"Jaybee" <jcarp1939 AT comcast.net> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:I am planning to view the TDF 2004 July 16-July 18 in the Pyrennes. It is
my first time
to be at TDF in person. Can someone give me some pointers on the logistics
of this attendance?
A Web site, another NG, or just reply in this NG is fine. Please don't use
my e-mail address here as it is never accessed.
I am planning to arrive in Toulouse and be picked up by family with rented
car anytime the week of July 11th.
Questions:
How long will the route of stage 12 be open for cars to find a viewing
spot?
Usually the tour caravan comes through 90 minutes (plus or minus)
before the tour so that means the roads close down in the area of 3
hours before the tour is expected to come through. There are expected
times to locations on the stage listed in l'Equipe (the sports
newspaper).
Quoted message said:Is it best to be somewhere on the finishing ascent to La Mongie?
It will be crowded and you may need to get there a day or so in
advance of the stage.
Quoted message said:Is a bike better to get around rather than a car for viewing this or any
stage?
Yes, the time between the road closing to cars and the publicity
caravan bikes were permitted on the road. There were cyclists riding
up l'Alpe up until the caravan came through.
Quoted message said:Is it possible to find mulitple viewing spots during the stage?
Depends on the stage. the road opens up pretty quickly after the last
rider goes through. There may be potential traffic back ups. Most
likely no but if the route doubles back on an alternate road nearby
then it could be done.
Find a spot, pull your car (or bike) off the roadway where you can and
expect to be planted there. Once the publicity caravan goes by (and
you've snagged your bag of goodies) it can get kind of boring. It will
be a good time to practice your French, eat a baugette avec fromage,
argue about who is the better rider and so forth. Finishes are jam
packed and for my money not worth it. You might like getting sardined
but it isn't my cup of tea.
Hope this helps,
Andy
Quoted message said:
Sorry, I have lots of questions about getting about during this week and
weekend.
Appreciate any replies from those who have experience being there or a
reference link to a resource that can answer my questions.
Thanks
