For 2010 Trip

Go to: http://tourdefrancetrip.blogspot.com

Trip Wrap-Up

We can't believe the trip is over, it was a whirlwind of cycling, tour viewing, eating and checking in and out of seven different Hotels. At times we just looked at each other and said "can you believe this", riding the same roads as the TOUR DE FRANCE the day of or before, with fans cheering you on at every turn. Then, to be at the finish line as the stage winners pass one foot in front of you. Also to be at the start village and the riders enclosure area, standing right next to the best pro cyclists and their team vehicles, bikes, mechanics, etc.

We meet greatest group of people from:

Custom Getaways Group: Erika & John, Kristina & Pat and Staff, Eric & Patric

Steve Bauer Bike Tours: Richard, Randy, Diane & Dan, Jewell, Peter, Ian, Allan, Dene, Howard, Gregory, Stephen, Dave and the Staff, Chad Mr. Mechanic, Joost moving us from one place to anther, Philippe the back-up man, Tim the decent king, Josee & Steve the coolest cycling couple who spoiled us at every turn.

We got to do this again.

Dean & Jeanne and Craig.

Mont-Ventoux Stage 20

Today we rode 80K back to Mont-Ventoux, then about 6K up the mountain we stopped at this café and had a gourmet lunch. After lunch we watched the race, and this crazy fan in the white shirt and blue shorts got his chance to run with the riders.

Mont-Ventoux WE DID IT!!!!

For more pictures go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourdefrancetrip2009
The anticipation leading up to this ride was one thing, then to climb Mont Ventoux which is 21.1km at 7.6% average grade was the hardest and longest climb I have ever done. This is a challenge for any cyclist, the first 6km is not so bad, but after that there is no break, it just stays steep all the way to the top. After 1 1/2 hours I finally made it to the SUMMIT :), what a feeling of accomplishment and this is one climb I will talk about the rest of my life. As the rest of the group made it to the top one by one we all felt the same way, then after pictures Steve lead us down the other side for the best decent of the trip were the speeds ranged 50-70 miles per hour, what a rush. Once we got to ground level I even had a beer to celebrate one of the most unforgettable rides of my life.

Annecy

July 23rd ITT

Hotel Ombremont

For more pictures go to:
http://flickr.com/photos/tourdefrancetrip2009
Just arrived at the lake Bourget, breathtaking views of the lake.We had dinner at the 2 michelin starred restaurant ,the Bateau Ivoire,with the group of 20...........the people couldn't be nicer!!!
Up the next morning Thursday July 24 ,breakfast at 7"00-8'00 out the door by 9'00 to ride up in to the vineyards of the Savoie region ,up the col de chat, 40km s ,Jeanne did some of the ride.
We all met at the top ,where the group organized a beautiful barbeque. before leaving , Craig was presented with the award for best rider of the day,we all said goodbye,sorry to see him go, he rode down to the hotel. Back in the hotel ,quick shower, out the door to the time trial on Lake Annecy where we snuck into the VIP area and watched the cyclist train, we saw the team vans including Armstongs, that was 3 deep with people taking photos, he's a big star and the French love him this year(finally)Matthew Mcconnely getting into the front seat of one of Lances official cars..........alot of excitement!!!

Bourg- St-Maurice

Today July 21 again was unreal we did a 80K ride over two cols the opposite direction of what the tour riders did the first summit at the Arch and then down and finally up the 20K climb Cormet de Roselend, which took about an hour or more??Then down to the village to see the Finish of stage 16.

Megeve

On the night of July 19th we made it to Megeve and meet up with Jeanne and had a wonderful dinner at the hotel. The next morning we all had massages and relaxed for 10 minutes by the pool. About 1:00 we were picked up by the Steve Bauer Group and off to another hotel in Megeve. were we had a nice afternoon lunch and meet the group. Then we went out for short 44k ride up to the summit Col des Aravis at 1486M 12K climb. The views were just spectacular.

Livestrong

Need I say more!

Verbier

Two night's ago we drove to Switzerland, the next morning we did 115K ride to Verbier, I have to say this was the best ride of my life so far. a cat 2 climb of the col des Mosses and cat 1 climb to Verbier were we rode to the finish line with a private escort the last 2k just Craig, Patric our guide and I. It was a dream ride, then we had the Podium ceremony as we beat the pelaton by over 2 hours. Then we hung out in the versus truck, after that we watched the real pro's on the big screen and waited for them directly at the finish line we still cannot belive it. Then Contador attacked and won the stage and is now Yellow. Then we drove to Megeve.

hi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourdefrancetrip2009
go this site for pictures,
we have been so busy, today we saw the start of the stage 14 in Colmar, saw everyone it was unreal see pictures at above link. riding to Verbier in the morning, 120k ride, it's 11:00 pm so we have to get up at 6:00am so goodnight will write more later. love to all at home, Craig.

La magie du Tour

Ou faut-il aller pour rencontrer au meme endroit un petit garcon les yeux remplis d'admiration, de desir, impatient d'apercevoir ses heros, un couple de retraites avec leur camping-car, un jeune sportif ruisselant de sueur et le ventre noue par l'evenement, un journaliste japonais, un homme d'affaires americain, un ingenieur norvegien ? Il suffit d'aller sur le Tour de France, cet evenement qui dechaine les passions et rassemble des gens si differents. Oui, le Tour de France est magique et unique. Vive le Tour !

First day

Great it was like a dream we rode the second half of tour route, i felt like I was in the Tour de France there were spectators all over cheering you on, then on the first climb up Platzerwazel, people were lined up all over. When we got to Colmar after lunch we watch the tour on the big screen and the riders were on the same route we were.

Leaving Today

The bike is ready to go, all cleaned up by Conrads Bike Shop and packed in hard case. Now I have to get ready, flight leaves JFK at 9:30pm.

One week from today

Craig and I (Dean) will be at the 2009 Tour de France, we arrive in Stradbourg, France on July 16th and we will make our way to Kientzheim near Colmar to check into the Hotel Schwendi, located in the heart of the Alsace vineyard.

Day 1 July 17th we will leave the Hotel about 8:30am and begin our ride were we will go over some of the climbs at the border of Vosges and Alsace wine country. The scenery is beautiful along this ride which will mostly be on the TDF course, a distance about 100K. Once arriving in Colmar we will have a late lunch and get ready to see stage 13 arrival in the VIP viewing area.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourdefrancetrip2009