What are your plans for Le Tour?

[Sooty09]

On the hill above Hawes, just to the right of Buttertubs

Don't know how it was made, stopped for a Tea at the cheese works and only the wheels were there, 20 mins later most of the frame and forks.

 

[fritz]

impressive - wonder if the rest of the peleton is there now it's coming together great up there eh

 

[fritz]

Went over to Ripon and pately and Grassington to have a neb at the southern bit of day one.

To be honest not a lot to see over there - scenery speaks for itself, but lack-lustre on the jewelry - maybe they'll get stuck in this week. It will be quite amazing when they close the A59 - still can't believe they will all day

Anyway called at Gargrave to see Bev's 100 year old aunt (she won't be spectating or riding!)

Whilst at home one of the assistants said 'are you offf to the girder bike show in Skipton'? Never knew a thing about it. Was at Auction mart so we called and nice tie-in as the prizes were being given and a 100 yr old Henderson outfit won.

As we arrived we spotted Dazzer and caught up for a little bit for the first time since his RTW trip - nice

Some nice bikes - mostly leaving as we arrived so just a couple of pics

 

[fritz]

The finish in Harrogate will be hairy - I cycled it the other week and it's a right tug up to a crest that knackers you before a full head down rush descent and a mad bit of uphill to the Turkish Baths or Bettys or maybe the finish is even a little further? (I didn't do that bit as its one-way - the oether way though Froomey did and almost ran over one of my collegues - had police escort mind). Anyway will be interesting to see how Cav does as it ain't flat...but it sure is a ballsy finish - damned terrifying possibly

You are probably aware of the knitters who creted thousands of jerseys for bunting - wonderful effort

The Coach & Horses (Bev's old haunt) has changed name - see what they've done there, eh, eh clever and like the mini bikes too.

Let's hope Cav brings home yellow - but it's a big ask.

 

[fritz]

Stage two the riders pass Knaresborough and Harrogate again on way out from York.

Knaresborough has done some good stuff - the sculptures are bespoke, the polka dot house unmissable!

 

[fritz]

more sucess on the beer front today - from Booths in Ripon.

Building collection for enjoyment next w/e onwards

Can't believe it's so difficult to find these bloody beers - no Daleside (starbeck) and nowhere yesterday with Theakstons or Black Sheep (both brewery shops shut - sure they'll be busy on Saturday...may...may...call in )

 

[Magicmat]

id really like to ride up and watch them go past,

is there no where to park and watch? is it really a case of walking a few miles to get to a road?

 

[sven]

Stanbury's made an effort to make the sheep even more attractive to Welsh and Yorkshire cyclists

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The official song, The Road - for the The Grand Depart


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hilxQHMfJ-w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


More

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DagQili02Qk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[fritz]

Nice - skirt might be a distraction to peleton mind

John...that big van...imagine how many GSers and cycles you could get in it - could be alife changing (finishing ) moment

On y va!

 

[fritz]

Stanbury's made an effort to make the sheep even more attractive to Welsh and Yorkshire cyclists


Tuppin tastic - that's what we want more of!

 

[James Bryan]

id really like to ride up and watch them go past,

is there no where to park and watch? is it really a case of walking a few miles to get to a road?

Magicmat -- Loads of railway stations adjoining the course - both days. Or, if you want to ride, you'd be welcome to park your bike at our house and suffer the 10 minute walk down to the A65?

All the best, Jim.

 

[David H]

There is the BMF bike show on at Kelso Borders might an alternative venue to go, was thinking of going myself out of the way !

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

If the forecast becomes reality...............it's gonna pis down Fri and Sat morning in and around Hawes

 

[inazone242]

If any one is heading in the Ilkley direction to watch the tour i can offer secure bike parking and gear storage for the day, i live adjacent to to the Leeds Ilkley line and there's a 30 minute train service and a journey time of 15/20 minutes to Ilkley or Otley is a pleasant 4 mile walk.
Just pm for contact details.

 

[earwig]

Funny how friends from other parts of the country decide to visit this weekend ... so train into Skipton Saturday, then back for a home made meal and a bevvy or 6 in the evening

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Just come up the M1 North tonight and seen a few race bike transporters coming North

It's on the way

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Invasion from t'ull ferry this morning of TDF gear

 

[Rusty]

I work in Central London ... Day off so will be watching from the comfort of my hoooose .... It will be bloody chaos in town and much as though I love it all it simply isn't worth the aggro .....

 

[MasterDabber]

Official Tour de France Roadbook

Just found the Official Tour de France Roadbook for download. Full of detail as you might expect.

http://velorooms.com/roadbooks/2014/tdf-vredit-en.pdf

It's a fairly big file so may take a time to open/download.

It gives the expected timings at multiple points for each stage of both the caravan and the riders based on 3 different estimated speeds.... and much more.