Unprepared Euro travelers?

Check out this Youtube video interviewing the bike shop folk at the base of
Alpe d'Huez-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWVU3-6GRk0&NR=1

They say they do *800* gear changes in the days ahead of the Marmotte, the
French equivalent of the California Sierra (Markleeville) Death Ride.

Why would so many people show up unprepared or unaware of the challenges of
a major ride like that? Pretty unbelievable! Keep in mind this is a ride you
sign up for ahead of time, and there's lots of information telling you about
the various climbs involved.

For what it's worth, the folk at Cycles et Sports are very nice and
accomodating. One of the guys doing the same gig as my son and I during the
'09 Tour de France had a major chain & rear derailleur mishap, requiring
replacement of each and probably realignment of the derailleur hanger. They
got him taken care of same day, within about 4 hours. Impressive! Especially
considering how much business they were doing.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA