I have allways wanted to do it (or at least as long as I've known about it). Now I really want to get fit too - and have something special to make me train otherwise I won't be able to motivate myself.
Im not sure if you're off to the docs for a general checkup but remember the medical form that's on the Etape website. No completed form at check in = no ride from what I recall correctly.
It's a tough route but doable for most folk. The thing that's a killer for most is the gearing. Pride is one thing - figuring out that 34x27 is too big (or whatever the equivalent is on a Brompton), if you're not too fit, half way up the Croix de Fer is another. Your gearing has to reflect your state of fitness and weight such that you have at least one gear that allows you to ride up 10% hills with minimal effort. If this means you do 3.5mph at 70rpm in 26x32 then that's what you use.
As for fitness - how far can you ride right now and how much do you weigh? You might only commute a few miles a day but I know a few folk that do that and can knock out 80 miles at the weekend.
There are people that ride The Death Ride in the Sierra Nevada of California on things as silly as Eliptigo's - so the Brompton shouldn't make the ride impossible should you ride that during the event. However, I'm not sure what Mavic technical support will think if you pull up and ask for assistance :P
