Paris Report.

"Simon Mason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Bit of a gruelling trip - nearly 1000 miles of driving from Hull - Paris
and back through the Tunnel. Still, no traffic jams anywhere, even on the
M25 and the Paris ring road. Parking was no problem due to underground
Novotel car park . The GPS was invaluable as well, having only female map
readers to hand ;-)

Oi! Watch it Mason!

Quoted message said:

Sunday afternoon we strolled leisurely to the Champ Elysees. Of course,
every vantage point was taken so watched most of the action on the big
screen on the Place de la Concorde. Just about saw the riders as they sped
past through fleeting gaps in the crowd. Couldn't expect daughters to
wait 45 minutes for the final 30 odd km of riding, so headed back to watch
the presentation in the hotel on France 2.

Yes, when we did it in 2003, the Champs Elysee was filling up even as we
cycled it in the morning.

Quoted message said:

Still, saw all the major contenders and soaked up the atmosphere, although
if I was organising it I would erect lots of temporary stands so more
people could see. Even if it was only stepped banking. Seemed stupid that
only a handful of the crowd could see any action unless they had camped
out all day. I'm fairly tall so I could at least see something but there
were loads of kids who saw nothing at all.

Aye, there could be more done on the day to make watching a bit easier I
think.

Cheers, helen s

Quoted message said:

Anyone who tried to climb onto a vantage point like a tree was usually
asked to come down by the police. I'm sure people would pay a few Euros to
sit in a temporary stand rather than watch the action on a large TV which
they could have seen in their own front room.
--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net

"Simon Mason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Bit of a gruelling trip - nearly 1000 miles of driving from Hull - Paris
and back through the Tunnel. Still, no traffic jams anywhere, even on the
M25 and the Paris ring road. Parking was no problem due to underground
Novotel car park . The GPS was invaluable as well, having only female map
readers to hand ;-)

Oi! Watch it Mason!

Quoted message said:

Sunday afternoon we strolled leisurely to the Champ Elysees. Of course,
every vantage point was taken so watched most of the action on the big
screen on the Place de la Concorde. Just about saw the riders as they sped
past through fleeting gaps in the crowd. Couldn't expect daughters to
wait 45 minutes for the final 30 odd km of riding, so headed back to watch
the presentation in the hotel on France 2.

Yes, when we did it in 2003, the Champs Elysee was filling up even as we
cycled it in the morning.

Quoted message said:

Still, saw all the major contenders and soaked up the atmosphere, although
if I was organising it I would erect lots of temporary stands so more
people could see. Even if it was only stepped banking. Seemed stupid that
only a handful of the crowd could see any action unless they had camped
out all day. I'm fairly tall so I could at least see something but there
were loads of kids who saw nothing at all.

Aye, there could be more done on the day to make watching a bit easier I
think.

Cheers, helen s

Quoted message said:

Anyone who tried to climb onto a vantage point like a tree was usually
asked to come down by the police. I'm sure people would pay a few Euros to
sit in a temporary stand rather than watch the action on a large TV which
they could have seen in their own front room.
--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

"wafflycat" <waffles*A*T*v21net*D*O*T*co*D*O*T*uk> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a flight
at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home at 2130 UK
time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst airport, and a
40 minute flight delay)

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la Concorde
corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the benefit of
watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps either live in
front of us or on the big screen.

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage, other
than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last stage. It
was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all the Disco
boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait until
2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

"wafflycat" <waffles*A*T*v21net*D*O*T*co*D*O*T*uk> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a flight
at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home at 2130 UK
time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst airport, and a
40 minute flight delay)

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la Concorde
corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the benefit of
watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps either live in
front of us or on the big screen.

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage, other
than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last stage. It
was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all the Disco
boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait until
2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"wafflycat" <waffles*A*T*v21net*D*O*T*co*D*O*T*uk> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a
flight at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home
at 2130 UK time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst
airport, and a 40 minute flight delay)

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la
Concorde corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the
benefit of watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps
either live in front of us or on the big screen.

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage,
other than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last
stage. It was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all
the Disco boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait
until 2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

Forgot to say ... managed to restrain Mrs Tall Bloke from spending anything
in the shops (taking just a mini-rucksack was the solution .... just room
for toothbrush, pair of pants and a lipstick ... that's her, not me!)

RG

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"wafflycat" <waffles*A*T*v21net*D*O*T*co*D*O*T*uk> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

And now we just need a report from Rob The Tall Bloke :-)

Cheers, helen s

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a
flight at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home
at 2130 UK time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst
airport, and a 40 minute flight delay)

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la
Concorde corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the
benefit of watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps
either live in front of us or on the big screen.

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage,
other than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last
stage. It was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all
the Disco boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait
until 2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

Forgot to say ... managed to restrain Mrs Tall Bloke from spending anything
in the shops (taking just a mini-rucksack was the solution .... just room
for toothbrush, pair of pants and a lipstick ... that's her, not me!)

RG

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Excellent ;-)

Quoted message said:

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a
flight at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home
at 2130 UK time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst
airport, and a 40 minute flight delay)

Sounds good. At least you didn't have to drive through Parisian traffic as
The Unfit Family did last time. Much easier cycling Parisian traffic!

Quoted message said:

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la
Concorde corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the
benefit of watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps
either live in front of us or on the big screen.

Ooh-err, how did you manage that? I'm green with envy I tell you!

Quoted message said:

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage,
other than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last
stage. It was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all
the Disco boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

I got that impression looking at the TV coverage. I wonder why that was the
case.

Quoted message said:

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait
until 2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

Aye, the randonnee was rather special.

Cheers, helen s

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Tall Bloke reporting .....

Excellent ;-)

Quoted message said:

Have to confess we did it the easy way - flight from Birmingham very early
Saturday, potter around Paris, nice dinner on Saturday and back on a
flight at about 2015 on Sunday (left the Champs at 1745 Fr time and home
at 2130 UK time - even negotiating CDG, without doubt the world's worst
airport, and a 40 minute flight delay)

Sounds good. At least you didn't have to drive through Parisian traffic as
The Unfit Family did last time. Much easier cycling Parisian traffic!

Quoted message said:

We had tickets for the stand at the foot of the Champs/Place de la
Concorde corner, and in sight of one of the big screens - so had the
benefit of watching the run in to Paris on the TV and then the 7 laps
either live in front of us or on the big screen.

Ooh-err, how did you manage that? I'm green with envy I tell you!

Quoted message said:

Usual fantastic atmosphere - seemed that everyone was either English or
American. Finish was a bit of a surprise with Vino taking the stage,
other than that nothing remarkable (as to be expected) from the last
stage. It was a great touch that the peloton was led in by Lance and all
the Disco boys on the first crossing of the line - to a tumultuous roar.

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

I got that impression looking at the TV coverage. I wonder why that was the
case.

Quoted message said:

Have to say I missed not taking part (or at least riding in the Randonnee)
this time but then it was special in 2003, I guess we'll have to wait
until 2013 for the 100th tour for the next one.

Rob

Aye, the randonnee was rather special.

Cheers, helen s

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Forgot to say ... managed to restrain Mrs Tall Bloke from spending
anything in the shops (taking just a mini-rucksack was the solution ....
just room for toothbrush, pair of pants and a lipstick ... that's her, not
me!)

RG

I shall have to educate Mrs Tall Bloke ;-)

Cheers, helen s

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Forgot to say ... managed to restrain Mrs Tall Bloke from spending
anything in the shops (taking just a mini-rucksack was the solution ....
just room for toothbrush, pair of pants and a lipstick ... that's her, not
me!)

RG

I shall have to educate Mrs Tall Bloke ;-)

Cheers, helen s

Simon Mason said:

Bit of a gruelling trip - nearly 1000 miles of driving from Hull - Paris and
back through the Tunnel. Still, no traffic jams anywhere, even on the M25

Blimey. Count yourself as part of the chosen few.

Quoted message said:

and the Paris ring road. Parking was no problem due to underground Novotel
car park . The GPS was invaluable as well, having only female map readers to
hand ;-)

If you're into The Clash [which you might be] and the TDF you might
like to read this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0752867520/ref=pd_sim_b_dp_5/026-0340539-1331654

I haven't, but he was on Jack Thurston's The Bike Show last night, and
gave a rather amusing account of himself. He has, let's say, a rather
liberal attitude to dope, which, given his background is not
surprising, lol. Interestng account of how he got being interested in
the TDF: being held up by road blocks while on holiday in France with
the kids and not knowing what was going on, he got hooked by what he
then watched go past. Kind of a refreshingly seeming 'clash' of
cultures.

I got the impression that Jack Thurston genuinely enjoyed reading it.

Garry

Quoted message said:

Sunday afternoon we strolled leisurely to the Champ Elysees. Of course,
every vantage point was taken so watched most of the action on the big
screen on the Place de la Concorde. Just about saw the riders as they sped
past through fleeting gaps in the crowd. Couldn't expect daughters to wait
45 minutes for the final 30 odd km of riding, so headed back to watch the
presentation in the hotel on France 2.

Still, saw all the major contenders and soaked up the atmosphere, although
if I was organising it I would erect lots of temporary stands so more people
could see. Even if it was only stepped banking. Seemed stupid that only a
handful of the crowd could see any action unless they had camped out all
day. I'm fairly tall so I could at least see something but there were loads
of kids who saw nothing at all.

Anyone who tried to climb onto a vantage point like a tree was usually asked
to come down by the police. I'm sure people would pay a few Euros to sit in
a temporary stand rather than watch the action on a large TV which they
could have seen in their own front room.

Simon Mason said:

Bit of a gruelling trip - nearly 1000 miles of driving from Hull - Paris and
back through the Tunnel. Still, no traffic jams anywhere, even on the M25

Blimey. Count yourself as part of the chosen few.

Quoted message said:

and the Paris ring road. Parking was no problem due to underground Novotel
car park . The GPS was invaluable as well, having only female map readers to
hand ;-)

If you're into The Clash [which you might be] and the TDF you might
like to read this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0752867520/ref=pd_sim_b_dp_5/026-0340539-1331654

I haven't, but he was on Jack Thurston's The Bike Show last night, and
gave a rather amusing account of himself. He has, let's say, a rather
liberal attitude to dope, which, given his background is not
surprising, lol. Interestng account of how he got being interested in
the TDF: being held up by road blocks while on holiday in France with
the kids and not knowing what was going on, he got hooked by what he
then watched go past. Kind of a refreshingly seeming 'clash' of
cultures.

I got the impression that Jack Thurston genuinely enjoyed reading it.

Garry

Quoted message said:

Sunday afternoon we strolled leisurely to the Champ Elysees. Of course,
every vantage point was taken so watched most of the action on the big
screen on the Place de la Concorde. Just about saw the riders as they sped
past through fleeting gaps in the crowd. Couldn't expect daughters to wait
45 minutes for the final 30 odd km of riding, so headed back to watch the
presentation in the hotel on France 2.

Still, saw all the major contenders and soaked up the atmosphere, although
if I was organising it I would erect lots of temporary stands so more people
could see. Even if it was only stepped banking. Seemed stupid that only a
handful of the crowd could see any action unless they had camped out all
day. I'm fairly tall so I could at least see something but there were loads
of kids who saw nothing at all.

Anyone who tried to climb onto a vantage point like a tree was usually asked
to come down by the police. I'm sure people would pay a few Euros to sit in
a temporary stand rather than watch the action on a large TV which they
could have seen in their own front room.

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

We got to the Rue de Rivoli at 12.00 and there was room on the Tuileries
gardens side of the road, next to the barrier, until 3pm.
It was my first time watching the TdF in Paris, so found the hour long
procession of motorised furry animals, large-breasted dancing women on the
back of cars, gas canisters on wheels, etc. a little strange. Do they drive
along the whole course or just the final day?

The idea was to take some decent photographs, but it was so difficult to
frame shots that I cheated, set the shutter speed to 1/500 and simply took 5
frames per second as they went by. I haven't had a chance to filter out all
the cr** ones yet, but fairly sure I got some decent shots of the main
contenders. Anyone who can get decent photographs in that situation has my
respect 🙂

Great atmosphere, as somebody said everyone seemed to be Brits or Americans.
There must have been 500 Americans outside the hotel Crillon on Sunday
night- great anticipation, security cleared the crowds back then out pops
John Kerry- but no Lance.................Oh well!

"RG" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I was there in 2003 (and rode in the amateur Randonnee, hence having met
Helen and Vernon) but I think there were fewer people there this time,
despite Mr A attaining immortality - certainly as late as 1230 there was
lots of space on the Rue de Rivoli and the non-grandstand areas up the
Champs.

We got to the Rue de Rivoli at 12.00 and there was room on the Tuileries
gardens side of the road, next to the barrier, until 3pm.
It was my first time watching the TdF in Paris, so found the hour long
procession of motorised furry animals, large-breasted dancing women on the
back of cars, gas canisters on wheels, etc. a little strange. Do they drive
along the whole course or just the final day?

The idea was to take some decent photographs, but it was so difficult to
frame shots that I cheated, set the shutter speed to 1/500 and simply took 5
frames per second as they went by. I haven't had a chance to filter out all
the cr** ones yet, but fairly sure I got some decent shots of the main
contenders. Anyone who can get decent photographs in that situation has my
respect 🙂

Great atmosphere, as somebody said everyone seemed to be Brits or Americans.
There must have been 500 Americans outside the hotel Crillon on Sunday
night- great anticipation, security cleared the crowds back then out pops
John Kerry- but no Lance.................Oh well!

Rob said:

We got to the Rue de Rivoli at 12.00 and there was room on the Tuileries
gardens side of the road, next to the barrier, until 3pm.
It was my first time watching the TdF in Paris, so found the hour long
procession of motorised furry animals, large-breasted dancing women on the
back of cars, gas canisters on wheels, etc. a little strange. Do they drive
along the whole course or just the final day?

From my experience... the whole course! It is very carnival-like. It
does also allow you to judge when to start taking up a viewing position
when watching in remote locations (Random corner on road, second
stage... a few years back now.).

Jon

Rob said:

We got to the Rue de Rivoli at 12.00 and there was room on the Tuileries
gardens side of the road, next to the barrier, until 3pm.
It was my first time watching the TdF in Paris, so found the hour long
procession of motorised furry animals, large-breasted dancing women on the
back of cars, gas canisters on wheels, etc. a little strange. Do they drive
along the whole course or just the final day?

From my experience... the whole course! It is very carnival-like. It
does also allow you to judge when to start taking up a viewing position
when watching in remote locations (Random corner on road, second
stage... a few years back now.).

Jon

Rob said:

We got to the Rue de Rivoli at 12.00 and there was room on the Tuileries
gardens side of the road, next to the barrier, until 3pm.
It was my first time watching the TdF in Paris, so found the hour long
procession of motorised furry animals, large-breasted dancing women on the
back of cars, gas canisters on wheels, etc. a little strange. Do they drive
along the whole course or just the final day?

From my experience... the whole course! It is very carnival-like. It
does also allow you to judge when to start taking up a viewing position
when watching in remote locations (Random corner on road, second
stage... a few years back now.).

Jon