L'Etape

July 4:  Andy reminds us gently what this is all about.  The Etape is a ride for all those wanting to know what the TdF is really like.  Normally held a couple of days before the real thing, it is a public ride for around 10,000 people, and generally goes up the nastiest climb of the Tour that year.  Despite the British apathy or hatred for all things pedal-powered, bizarrely some 60% of the entrants are Brits.  Mad dogs and Englishmen maybe:  Here's a taster:

  Turn up to start the Tourmalet climb. I have 2 hours 5 minutes to climb
  the 19km 8.5% average. 160km ridden now and no shade. The heat. Too
  much. Sitting down has done for me, can't climb. Keep going. Barely turn
  the pedals. If I stop I won't get back on. Think of home. Do it for
  them. Crying again. How can I do this? How?
  Pass Bareges. Time is running out and I know it. People in bits at the
  roadside. Thousands already eliminated. Men weeping. Me amongst them.
  Still riding. 9km to go.
  Then it's over. Race Control pass and wave me down. [He's picked up by the broom wagon and fails to finish] Out of time. 5 miles from the summit they've caught me. Stop. Climb off. Fall down. Cry.
  Scream. Kick bike. Hate Look pedal cleats. You cost me a finish.