Anyone been to a TDF mountain stage?

[Dave_1]

Apologies if this is in wrong part of forum- occasional user here.

My dear old Dad and I are both TDF addicts and he has a big birthday ending in "0" in 2012. We've been to see the British stages every time it has been here, but I'd love to get him over to a mountain stage that year as a very special birthday treat.

I'm guessing I will probably need to book as soon as the 2012 route is announced, which will probably be this year or this time next year? Has anyone here done it, and has anyone any advice about how to start?

I would recommend going to a stage start on a flat day, or as many as you can squeeze in between key mountain stages and just soak it up from 6am.., and a time trial where you have each and every rider spread out over the day. I'd also suggest you don semi official team look a like clothing and just be in there as the build the depart village. I found myself in the compound twice at the 86 tdf..almost nose to nose with Hinault, Lemond, chatting to which ever star I liked. Have the pics still

 

[Lyn]

Hi there

Here's a basic guide to watching the Tour - it's with the 2011 Tour in mind, but most of the general advice applies any year:
http://www.freewheel...-de-france.html

I'd agree too with a previous poster - by all means head up a mountain to watch (amazing atmosphere), but if it'll be your dad's one and only time seeing it in the flesh, then try and fit a few other days in too. Pitching up on the side of the road outside a small village can be great - you get to meet some real local characters, and hear some great stories from people who have been watching the Tour all their lives.

With a little planning and a car, it's not impossible aim to see a mountain stage, the start or finish of a stage, and then a flat stage in between.

Organising the trip around one of the rest days can make this easier as it allows you a day in between stages to skip ahead to the next one (or even the one after) to find a good vantage point and to soak up the pre-race atmosphere.

Local tourist offices (and/or Mairies - town halls) will have info on road closures a few weeks, so you'll be able to call ahead or check their websites to see when you'll be able to get in/out.

Hope your dad has fun.