Today stage four of the Dauphiné climbed the Salève (Col de la Croisette), the super steep climb behind my house.
Six of us – me, my wife and four great friends from Geneva met at our place pre-ride for lunch and Belgium beers.
We set off from my house in high spirits and soon met some tough grade. In my unbiased opinion, the bravest rider today was clearly my wife – on her heavy old touring bike. There were at least 5 fans on the side of the road that gave her a helping push (fondled her bottom? ). But she was cheerful and grateful.
Not too many cyclists on the road, but a steady stream. And as we got higher there were more and more fans at every hairpin. As always, the support was fun and appreciated.
A quick sloppy video of the day:
Do we look like we’re having fun?
More photos:
5 Comments
Thank you Will & Doreen for being gracious hosts (as always).
Fantastic day riding in our own peleton. There was no better way to watch today’s race than with great friends. Having belgian beer on le Salève after our own climb (thanks to those who got them in the first place and carried them up) was a bonus.
Flemish flag’s packed for tomorrow. Let’s see how much these guys suffer by the time they reach us on Joux-Plane!
Katy & Eric
Sweet! Looks like you guys had a great day.
That’s awesome Will! Let’s see behind my house… another 200 homes. Welcome to suburbia.
I’ve really got to get back to the European experience soon… especially on a bike!
I find it hard to think of a better day. Beer, cycling, sport and … well beer.
Here is a technical question for you – how do you keep the beer cold on a cycling trip?
I have not yet been on the side of the road during a stage race but hope to do it during the tour de france this year – perhaps on Alpe d’huez.
How to keep beer cold? Only invite friends with an insulated saddle bag.
Three of us from the ride above will also be at the tour de France on the Alpe d”Huez day – although we will probably watch atop Galibier – early in the stage as coming from Briancon.