Another hot day in the 30's. We enjoyed a very pleasant ride through the valley flanked by crops of sunflowers, orchards and rolling green pastures. We rode at a solid pace peaking in the mid 40kms/hr. I was in a group of 4 riders, 2 of which were la femmes who produced very strong rides and kept both the boys on our toes.
The scenery was beyond description and has to be witnessed to be really appreciated. Our ride entailed a total of 60kms with some reasonable solid climbs finishing at Dignes Le Bains. The other 13 riders rode 100kms and we all re-grouped and rested 5kms out from the township and enjoyed some bagettes and a most welcome drink.
From this point the 16 riders in our group progressed into the township under VIP escort to the finishing line on what was an official leg of the Tour de France. We were welcomed at the finishing line by the crowds that were already assembled to greet the official Tour de France riders which were following behind us by 3 hours.
As part of the Bikestyletours arrangements we were then treated to official photographs on the podium following which we were given the opportunity to see the technical operations that support the Tour de France TV and radio coverages thanks to Dave McKenzie and his SBS crew. It was an amazing sight to see the technology that supports this event including kms of cabling on the ground.
When the riders finally came through we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to view and photograph both the yellow jersey winner (Cadel Evans, Australian) and the green, polka dot jersey winners from close proximity.
A memorable and enjoyable day that we will never forget.
Narrated by Sexy John, typed by Southern Hack (Steve))
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3 comments:
This is a message for John Mansfield (Sexy John I'm guessing!!)
Hi John
Am enjoying reading about your adventures on the tour. Sounds as though you are all having a great time. Look forward to hearing all about it when you return.
You will be happy to know that the Swans beat Carlton by 2 points on Sunday. As we lost to North on Friday night, you are still in 4th spot (I'm still sulking!!).
Weather here is cold & miserable with plenty of rain.
Keep enjoying yourself John.
Lots of love
Lia
Hi John,
We are all happy to hear that you are having such a wonderful time. Here in the office we are all slaving our life away chained to our desks and the only escape is to imagin ourselves riding free under the sun with tempertures in the mid 30s. We are freezing right now. Top of 12 for the whole week. Keep enjoying yourself.
All the best from
Malvern office.
John
Missing you at coffee (and your e-mails)at work. Great to hear you're enjoying it as much as you expected.
Len
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