Any cyclists on this board? - Tour de France

zenwhipper · Oct 27, 2008

Folks-

I'm sick of planning my typical m/c trips in July which find me heading east to Montana and staying with the family... on a lake, in the sun - blah blah blah. Next summer - I'm trying to talk the wife into going to France and seeing some of the TDF. Anybody have any tips and tricks on:

1. Visiting France

2. Places to see the TDF in person.

Kind Thanks Mates

Scott

zip · Oct 27, 2008

My three favorite places in France:

Vezelay

Cape d'Antibes

Chamonix

Haven't been to Normandy yet, but would really like to go. Would also love to rent an FJR over there for a week or so, especially near Mont Blanc. Wow.

My favorite casual, vrai français restaurant in Paris: Restaurant Polidor in the Quartier Latin.

Advice for the Tour de France:

Get there early, wherever you're going to watch.

Don't be one of those dicks that runs anywhere near the cyclists. It drives me crazy watching that on TV.

Bon chance!

1FJR · Oct 27, 2008

I have not seen the tour in France, I saw it in Berlin in 87. That was lucky as I could catch the train to different areas of town to see the tour. But the idea of getting there early is a great idea. Even 20 years ago there was lots of crowds. For the opening time trial, I got my spot early and stayed there all day.

I keep trying to talk the wife into a bike tour in the mountains during the tour, so far not so good.

jcyuhn · Oct 28, 2008

I have not actually seen the race, though I have ridden many of the mountain stages in the Alps. A few random thoughts. I think there are really three options to see the race in person: On the side of the road during a mountain stage, in a town during a time trial, or in Paris for the final sprints near the Arc de Triomphe (someone check my spelling).

On a mountain climb the riders will go by individually, and slowly. Better for viewing. But the roads close for many hours; you are there for a long day. Bring a picnic or book a room at a mountaintop hotel on the route (if you can still find one). It's cool in the mountains, which could be a big advantage.

To see a timetrial you can stay in a town a 1 hour drive away - that's likely the closest you'll be able to find lodging. Drive over for the day and back later. Probably a long walk into town from where you'll find parking.

Paris is a nobrainer if you want to see the final stage and take in some of the sights. Spouses tend to like this option the best, but you'll have to go to the Louvre as payback.

The race covers a lot of ground, so it's actually a bit of work to keep up with it - well over 100miles most days. I've never taken a bicycle tour to see the race because it sounds too much like work - up at 5:30AM to get to the course, ride a few hours, watch the race go by, then shuttle in the van for a few hours to get near the next stage. Not enough time for beer drinking.

What is your wife's attitude toward long days on the side of the road spent with hordes of intoxicated European partiers? Could be the best thing ever, or the wurst,

depending on what you like. BTW, there's a great book "Motorcycle Journeys through the Alps and Beyond" that gives lots of helpful information on the roads, riding, and seeing Europe in general. Might be useful if you're serious.

- JimY

FJRintheVille · Oct 28, 2008

I guess all you guys like to ride vehicles on two wheels. Love to watch the Tour and would love to see in person someday.

My cycling has taken a serious hit since the purchase of the FJR in June.

What kind of bike does everyone have? I have 07 Lemond Zurich Road Bike. Did some Cat 5 road races this year for the first time.