Our first day of Tour watching, so we were up at 4 AM and on the road by 4:30 AM. We picked up a baguette and some croissants at a boulangerie in the town of Thones at 5:50 AM. What a beautiful village, I could definitely spend several days there and it is very centrally located for watching many of the typical Tour routes too.
From Thones, the drive to our Tour viewing site was a short one although all uphill and very steep. We arrived and at a wonderful site by 6:30 AM. The early departure paid off, we ended up less than 1 KM from the sum of the Col de la Croix Fry, and we had spectacular views in every direction. Now we had only to wait about 8 hours for the riders.
Arriving as early as we did, we were chilled by the 11°C mountain air and bundled up with fleece, rain jackets, and rain pants until the sun rose over the mountains, reducing my clothes to a t-shirt and shorts by the time the riders arrived.
Our waiting time passed quickly. There’s a non stop parade of cars, motorcycles, cyclists, and walkers passing in front of us. The variety of multi-colored cycling outfits declaring each individual’s allegiance to a professional team, a local cycling club, a university, or a special ride provides continual entertainment.
I’m always amazed at the wide variety of ages and body types that are able to ride up these steep climbs. For the first time ever we saw a number of electric bikes; they were easy to spot, if the rider looks like he’s having little difficulty, sitting up straight, and not sweating, he’s got an electric.
Our US flag stimulates lots of friendly “hellos” and no negative political comments.
Every team in the tour has support staff spaced throughout the route handing out water bottles and energy bars to his team riders. Riders are very careful to not accept food or drink from spectators, so these mechanics are essential for keeping the racers energized and hydrated. Along the narrow roads that approach mountain summits the team cars that carry spare bikes are not allowed to follow the riders closely, so any mechanical problem can be a disaster for a leading rider. So teams also equip these road side support staff with spare wheels in case one of his team riders gets a flat. A Team Sky mechanic ended up standing just across from us, so we enjoyed talking to him for several hours before the racers arrived. We has very friendly and handed out extra water bottles and mussette (food) bags to several adoring kids and adults too.
Just before 3 pm the riders arrived. There was a lead group with four riders followed by a chase group of eight riders, and then the peloton came up a few minutes later. Even though the crowds were very heavy right at the summit, we were relatively were watching, so it was easy to get great photos of the riders as they passed us.
Our ride back to Grenoble was delayed by traffic for 45 minutes as we first descended from our viewing spot in the mountains, but we were still in out hotel room by 6 pm.
We were exhausted, neither of us slept that well the night before, and our cat naps while we waited for the racers aren’t long enough, but we showered, felt refreshed, and made it to a nearby restaurant by 7:30 PM. Our meal was fabulous. We both had filet mignon with sides of cabbage and mashed potatoes. I know this sounds dreadfully plain, but these were unlike any sides we’d ever had. For dessert I had pannecota with fresh strawberries with a crème Anglaise, and Joni had French toast with peaches, and rose ice cream.
Sounds like you are having a great time!! You both are so adventurous!
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