The Tour de France

Waiting for the start

There have been a lot of experiences crammed into the past few days.  We walked just up the block on Wednesday to watch the Tour de France.  Place Gambetta was busy--vendors were doing a brisk business in souvenirs and there was an arch set up to welcome all those connected with the Tour.  Betty was outside and got to see the parade while I was inside making muffins.  

One of the team cars loaded with bikes

What I loved most was being able to put down what I was doing, go half a block, watch the start of the race, which lasted maybe 10 seconds, and then come home and finish my chores.  I feel so lucky that I didn't have to make a huge effort to see this spectacle; it felt like a part of my life.  Maybe it's age, or that I have been to lots of carnivals, but I felt no desire to go out and buy cotton candy and trinkets.  

There was a "village" around the corner where one could mingle with the riders, their trainers and sponsors, but you needed a pass to get in.  I am not so connected, but my friend John scored a pass.  He had a great time rubbing shoulders with Mr. Froome and his teammates.

"Pace" and the start

Blur #1

Blur #2

Blur #3

The last guy

The actual race was over in a blink!  What stunned me was how quiet it was.  I could see how easily an accident could have happened--I sometimes lose my bearings when I have the camera at my eye and it would have been disastrous had I stepped one more pace nearer the riders.  They were THAT close and THAT fast.  Thankfully an international incident was avoided.  My photos were all blurred; obviously I have more to learn.  But I was there, I was a part of it all, and it was a part of me.