myboynoah's TdF report

[myboynoah]

Okay, here goes.

I woke up and did some recon to assess the situation out on the street. I had no idea whether or not the neighborhood folks would come out in force or how early. In the end, they didn’t, so fighting for a spot was not an issue.

They were going to close the street at 1:30, so my boys and I went out at around 1:00 to be ready. The street right in front our place divides, so the local maintenance guys had prepositioned some red and white barriers to funnel the riders down one side of the street. Police were all around waiting to put the street closing plan into place. While waiting, we held up our signs and yelled at the cars and cyclists that passed. Most good-naturedly honked back. We also chanted “Fermez la route, fermez la route” to the maintenance guys.

When they finally deployed the barriers we went out and secured spots right behind the barriers, thinking that would be prime position to get noticed (see pictures) and then waited for the sponsors’ caravan and continued to wave our signs and yell “vive le tour” at the passing official cars. The sponsors’ caravan came by on schedule and was a riot as they threw out free stuff (by this time we had quite a few children gathered at our place, so we presented a sympathetic group for free stuff). There were hats, key chains, pens, dried sausages, coffee, little beach balls, waters, those blow-up sticks for making noise (you probably saw some then in all the crowds), etc. The one thing we didn’t get were those big green hands from PMU. The kids said it was like Christmas which made me realize my kids have very low expectations.

We waved our signs at each sponsor and got some “Qu’est que c’est B-Y-U s (be-igrek-u)?” I did get a very American “Hey, BYU!” from someone in a Bouygues Telecom car.

Then we settled in for the long wait for the Peleton. They were supposed to come by about an hour and a half after the caravan, but ended up coming about an hour late. As we waited, we noticed a bunch of France 2 and 3 (TV stations) cars stopped about 200 meters up the street where some people were grilling out on their houseboat. One person that got out had dreadlocks, so I joking said it must be Yannik Noah. When they finally passed our spot, it was Yannick Noah. He had a "Qu'est que c'est B-Y-U?" look on his face.

As the Peleton finally approached, we positioned ourselves front and center to get noticed. Sadly, I could see that the cameraman on the motorcycle (see picture) was focused on the Phonak guys and Floyd. We yelled and they came at a fairly leisurely pace, I estimate at about 20 mph, but even then they passed very quickly. I focused on Phonak and Floyd, so I missed seeing anybody else. The kids saw Floyd as well and were very excited. My wife took a picture, looked down at the camera, and missed seeing anything.

I was struck by how small they are. I doubt any of them goes more than 155.

We reviewed our tape and as I guessed, they went from a wide overhead shot (in which you couldn’t make out any details) to a close up of the Phonak guys and Floyd right as they passed, missing us entirely. I should have opted for the Spongebob suit.

Overall, a great family experience that we will remember forever. And a great way to spend a Sunday on occasion.

Here is the barrier they put up to funnel the Peleton down one side of the street. It was like putting together giant-sized Legos. My sons saw that there is a future in Legos.


My boys and one daughter, Hannah (like that name, IPU?), at the barrier waiting for the festivities.


La famille myboynoah waiting for the Peleton after the sponsors’ caravan passed. Mrs. myboynoah is sitting on the left with what looks like a pink hat (actually red and white checked). Two daughters and two boys.


The Phonak-led Peleton approaches. Notice the cameraman on the motorcycle is focused on Phonak and Floyd. Must not have seen our BYU sign.