Tour de France

Yep, we were there. Stages 7 & 8 were about 2 hours from our home and it is a race that we always said we'd enjoy seeing in person, and seize the opportunity-we did. Not exactly sure what we were getting ourselves into as we left the house on Saturday morning. Not sure where to go for the best view, how early to get there. Sitting...waiting for hours for a 10 second glimpse as the riders fly by, sounds a little crazy, huh.

But I can tell you one thing-this race is A BIG DEAL! Five helicopters in chase, luxury buses (the kind rock stars use) for the riders, and at the finish, a quarter mile of grandstands, and not one, but two jumbo-tron televisions.

I can only imagine the multi-millions spent by sponsors for give-aways, signage, and their elaborately embellished caravan of vehicles, not counting the behind the scene expenses. This caravan travels the entire race route.

I never heard of Sammy 1, now there's Sammy 2. Does anyone know this movie?

Before the race along the course, spectators were setting up their spaces. Barbecues, chairs, tables, dining tents, RV's parked, TV's outside-very similar to what we know as tailgating. We did come a little prepared and had our own food and beverages. So before Saturday's race we took a short hike and were awarded a spectacular view.

Le Thillot, France

Le Thillot, France

near Le Thillot, France

The larger towns along the route decorated with various depictions of bicycles, some very creative, some not so, as in this photo. I unfortunately only have this photo to show which doesn't give the others justice. You will have to trust me on this one.

Belonchamp, France

By Sunday we were no longer rookies. The finish line for Stage 8 was in Porrentruy, Switzerland and we set our GPS for Porrentruy or bust! In this town, beverage stands were set up, bands were playing, shops normally not open on Sunday were open. There was more excitement in the air!

Here are some photos of both days following the Tour de France.

http://flic.kr/ps/285kjt