Quote Originally Posted by BGSec View Post
Just back from the Alps where I managed, with Mrs BGSec, a two and a half day recce of the CCC course. Sadly, the race book arrived just after we left, so we didn't do the exact route, rather following the TMB path.

I now have a much better idea of the scale of the challenge; and a great sense of respect for UTMB finishers who have to cope with this as their last 98 kms or so.

Walked the ups and jogged some but not all of the downs, plus spent much time looking at the map/guide, eating and stopping for cold drinks. Even with that, and too heavy sacs, the elapsed time was around 23 hours.

The key looks to be the climb up to Bovine (the third big one in the CCC) which is quite technical in parts and will be done in darkness.

A very worthwhile trip, and I'll happily answer any questions about this section of the course.

Thanks to the Mrs for coming along with me.
I don't mind bovine. In fact it was the climb from the valley to the Lac which hurt, but then it's a steady plod and a steep walk up to the traverse and past all the cows. I think because I'd heard such horror stories when I eventually walked it a few days before the UTMB I was pleasantly surprised.

Fellmincer, even over 3 days it's a hell of a trip. Might be worth considering getting a bus around to miss out the start section, which to be honest is a bit mindnumbing. Worth checking out from St Gervais? on wards, because that's in the dark.

We also bussed from L Fouly to Champex Lac which is just a trail along a valley and a climb out to the Lac. It saves a good few hours.

Would be excellent training though. Good luck very jealous.