"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
