson

My most challenging adventure yet: Le Loop.

Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals. In 2023 it starts with the ‘Grand Depart’ in Bilbao on Friday 23^rd June and finishes 21 stages, some 3,400kms later on Sunday 16^th July in Paris. Some cyclists choose to ride just a few days, others further. I have unfinised business from 2022 when Covid stopped me after 8 days (see blog below) so will once again be taking on the ultimate challenge of riding the full tour!

The purpose of this challenge is to raise money for the William Wates Memorial Trust whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. This is achieved by giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, arts and education.

It's been a tough couple of years, particularly for young people. This is my chance to give something back and help support young people who aren't lucky enough to enjoy the advantages in life that most of us take for granted.

Le Loop is no small undertaking. Training for and riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously.

Merci!

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My Achievements

My Updates

Looking back: It's all about the people!

Sunday 23rd Jul

The final stats were 3538.1km, 55977m of ascent over 160hours17minutes of cycling I still don't think it's fully sunk in what I've achieved but what made it such an incredible experience was the people: * the organisers and staff who did everything in their power to help us * the Wates family / WWMT trustees whose passion for the charity is inspiring and motivating in equal measure * the young charity visitors who helped by the WWMT have already overcome so much but demonstrated what incredible people they were by joining us on tour not only to cycle but also stand up in front of a large group of adults and share their stories * my fellow riders with whom I laughed (lots), cried (a little) and celebrated. And particular thanks to those who towed me along when I most needed it

The end

Monday 17th Jul

A double cafe ride with the amazing friends I've made over the past three weeks. Further feedstops replaced with photo-stops. Traffic and city road furniture meant we couldn't relax until the very end. Once the bikes were safely loaded for the last time, we celebrated together (riders, staff and families) with a lovely river cruise on the Seine.

Stage 21! 😀😀😀

Sunday 16th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11573633024?share_unique_id=88

The final mountain(s)

Saturday 15th Jul

Well I have now cycled in all 5 of France's mountain ranges! The Vosges were no less challenging than their better known counterparts and possibly more so given my depleted energy levels but somehow always found more when I needed it and to help Rose with her sprint finish with her brother!

Stage 20

Saturday 15th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11566488764?share_unique_id=85

A smile-generating ride

Friday 14th Jul

I may be getting tired but I couldn't help but smile at today's ride. Beautiful scenery, amusing decorations, and rolling roads. Giggling to myself like a big kid on many of the downhills. Helped by only ever thinking about the ride to the next feedstop which with a self-created bonus ice cream stop was always less than a very manageable 40km away.

Stage 19

Friday 14th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11559457735?share_unique_id=82

Homely headwinds

Friday 14th Jul

A wet start turned into a beautiful day apart from the breeze. A bit too much on busy roads to appreciate my surroundings as much as I'd like. The wind made it a slog for the section I was by myself but my go slow allowed others to catch me so we could work together and make good progress to the finish.

Stage 18

Thursday 13th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

Hairpin heaven/hell

Thursday 13th Jul

Fortunately the storms in the forecast last night saved themselves for before and (almost) after cycling. Took the day steady but made sure took time to fuel at feedstops. Some spectacular views particularly on Cormet de Roselend and pleased that I had enough in my legs for the final climb.

Stage 17

Thursday 13th Jul

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11548935243?share_unique_id=78

Chase the Cookie Monster

Tuesday 11th Jul

This stage will be a time trial for the pros and although we weren't racing we were set off at 30sec intervals. Somehow I ended up in pole position but remained uncaught to the finish before enjoying the downhill back to the hotel.

Stage 16

Tuesday 11th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11534841842?share_unique_id=75

Keeping cool

Monday 10th Jul

Lots more climbing mountains/cols today and doing whatever it took to stay cool without adding too much extra stoppage time. A bottle of Coca-Cola at the top of Forclaz, almost swimming in a fountain on the way up Marais and Haribo to get me to the finish - at least by then it was beginning to cool down which made the cycling even more enjoyable.

Stage 15

Sunday 9th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11524442613?share_unique_id=69

Bagging cols

Saturday 8th Jul

5 cols today made for a lot of up and down but all more enjoyable than the 5 flat kilometres to reach the base of the final climb which felt like junk kilometres. Went from warming up with chocolat chaud in a cafe at the first col to savouring every moment of shade on the last ascent.

All about the final climb

Saturday 8th Jul

Belated update on stage 13. Another beautiful stage but with a real challenge at the end as we ascended the Grand Colombier with heat radiating at us in directions including from the rocks and road. Eventually got some respite in the trees but the gradient was still punishing. Then the bonus kilometres descending to our bus on less than perfect surface and despite the time it took to complete the climb, a wall of heat to welcome us back down.

Stage 14

Saturday 8th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11516516649?share_unique_id=72

Stage 13

Friday 7th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11508565071?share_unique_id=66

Beautiful Beaujolais

Friday 7th Jul

Great scenery and tour decorations to keep me entertained, and views to make the effort of each climb worthwhile. The heat added an extra challenge it was still 30 degrees at 5pm as we tackled the final climb so steady was the name of the game.

Stage 12

Thursday 6th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11501381855?share_unique_id=63

Good company and good food

Wednesday 5th Jul

After yesterday's epic scenery, today was a bit of a let down and a day I was very much counting down kilometres to the next feed stop. Good company made it bearable and there were moments of interest amongst the bland farmland such as these sunflowers (but could have done with more to brighten up my day)

Stage 11

Wednesday 5th Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11493001882?share_unique_id=60

Picture perfect scenery

Tuesday 4th Jul

Starting with a climb out of rest day soon woke up my legs and it was my backside that objected more to being back on the bike although that soon readjusted too. The scenery today was just amazing which made pedalling (or sometimes freewheeling) through it as easy as could be hoped. I supplemented the feedstops with several photo-stops so not a quick day but very enjoyable.

Stage 10

Tuesday 4th Jul

Slow to get back into the swing of things so just a Garmin link today

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11486040289?share_unique_id=57

"Warm up" complete

Monday 3rd Jul

Today's ride was very pretty. I particularly enjoyed the part round Lac de Vassiviere. Starting the last climb in town was annoying as traffic lights broke my rhythm but soon found it again and although the road to the very top wasn't open for us as it will be for the pros, we still celebrated reaching the col with ice creams. And made up the distance in as easier manner: downhill to our hotel. I've now completed more days than last year and rest day awaits :-D

Stage 9

Sunday 2nd Jul

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11472325584?share_unique_id=54

Our prayers for sunshine were answered in the afternoon

Saturday 1st Jul

Wet but warm to start (at least while riding). After several false promises it did eventually brighten up in the afternoon. Some beautiful rolling hills, pretty churches and impressive chateaus. I enjoyed more group riding today and several times looked down to see speeds above what I would expect to see on a Sunday 100km so surprised to finish feeling so good.

Stage 8

Saturday 1st Jul

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11465527883?share_unique_id=51

Teamwork makes the dream-work

Friday 30th Jun

Forest and then vineyards punctuated with chateaus was the scenery we rolled past today. A bit of a headwind meant it was optimal to stay in a group to keep the Kms rolling by but it was a challenge to stop groups merging and becoming unwieldy.

Stage 7

Friday 30th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11457709835?share_unique_id=48

Waterfalls and water in the air

Friday 30th Jun

A lot of time in cloud meant less spectacular views and non-ideal conditions for descending. Figures and waterfalls emerged and disappeared into the cloud but the soundtrack of waterfalls was pretty constant. That's the Pyranees done, I'll have to come back and see them properly another time.

Stage 6

Thursday 29th Jun

Not with it enough to share a live link this morning. Here's the Garmin link.

Extra distance between Garmin and Wahoo is walking round feed stops (Garmin is on my wrist, Wahoo on the bike).

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11451742786?share_unique_id=45

A Pyranean Welcome

Wednesday 28th Jun

First time riding in the Pyranees for me and the climbs were testing. Spent most of the day wishing gradients to be in single digits and my speed to be in double digits. More spectacular scenery, except when we were in the cloud, and constant cow/sheep/horse bells to cheer us on.

Stage 5

Wednesday 28th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11443937698?share_unique_id=42

Vines galore

Tuesday 27th Jun

First full day riding in France. Rolling straight roads could easily have become a slog but good company kept me going. Vines, sunflowers and the cyclists church to see on the way.

Stage 4

Tuesday 27th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11436146498?share_unique_id=39

More hill blindness

Tuesday 27th Jun

Fortunately climbing legs were in good form so the extra hill didn't cause me too much trouble. Once again lots of amazing views both along the coast and amongst the hills.

Stage 3

Monday 26th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11429527188?share_unique_id=36

Redefining flat and hilly

Monday 26th Jun

Beautiful scenery to keep us going for a very long day which although classed as hilly contained plenty of climbs. Even the flat sections were undulating.

Stage 2

Sunday 25th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11423502486?share_unique_id=33

Perfect weather for a beach trip (less so for cycling)

Sunday 25th Jun

The scenery on stage 1 was beautiful but the sun quickly burnt off the patches of morning mist and it was very hot resulting in some very sweaty climbs.

Stage 1

Saturday 24th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11415282081?share_unique_id=30

Acclimatising to Bilbao

Friday 23rd Jun

After packing and lots of panicking about packing, I arrived in Bilbao yesterday and today has been all about relaxing: some leisurely sightseeing, checking my bike over and a dip in the pool. All briefed and ready to start bright and early tomorrow.

1 week to go!

Saturday 17th Jun

Training, including many cafe and sweet treat stops, is now complete. Time for final kit checks and the dreaded packing.

Here we go again!

Saturday 29th Oct

Covid is not going to get in the way of my ambition to complete the full route of the Tour de France so I've signed up to do it again and I hope by doing so to raise even more for the amazing charity that is WWMT! Training has started, the route has been announced, what are you waiting for: DONATE NOW!

Staying positive

Sunday 10th Jul

It has been very easy to get down about the abrupt end to my Le Loop but I keep reminding myself I have achieved a lot. I set out knowing even one day would be a challenge and I completed 8 which according to my computer totalled 1311.5km and 11894m of climbing. People have asked me if I had a favourite stage and it's hard to choose: - I cycled over the highest hill in Denmark and the highest road in Belgium, - I enjoyed a day in cycling paradise in the rolling hills of northern France, - I conquered cobbles with a smile, - I completed the longest day of this year's Tour de France - I defeated Super Planche de Belles Filles, and - I rode into the Alps to the sound of cow bells. The best bit probably has to be the support of the organisers and fellow riders. As I said to myself on many occassions during the ride, it could be worse!

Here endeth my Le Loop 2022

Tuesday 5th Jul

Unfortunately we didn't manage to start Le Loop as a COVID free group and living and travelling in such close proximity has allowed it to spread. Having people leave the group daily, was a source of anxiety we could all have done without. Even normal sniffles, tiredness and aches associated with long distance cycling could lead to paranoia. After coughing overnight, I decided the prudent thing to do was take a test Sunday morning which indicated I did have COVID so I would have to leave the group. It's not been easy to process, hence the delay in writing this post. With one more day until a rest day, other than the cough and accumulated tiredness, I was feeling I had paced myself well and was in good shape for the mountains so devastated I didn't get to test myself on them. I wasn't the only positive case so instead of the 180km of mountains of stage 9 we had a 17km stroll to the edge of Lac Leman for a dip and back. While probably more appealing to most, particularly in 30degree heat, not what any of us wanted.

Alpine lakes have never looked so inviting

Sunday 3rd Jul

First stage in the Alps to the sound of alpine cow bells. The scenery was fabulous, the climbs steady, and the heat challenging. We also spent a while on the plateau with a headwind testing my mental resilience to keep pushing. In the end an ice cream by the lake with friends got me through.

Stage 8

Sunday 3rd Jul

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/9128092449

Easy does it

Friday 1st Jul

Today was all about the final climb. The profile had been scaring me ever since the route was published. I followed the advice and made sure I saved some energy for it by taking most of the ride relatively easy. As we headed into the mountains I enjoyed some alone time which allowed me to set my own pace. The final dreaded climb was spent listening to the bird song and even the final kick in the climb on the gravel wasn't as bad as I'd feared. But the best bit was finishing and feeling on top of the world.

Stage 7

Friday 1st Jul

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/9122096809

Friday 1st Jul

Stage 6

Friday 1st Jul

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/9122025839

Cobbles

Wednesday 29th Jun

First experience of cobbles and I survived (even overtook some people). Definitely where a bike with less racing pedigree comes into its own - I reckon my bike eats cobbles for breakfast. I did try to test its speed over cobbles too and hit my limit at 27kph.

Bonjour France

Wednesday 29th Jun

Stage 4 was our first day cycling in France and what an excellent day it was not sure what I'd change in cycling paradise in fact: brilliant weather, rolling hills, amazing views and great company.

Stage 5

Wednesday 29th Jun

https://www.wahooligan.com/users/live/wWO8ANdeHmBSkRWm7MF3-w

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/9109554835?share_unique_id=14

Reflections on Denmark

Tuesday 28th Jun

Another late post. We had a very different experience to the one the pros will have in Denmark. Lots of cycle lanes with associated hazards: chicanes, transitions to/from raised lanes and sharp turns. Fortunately I navigated them all safely and it was nice that they give priority across junctions (although still struggled to trust that sometimes)