That Damn Tunnel.
Once again, the law of entropy* haunted the Texas Crew. The covered tunnel** created another crazy journey. We all PASSED on driving back to d'Huez, a 3.5 hour nail biter through the rowdiest, drunkest moutainside gauntlet you can imagine. While it would have been a legendary way to enjoy the race, we are all middle-aged after all. Instead, we opted for a shorter 1.5 hour dive to St. Michelle de Maurienne. A quaint town located about 5k from the start of the stage.
We got up EARLY in order to ensure we did not miss our 15 professional seconds.**
Apparel for the stage viewing was carefully planned. Everyone but the Doktor was ALL-IN to make a statement at LeTour. While eye catching, it was:
After the previous evening, a few of us were in rough shape. Ullrich, of course struggled to regain his usual pep. And Herr Doktor was also a little off his game. We all piled into the 9-seater and off we went. Our route minimized but did not eliminate switchbacks. Also interesting, we had the opportunity to pay 65Euros EACH WAY in tolls through a tunnel. It was a great tunnel** but sheesh. We stopped for gas and espresso halfway. In France, the espresso is inexpensive but awesome, and the Cokes are super-pricey. The French have us beat in this regard. We got to Maurienne in time, and grabbed one of the last parking spots. Here are some pics of the Crew:
As we waited, a guy from Skoda came up and asked to take our picture, and a video for some contest. For you Amurricans, Skoda is a carmaker, not a brand of tobacco. He took videos of the ladies and the guys separately. So it was game on! The guys went first. He told us to say something to the camera. We sheepishly mustered a "Vive le France" followed by some nervous laughter.
https://www.welovecycling.com/fr/fantour/project/texas-is-here-for-tour-de-france/
The ladies had the advantage of time to prep, and belted out a sweet "Deep in the Heart of Texas"...Well, most of them did. Check out LingLing for some real entertainment!
https://www.welovecycling.com/fr/fantour/project/texas-girls/
The rest of the morning was a hurry up and wait game. We survived!
And then it was over.
I am sure you all are wondering about the Skoda contest. Unbelievably, the guys made the final 10 videos for the Stage. While the ladies were much more energized, they failed to understand their audience. They sang "Deep in the Heart of Texas" with gusto. We kinda mumbled "Vive le France." As Louis XVI learned the hard way, you gotta give the French people what they want. You know, in French. A link to the historic video is below:
NEXT POST - BIKE TIME IS FUN!
FOOTNOTES
* In researching for this entry, I found a site that blew up my "laymen's view" of the second law of thermodynamics. I learned in high school that the second law of thermodynamics, loosely defined was "A closed system tends toward an increasing amount of disorder." Since I barely made it through physics, my memory is as hazy as the air outside the foot of the gargoyle. Anyway, this is apparently incorrect in the world of the naturalist. I won't bore you with details that I don't understand, but I am a Layman**. Yes I am. I would include a link to the site, but it is run by a godless naturalist. I bet he is a pretty boring dude.
**AT would interpret this phrase pruriently.
***Cheap Plastic Shit
Once again, the law of entropy* haunted the Texas Crew. The covered tunnel** created another crazy journey. We all PASSED on driving back to d'Huez, a 3.5 hour nail biter through the rowdiest, drunkest moutainside gauntlet you can imagine. While it would have been a legendary way to enjoy the race, we are all middle-aged after all. Instead, we opted for a shorter 1.5 hour dive to St. Michelle de Maurienne. A quaint town located about 5k from the start of the stage.
So Very French
We got up EARLY in order to ensure we did not miss our 15 professional seconds.**
Apparel for the stage viewing was carefully planned. Everyone but the Doktor was ALL-IN to make a statement at LeTour. While eye catching, it was:
After the previous evening, a few of us were in rough shape. Ullrich, of course struggled to regain his usual pep. And Herr Doktor was also a little off his game. We all piled into the 9-seater and off we went. Our route minimized but did not eliminate switchbacks. Also interesting, we had the opportunity to pay 65Euros EACH WAY in tolls through a tunnel. It was a great tunnel** but sheesh. We stopped for gas and espresso halfway. In France, the espresso is inexpensive but awesome, and the Cokes are super-pricey. The French have us beat in this regard. We got to Maurienne in time, and grabbed one of the last parking spots. Here are some pics of the Crew:
Ladies First!
So Pro, but no Dr in Tow
Skoda Fan Pic!
As we waited, a guy from Skoda came up and asked to take our picture, and a video for some contest. For you Amurricans, Skoda is a carmaker, not a brand of tobacco. He took videos of the ladies and the guys separately. So it was game on! The guys went first. He told us to say something to the camera. We sheepishly mustered a "Vive le France" followed by some nervous laughter.
https://www.welovecycling.com/fr/fantour/project/texas-is-here-for-tour-de-france/
The ladies had the advantage of time to prep, and belted out a sweet "Deep in the Heart of Texas"...Well, most of them did. Check out LingLing for some real entertainment!
https://www.welovecycling.com/fr/fantour/project/texas-girls/
The rest of the morning was a hurry up and wait game. We survived!
Breakfast Leffes All Around!
Collage is a French Word!
Highlights of the wait included the Yeti making friends across the globe. These new mates included a future CX champion from Great Britain. They actually exchanged jerseys! He also met a Scottish German student who resides permanently in Australia. This world is confusing, right? Lunch was forgettable. People really took an interest in our Crew's gear. Not always in a positive fashion. Finally, the race came through. First it was a cavalcade of sponsor cars, all chucking out useless CPS*** to the French masses. They loved it. And so did we.
Then. FINALLY. THE RACE! LeTOUR!!
See Yeti's video of the Race:
And then it was over.
WRAPUP
I am sure you all are wondering about the Skoda contest. Unbelievably, the guys made the final 10 videos for the Stage. While the ladies were much more energized, they failed to understand their audience. They sang "Deep in the Heart of Texas" with gusto. We kinda mumbled "Vive le France." As Louis XVI learned the hard way, you gotta give the French people what they want. You know, in French. A link to the historic video is below:
See You for Post #8!
NEXT POST - BIKE TIME IS FUN!
FOOTNOTES
* In researching for this entry, I found a site that blew up my "laymen's view" of the second law of thermodynamics. I learned in high school that the second law of thermodynamics, loosely defined was "A closed system tends toward an increasing amount of disorder." Since I barely made it through physics, my memory is as hazy as the air outside the foot of the gargoyle. Anyway, this is apparently incorrect in the world of the naturalist. I won't bore you with details that I don't understand, but I am a Layman**. Yes I am. I would include a link to the site, but it is run by a godless naturalist. I bet he is a pretty boring dude.
**AT would interpret this phrase pruriently.
***Cheap Plastic Shit
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