Hey,

The TdF this year is going through Colmar this year - about an hour or so from Basel. (And a *very* pretty town in its own right).

We figured we would just hang about on the side of the highway and wait for the peleton to move though, not interested in the madding crowds in the city.

Does anyone have any idea of the logistics for this ???

- What time should we arrive (before the roads are closed) ?
- Would there be any problem with BBQing on the side of the road ?

I kind of figure we would need to be in-place an hour before the race goes through, and then are probably stuck there (assuming we go via car) for at least a while after the last rider passes. Might want a tent (or something) for the kids to lay around in.

Anyone have any experience with this ?

cheers,
(Mr) Wibble

I went to a finish stage in Mullhouse in 2005. My perspective from what you mentioned though I was at the finish. It was good experience, though the cyclists do come by quite blurringly fast. In my case, the 'not so Mexican' Chicken and then most everyone else 10 minutes later.

The roads will close more likely at least 2 hours before the riders come through because the caravan of commerical vehicles come through at least an hour before. This will be fun for the kiddies though as they throw out all kinds of things, candy etc.

I think if you are not in the finishing km's there is fair amount of flexibility about what you do as long as you stay off the road - I believe BBQ would be okay if there is space there to do it and it does not violate any local rules. You can't imagine the things the Dutch have on the road up Alpe Huez, swimming pools, gas grills, refrigerators full of beer...the list goes on.

The roads around the finishing town close several hours before the race arrives. The roads out nearer the middle of the course are not closed for as long, but this can still mean 2+ hours before the race arrives. One time, we stood at one of the intermediate sprints just a short distance into the stage. The advertising caravan came through 90 minutes before the peloton - I didn't remember it being this long, but that is what the time-stamps on my photos tell me. The kids will certainly enjoy this part, and there are so many vehicles that it takes 20-30 minutes for them all to go past.

I think BBQ'ing on the side of the road shouldn't be a problem. I watched part of two stages that year, and wild-camped in some woods in between. As I cycled away from the stage finish one evening to a spot along the next day's route, I saw a lot of people setting up their camper-vans / caravans on the side of the road who were obviously planning to stay there all night. I think this normally wouldn't be allowed, but when the Tour de France is on, this sort of thing becomes quite normal.