In late May, we poured over maps of the stages of the Tour de France. This year, we said, we would travel to see the cyclists climb the real mountains that we’ve seen so many times on TV.
The Alps didn’t fit our schedules and the Pyrenees — well, they are very far away. But there are also real mountains in one of our favorite regions, Alsace-Lorraine (and parts of Franche-Comté), and those stages fell on a convenient weekend. So we found a budget hotel and booked one night, planning to watch two stages.
We were excited about the finish of Stage 7 on the top of La Planche des Belles Filles, which has an incline of 22% for the last 500 meters! Anita’s only concern was whether she could keep from yelling at all the fans that always crowd around the leaders on the top of the big climbs.
It was lovely weather when we arrived in Lorraine.
A typical Valley in the Vosges. Anita drove and I navigated using GPS and paper maps. I’d marked a few ways to get to the bottom of La Planche des Belles Filles.
We were stunned to discover that every road was blocked at least 10 miles from the foot of the finish line. I was not happy.
We had one alternative left, and it would only get us to the last little climb before La Planche. On my map, the road was labeled “RF” and squiggly. After seeing the thin line on our car’s GPS, Anita agreed to drive down the logging road (or “Route Forestière”).
This is as close as we would get to the finish. There were even police to keep us from walking to the final climb. I was a little frustrated.
We fell short of our ambitions, but it was hard to be disappointed by the view at La Chevestraye.
The Luxembourgish presence was no surprise. On this corner, they had come prepared!
It was a lively spot, and people had clearly been camping there since morning. The festival atmosphere was exactly what we associated with the Tour.
This message, “Everyone with Thibaut,” was all along the route. Thibaut Pinot was born nearby, and he was the youngest rider of the Tour.
These young men from Belgium entertained everyone with antics and a megaphone. They were very funny and kept the show going for hours and hours.
After a long time, the Caravan arrived! It was the end of the course, and they looked eager to finish. This woman was a notable exception.
These guys were local promoters who were throwing out little cows on keychains. Adorable!
The CFTC is a major French union. Its message looked less aggressively political than last year’s.
A hand-off from the horse-racing (and gambling) industry.
For the first time in our experience, Luxembourg was represented! They tossed out bike maps of the country.
This may be an effective way to sell laundry detergent. A bit sexist, but eh … this is France.
One should not conclude anything about the popularity of a product from its prominence in the Caravan.
Anita chatted with two Americans who were in France on vacation and decided to see a stage or two of the Tour.
Michael Albasini, of Orica-GreenEDGE led with Christophe Riblon of AG2R — just barely staying ahead of the peloton. They were caught at the bottom of the final climb.
Anita rang her cowbell to encourage a Lotto rider who fell off the back of the peloton.
I believe this is the Illinoisan, Christian Vande Velde. He wouldn’t finish strong today, but he had a decent Tour overall.
Here’s Mark Cavendish in the Rainbow jersey of the world champion. He was just looking to get to the top of the last mountain, at this point.
American Tyler Farrar, formerly of Leopard Trek, had a bad day. He was just ahead of the Broom Wagon when we saw him.
After the race passed, the police blocked the way to the finish. But several groups of cyclists did the course in reverse, including these men in their spiffy uniforms.
We stayed overnight just outside of Mulhouse, not more than an hour away. We were exhausted and spent what little energy we had strategizing for Stage 8.
So, it’s been awhile. I did get your messages. I really don’t have a good excuse.
You know, let’s just try to re-start on a pleasant note. How about some flowers?
I’ll be better from now on. I mean it, just watch. I don’t blame you for being skeptical. But you’ll see. I’ve got lots of great ideas and I genuinely do want to do better.
Plus, that goat is making me feel extra guilty. I don’t really care what it thinks, but it needs to stop looking at me. (more…)
This is a prompt post on something that happened TODAY!
One of the many parts of my job at A Big Corporation is to get government approvals, which we call apostilles. Today I needed to drop off some documents, so around eleven o’clock I wandered out of my office. I took my routine path to one of many government buildings.
I was a bit surprised at the police presence outside my office, but I didn’t think too much about it. Further on, I found barricades and even more police. That finally triggered my memory: The Queen’s coming today!(more…)
After listening to that story dozens of times over the past several years, Anita was determined to welcome Saint Nicolas (Kleeschen in Luxembourgish) to Luxembourg. He was scheduled to arrive by train on Sunday the 4th — presumably to allow enough time to find all of the naughty Luxembourgish children and give them their due. (more…)
We beg your patience once again. It has been a busy month at the BBB&B.
Incidentally, we have a new policy regarding maximum occupancy at the BBB&B. Without prior arrangements, we can accommodate two (2) adult guests at one time. Children under a parent’s care do not count against this limit. Any pet over 30 kg — whether horse, dog, cat or honey badger — counts as two (2) adult guests.
In the near future, the Bugle will celebrate Halloween, visit an ancient spa in the southeast of Luxembourg, and taste test the baked goods of many lands and most prominently the Low Countries.
In the meantime, we’ll offer a special bonus for past BBB&B guests who can identify the location of each of the photos below! (more…)
This Monday was the Feast of Assumption and we used our time to challenge assumptions about Luxembourg…
Nope. Can’t do it.
The Bugle Style Guide expressly forbids earnest and cheesy opening statements like that one. Let’s start over. To the right, a preview of the most exciting part of last weekend. But first…
A three-day-weekend means three mornings of sleeping in. We planned our time accordingly, although we passed up the opportunity to visit the Cat Club.
Friday evening: The Grand Duke’s Palace. We don’t have pictures from this guided tour, because photos aren’t allowed. (Will is still smarting from getting caught by security while taking sneaky-shots in the Ville’s Museum.) (more…)
The Tour de France is reaching its climax, so naturally the Bugle turns its attentions to the Tour of Luxembourg of early June 2011. (Plus, yesterday’s rest day gave me some extra time to catch up.) Part One took you to the opening time-trial in Luxembourg-Ville (the Prologue), and from the beginning of Stage 1 in the west of the country to the end in the south-east. Part Two will tell the story visually, so check your computer’s volume and click along! (more…)
This time last year, just after the 2010 Tour of Luxembourg, Luxembourgish pro cyclists Frank and Andy Schleck were offered leading roles on a new Luxembourgish pro team. Six months later, in January 2011, the world learned that Team Leopard-Trek would have its eye on the Tour de France, from July 2nd to July 24th. With proven talents like Fabian Cancellara, Jens Voigt, and Stuart O’Grady riding with the Schleck brothers, the new team caused a stir in pro cycling. (more…)
In late May, we poured over maps of the stages of the Tour de France. This year, we said, we would travel to see the cyclists climb the real mountains that we’ve seen so many times on TV.
This is a prompt post on something that happened TODAY!
We beg your patience once again. It has been a busy month at the BBB&B.
