On 08/25/2014, Mark Manner wrote Power-Tap-Ghisallo-Etape du Tour 2008, Pau-Hautacam. 12,500 feet climbing. Cold rainy day. A lot of fun and very satisfying. What I learned and would consider doing differently: 1. Minimize time off the bike (on colder days, perhaps increase the amount of bars/gels per hour and reduce the powerbar endurance intake to reduce liquid intake and as a result bathroom breaks). 2. Work on increasing speed on the flatter sections. As in the case of a couple of century rides done in training, I had energy left at the end of the etape and probably could have pushed more before getting to the climbs. I was concerned about having enough energy for the climbs, but as I get a better feel for my endurance I can address this. 3. Don't get fixated on expected climactic conditions. It was ok to train for the statistically most likely heat, but I should have gone ahead and put on all my colder weather clothes as I was standing around waiting for the start. It would have avoided the chills I experienced initially. At least I had pretty much what I needed with me. 4. Go over to Europe more in advance. I got there Thursday pm, race was Sunday. But, it was very early Sunday. I also made what I believe was a mistake in trying to get up early the week before I left to pre-acclimatize to the time zone change. However, I ended up just not sleeping well before I left the US and getting a bit tired. I should have left more rested. 5. Have my bike sent over by a reliable bike courier, and returned that way. Mine made it over ok, but got lost coming back. Some others I met there lost theirs on the way over. I think that now that I have a good year base, my training in the future for events like this should go well. [Uploaded 10/14/2009 7:11:28 AM] ***