We want to look like Pros, sure, but what we’re really after is feeling Pro. All the aesthetics are just a tool we use to fuel the fickle internal combustion engine of Morale. In the end, there is little that will make you feel Pro more than clattering along a stretch of cobbles in a small group; instant “select breakaway”. One of the magical things about the cobbles is the risk of crashing is always there, so your adrenaline is always pumping. The other magical thing about the cobbles is that you have to ride them full gas to smooth them out, which means you have the combination of bombing along a tooth-rattling road at full gas with adrenaline coursing through your veins like it’s New York in 1984. And then Johan Museeuw blows by in the gutter and now it’s a real party.
The most Pro you’ll ever feel, however, is clattering along the cobbles, feeling your back rim start to hit the stones and realize the worst: you’ve got a flat. You don’t have any tools; in fact you have nothing in your pockets at all. But fear not, you just swing off, do a cyclocross dismount while reaching for you back QR skewer which you unlatch right as your second foot hits the ground. A snap of the seatpost and the wheel comes loose. You hold it up in the air and the support van screeches to a halt as the mechanic jumps out with a fresh wheel. Moments later, you’re back on the street, in the non-prostitute sense.
This is Keepers Tour: Cobbled Classics. I’ve never had a flat on the cobbles, but I’ve seen it enough first-hand to attest to the above scenario. I also recognize that due to my hubris in mentioning the scenario, I will experience it firsthand this year.
Keepers Tour is back for 2015; based out of our Gite outside Lille, we’ll be crushing cobbles and watching the best races of the year in dust-covered front-row seats. Roubaix, Flanders, Wevelgem, we ride them all. Roubaix, Flanders, Scheldeprijs, we watch them all. This is an amazing time of year to be a Cyclist, and it’s the most magical time to be a Cyclist in Belgium. Our trip is 100% all-inclusive; get yourself to Lille and you will not need to spend a dime until you’re back in Lille nine days later.
The provisional agenda is below. Changes will likely be made but the basic agenda of major events will stay intact. All-inclusive cost for the full 9-Day Keepers Tour: Cobbled Classics 2015 is €3,250. A 50% deposit will be collected in January, with the balance due upon arrival in Lille. Register on the Keepers Tour: Cobbled Classics 2015 event page.
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@Teocalli, @ChrisO, @Chris
We won't be doing a Cogal and no weekenders this time, unfortunately. You should all just come along for the trip and stop faffing about talking about half-measures.
@Harminator
I'm gonna patiently wait until the US$ is on par or better with the Euro and my Benjamins will carry some weight across the pond. Two more years and this little trip will cost a lot less on a US$ basis. In meantime, a new gruppo, HED Stingers AND a kit or two on top are a great idea. Or, one bad a** single speed mtn bike.
Admittedly, this is the trip and ride(s) of a lifetime.
@frank
" Do, or do not, there is no try ! "
@Barracuda
Only if Yoda would have just said "What the fuck?"
@unversio
A particular favorite of mine is
" Offended you are ? A shit I don't give ! "
No way in hell I'm going to be able to make the Keepers tour so I wont kid myself on thinking I might.
What an awesome trip, as others have said however.
Hedrick Redant is so pro in this picture he's "whale sharking " standing still.
Gents, Been eying this off for some time - really like to do it.
Frank - Quick question - is it bring your own bike, or are the Cyfax bikes included in cost - if not what is the additional cost.
Need to make some hard decisions!
Not in the stars for me this year, but I am very much lookjng forward to reading about all the trouble you get yourselves into.
@asyax
You can bring your own bike or ride one of the awesome Cyfacs at no extra cost. Once we pick you up you don't need to get your wallet out for food, drinks (Malteni!), anything except souvenirs etc. We'd love to see you there! Places are filling quite fast already...
I'd love to do this trip, but wont manage it this year (or for a few). One day.