You could not have timed the rain any worse for the Tour de France; it started just before the beginning of yesterday’s stage, lasted almost throughout the time trial, and then cleared up about an hour after the stage ended.
I had a good time hanging out with my friend from German class who had arrived yesterday morning, and will be heading out to parts unknown today. We walked a lot, getting lost on our way to Altstadt, drank a lot of beer, and ate a lot of food.
While it was my ambition to watch the tour and see its stars ride, I caved to the weather and the crowds that lined the streets. I didn’t see much of the action occur, and because the camera I brought on this trip isn’t exactly “weathersealed” it never made it out of the bag.
Here is a shot that I took with my iPhone, and have cropped significantly:
This point in the race was perhaps two-thirds through the 14km route and at a tricky chicane.
I had the brilliant idea to watch yesterday’s stage using the NBC Sports iOS app even though it was well past 10:30pm when I got back to my hotel’s bed. My effort was thwarted by the evils of “Digital Rights Management” because even when I tried to present myself as being in the US by changing my VPN the app’s ability to use my location blocked Tour de France coverage in the app. Arg!
Today I will get out to watch the peloton pass by, and then I don’t know what I will do with the rest of my Sunday.
Tomorrow I will be off to Heidelberg, and will most likely be there by the time you read the blog.
Cheers,
Paulie [düsseldorf/de]
This has been a trip with much gastrointestinal distress. Too much Alt bier? I’m not sure, but I’m taking some old-fashion American drugs to try and ward it off today.
Standing at a corner where, in about ninety minutes, a neutralized peloton is supposed to pass. Going to try and wait it out in order to get at least one good photo today.
A real shame the course was wet and riders crashed out, but that’s bike racing. I’m curious how long the media caravan is at the front of the race.
You goal today is to speak to at least one attractive woman. Perhaps nothing more than “good day” or “lovely scenery”. Gotta start somewhere.
-FP
Saw you comment too late to take the challenge. However, if I had the skill to talk to women, regardless of the language, I wouldn’t be in this position today…
You have to start somewhere.
Bummer on the stomach issues.
And, even if it’s rainy, you got to see some of the Tour. Something I’m not sure we will ever make happen.
Being lazy today, I think I got bit or stung by something, my face doesn’t feel right, so I took a Benedryl. So, I’m sleepy…..