Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Fete Nationale, and Le Tour de France

The French Revolution begain in 1789, and Fete Nationale is celebrated in recognition of the storming of the Bastille on 7 July 1789. This is equivalent to our celebration of July 4, our national Independence Day, and a very big celebration all over France each year on July 14. There is nothing quite like seeing the Eiffel Tower with all the lights shining, and/or fireworks all around. My oh my, it is quite a sight to see. And another sight to see is Le Tour de France, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world. Dick and I had the pleasure of being there for the '03 Tour with son Brian (a cyclist) and a young lady, also a cyclist. We followed the Tour through quite a few towns. Brian and friend rode some of the course ahead of the official riders, no small task, and Dick and I would be waiting at a local pub at the end of their ride to feed and hydrate the tired cyclists and load up the bikes. Dick and I enjoyed our pick-up and drop-off duties...and waiting at the pubs because they were always on the Tour route and we got to see the guys whiz by.

The Tour begins the first Saturday in July, so it is going on right now. Thanks to TIVO, we get to watch it every day! It is a three-week race through France, ending in a grande finale in Paris on 7/27 on the Champs-Elysees. We will be watching...and celebrating with the winners!

Brian and I have served on the local organizing committee for our section of the Tour de Georgia, a big deal up here in these mountains. We've got some kick-butt peaks those Tour riders were surprised to find over here on this side of the pond. Here is our proud son presenting Lance with his 3rd place award in '04. Oh yes, Dick, Brian and I are big cycling fans. Can you tell???
Now y'all know just a little bit more about the TravelingBells.

9 comments:

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

very cool! didn't know this!!!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Haley D. said...

Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrive!

Barb said...

Wow, our very own Tour de Georgia? That is so cool.

Joy said...

Haley, I can ALMOST translate that! I remember that picture of Brian and Lance - what a fun day that was. I've enjoyed seeing the Tour de GA riders for several years - one year we were volunteers at the start area - Sandy was in charge of an area there and I was helping her. I know it was that much more thrilling to see the Tour de France "up close". Hugs, Joy

Sarge Charlie said...

I would be a mountain biker but my but is not skinny enough.....

Anonymous said...

In 1990 I was in Paris on the last day of the Tour deFrance. I remember being on the rooftop cafe of the Musee D'Orsay watching the cyclists go by.

I also remember being alone in the city that day. One of the ladies on our trip had to be hospitalized (broken collar bone from a fall) and I went to visit her that morning while the tohers went to Versailles. The streets were blocked off and the cabbie had to let me off qutie a distance from the museum.

I spoke very little French, but I evidently spoke enough to get to the rest of our tour group at the Musee D'Orsay.

Sandee said...

I would have never guessed you were cycling fans after this post. Bwahahahaha. Good for you. I love the fire works shot. That would indeed be something to see. Have a great day sweetie. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

Becky said...

Isn't it amazing to have such a big event as Tour de Georgia in your own "backyard" there. It's great you are such strong supporters for a sport as great as cycling! And one of my favorite things about cycling is all the great new friends and "extended family" you can get from it :)

Brian said...

Mom and Dad are great tour guides, it's not hard to invite them along for a good Tour!!! I'm just glad they got "into" watching Le Tour shortly after I did. It really is an awesome event. And yes, the people you meet in the cycling community is a great benefit. Big hug across the pond to you Becky!