Start At Arras -
We got up 0530 and out the door. The drive to Arras took just under an hour. We located a public parking space and made out way by foot to the Citadel where the starting festivities were to take place. We walked past an area where the caravan was being staged, probably an area the size of 4 football fields. We easily found the sign-in podium and staked claim to a spot at the front of the barricade, about 0830. We learned that the sign-ins will start at 1130.
Cloudy and a mist was falling all day.
The spectators are kept entertained with a couple of magic acts and Emcees keeping things going. Also this is a time for various sponsors to had out their various goodies. We got a couple of sun hats, scarfs, and a blow up pillow. They were also passing out fresh fruit, peaches, plums and apricots.
A big screen played highlights of the past years tours, and highlights of the previous stages. A very very crowded scene and very different from waiting along the route.
As the Caravan departed we maintained our spots by the Sign-In Podium. Lynn did try to get nearer to the Caravan Route.
Slowly the riders start the sign in process, we snap pictures of many riders, here are a few———
Not all the riders had a spring in their step. One could sense the soreness of their mussels as they walked up and down the stairs.
After the sign in the riders departed on the neutral start. We had noted Peter Sagan had not signed in, and were wondering what was up. Soon he arrives, of course I put my camera up, but got it out and set to auto and clicked a few. My guess is there was a problem in getting to the start area for his team.
Traffic was very very very very hectic and slow moving. So we decided to eat some bread and cheese in the car and wait for things to clear out. We opted not to try and get to Wellington Cave a WWI site, and simply head back to the hotel.
We got back to the hotel, dropped our day bags, and headed to a restaurant to watch the tour. Alas they did not have a TV even though they were listed as an official route restaurant. So we went back to our hotel and our room could not be accessed. Oh well so we are waiting in the lobby for some one to show up at the desk. I did turn on the TV in the breakfast area so as to watch Le Tour.
Tonight will be repacking for the journey from Paris to Venice by train.
Sorry today did not go as smoothly as you had planned. Still, as much as I think Ken might like to do what you have done, I doubt he will ever do it. (drive around the french countryside and witness the tour firsthand). Safe travels this evening.
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