Luchon for the sigh on and Le tour passes Bertren

A much cooler and relatively relaxing day today. The usual breaky and 10:00 am start fore a nice cruise into Luchon to view the proceedings for Le tour riders sign on and rollout.

An interesting trip up, a pleasantly rolling group making good time till the Gendarmes decided that the main road was closed and we could no longer proceed on bike. I was somewhat amazed at the definate nature of their commands and blowing of whistles which is countered with either a brief negotiation, 30 seconds compliance ( meaning walk a bit then start riding again) or in extreme  circumstances just pretend we didn't hear them and charge up the road oblivious to their gesticulating and whistles. The next gendarme will often do nothing and wave us followed by another off your bike walk 20 metres and then jump on and pedal away again.

With a few detours we did eventually make it to Luchon without further incident.

Town was abuzz with the circus that precedes the start of le Tour....commentators who speak without breath for several hours, food, Tour stalls, lots of people / supporters excited at the prospect of a view of their heroes.

We seated ourselves at a cafe, wondered about saw was was to be seen and took in the atmosphere. Was all very good.

Following sign on and the departure of the peleton we collected together and headed back towards Bertren for an opportunity to view the tour riders at an intermediate sprint point just down the road from our accomodation at Bertren. This turned out be a relatively easy and comfortable option, the timing was good, minimal crowds, easy access and as a bonus Tim scored star booty with an Eskatel water bottle discarded by a passing rider.

That's about it for today, we've been well fed had a nice an easy recovery day appreciated by all with some good viewing and glimpses of the tour in action.

Tomorrow, is the final days riding and we will be taking on the Col de Tourmelet then Col de Aspin and on to Bertren. Details will follow......

For now a few pics of the days activities...

Again, it is late and although not so tired I still need by beauty sleep, so bon noir

BB

A much cooler and relatively relaxing day today. The usual breaky and 10:00 am start fore a nice cruise into Luchon to view the proceedings for a Le tour riders sign on and rollout.