During the 2021 edition of Le Tour de France, pro cyclist Lachlan Morton took on something he called the “Alt Tour”—a completely self-supported bikepacking ride of the route that Tour de France riders would tackle over 23 days, plus all of the transfers (the gaps between sections of the race), with the aim of beating the peloton to Paris and raising money for World Bicycle Relief. Now, cycling apparel brand Rapha is releasing a new book about Morton's Alt Tour endeavor called The Dot.
The project, on paper or otherwise, was entirely insane. It was designed to mimic the early days of the Tour when there were no transfers, team buses, or on-staff mechanics to make sure your bike was in pristine condition. Just the riders, the road and bikes—with two gears at most. Morton’s ride offered a few more gears, but many of the other challenges were still present—like trying to steal a few hours of sleep in a hedge on the side of the road. Famously, Morton even struggled with his cycling shoes and ended up riding in a modified version of Birkenstock’s Arizona Essential EVA sandals for nearly 500 miles.
