Merriott Wheelers Trip to the Tour de France, Clive Harwood

As most club members know I also cycle regularly. I am a member of Merriott Wheelers.

I was picked up last Friday by another club member, Andy Parsons and 9 of us arrived at Exeter airport to fly over to Paris. All went to plan and on time. Arrived at hotel Louis Blanc. Not too far from the centre. Walked down. Went in for a meal and beer. That was a good night. After breakfast Saturday we found ranks of Boris  bikes. Eventually had 9. Cycled down to and along the river Seine arriving sometime later in full heat and sunshine at the Eiffel tower. Had eats. Security checked and walked to the 2nd platform. What a view. I had been to the top some years ago so did not go. Back on the bikes and rode the circuit that the racers were to ride. Up the Champs elyeese  and around the Arc de Triomphe. Cars came at us all ways but we survived. Could not believe how rough the road was.  Hotel. Evening out eating and beer. The big day. Collected the Boris bikes and rode down near the river. There was an amazing amount of local police and the crack force of CRS. All roads blocked.  Bag searches. Took our position in blazing sun at 10.00. Lots of wandering  off in small groups to hold position. There was a ladies race to watch. A cavalcade of vehicles adertising all the sponsors horns blaring.Large characters from Disneyland etc. At last at 6.05 the race came by. There were 9 laps of 7 k.What a crowd there.  Wonderfull  atmosphere.  As we all know Chris Froome won the event. 3 time winner. Managed to get eventually enough bikes to go for a further fly around Paris. Hotel. Out for eats and beer. Flew back on a 11.30 flight. Memorable weekend. Clive