France - July 2005, Following the Tour De France

April: One of the highlights thus far on our trip has to be following the Tour De France for four legs. When we first got into the town of Challans, FR, we were unable to locate a hotel. Looking lost and confused, we were approached by an English couple, Harry and Margaret, who helped us out. They drove us to a supermarche for groceries, and then set us up at a nice campground with pools and waterslides.

Along this journey, we met Hanna and Tim, both Canadians, who we camped and hopped trains with for a few days while chasing riders across France. Royce was stoked to get his picture taken as Lance and the American team passed. I was equally excited when Royce snapped a photo of me cheering the yellow jersey rider just before he tumbled and Lance took the lead. The tour was great because it took us to small towns in France, where we were overwhelmed with beautiful and remote chateaus and castles.

We also spent some time in Paris, where we toured the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Catacombes, and the Arc De Triomphe. I insisted that we did everything on foot, so our feet were killing us by the time we left. We agreed that French cuisine was far superior to English, and nothing can beat the cheap wine and cheese!


Team Discovery Support Car


View of Our Campsite


Me Eating Raw Green Beens at Our Campsite


Me and Royce on the TDF Course Between Teams


Me and Hanna Very Close to a Rider


Me w/Drunk Monk on TDF Course


Me Cheering Along Yellow Jersey, David Zabriskie of the US, Riding for Team CSC


Royce Getting Up Close and Personal w/Lance


Royce and I Near Chateau in Chambord, FR.


Me in a Sunflower Field Near Chambord, FR.


Royce at the Arc De Triomphe in Paris


Me Spooked by Catacombs in Paris


Royce and I in Front of the Eiffel Tower


Me and Royce in Catacombs