Etape Caledonia
FEW EVENTS LEAVE YOU GASPING (IN AWE AND THROUGH EFFORT) AS MUCH AS THIS HISTORIC HIGHLANDS HEARTSTOPPER
CALEDONIAN STATS
Location Pit lochry, Perth shire
Next date 15 May 2022
Distances 40 miles /64 km; 85 miles /137 km
Etape Caledonia is a closed-road ride taking place on Sunday 15 May 2022 that celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. With 5,000 places on offer, this sellout event attracts riders from all over the country to enjoy a simply breathtaking ride through the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Take on either the 40- or 85-mile (64 or 137km) closed-road routes. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be treated to winding roads, treelined avenues, lochs, mountains and everything in between.
PRE-RIDE PREP
The ideal for this, and any event, is to mimic race conditions at home. So when you’re training for Etape, remember it’s all about climbing and sustaining speed. There are steep sections of the route, which you must bear in mind as you’ll need to maintain an overall average speed of 13mph to beat the cut-offs. In short, head out into the hills – the steeper the better – or set your turbo-trainer resistance higher to build up your strength and stamina.
THE RIGHT KIT
A road bike is the most popular choice, but tandems, trikes and e-bikes have also been used, although check the FAQs before deciding. Scotland offers lush landscapes but the weather can change quickly so bring waterproofs and sunglasses – you’ll likely experience all the seasons in one day! The average rider takes 5hrs to complete the 85-mile course, and even though there are feed stations on route, ensure you’re loaded with energy bars and the right hydration to keep those electrolytes balanced.
EVENT WEEKEND
You register the day before, which saves time on the day and gives you the chance to check out what’s on offer in the event village. Book your hotel in advance, particularly if it’s close to the start line. Relax and enjoy Pitlochry’s festival atmosphere and the Highland hospitality – there are plenty of cute pubs and restaurants to check out, including firm favourites, The Old Mill Inn and Mckays. Get to bed early and set your alarm. Set two alarms!
THE RIDE
There’ll be a total ascent of 1169m across the 85 miles, so energy is key. There are several feed stations on the route. Don’t be tempted to save a few minutes and pass them by as you’ll ride more consistently if you repeatedly fuel up, before and during. The course is as much a test of your endurance as it is your speed.
The Schiehallion-mountain section of the Etape Caledonia route is the most challenging. At around 40 miles into the route, this uphill brute will test your heart and your legs. Top tip: fuel up before you get there so you’ve got plenty of juice to ease you over the hump so that you can enjoy the descent, before tackling that final steep incline into Pitlochry as you come through Logierait.