Soggy Moose Travels : Vive Le Tour!!!! Allez! Allez! Allez!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Vive Le Tour!!!! Allez! Allez! Allez!

We awoke and lounged a bit catching up and started to pack things up.

The weather report was calling for early afternoon showers even though it was a nice clear morning. We packed our kit accordingly for the day and were out the door at about 0830. We made our way to the Tower Hill area and scouted the route. We met some of the “Tour Makers” (local volunteers to assist people view the race) and discussed the best places to view. We saw a spot on the outside of the turn and said this is where we shall be.

As the roads were still open we went to The Minories. (Yes the pub we keep going back to, and people were asking us where the WC was located - must be getting local status.) A couple of bacon sandwiches, a ginger beer and a cider were had. We kept a wary eye out to see when people would be queuing along the barricades. We saw two gentlemen sitting in chairs so we made our way to our location and joined them at 1030.

The wait started. We enjoyed chatting with local fans and met a family from Portland, Oregon. The Caravan was to arrive at our location at about 1400 and it finally arrived a little after 1400. The Peloton was to arrive at 1535 but they were a tad behind schedule and arrived 1630. During this time a light rain started to fall. We had rain gear for us and the cameras.

The anticipation of the arrival is quite energizing. And then swoosh they are by.

Photos were ok, but lessons were learned. First time shooting with a rain cover on the camera, make sure camera shutter speed is set FAST!!!!, the riders buzzz by faster that the Motorbikes and Caravan vehicles you took your test shots on. Still some had a nice blur effect.

As they zoom by it is hard to pick out a specific rider. They are by in seconds and then the crowds head home.

We walked around the Tower and made our way back to The Minories and had Bangers and Mash. Arrived back at our room and got packed up to continue our journey tomorrow.

Tomorrows journey is Tube to St. Pancras, rail to Dover (Wonder if there will be Blue Birds over the White Cliffs of Dover), P&O Ferry to Calais, rental car pick up and off to Lille. The best we can determine is Le Tour route will pass very very near to our lodging at Lille, so we may see them arrive in Lille if roads and traffic etc etc etc allow.