Düsseldorf - Grand Depart

I was just about to write - 'So - I think I might have finally got the hang of creating a trip report - though I'm guessing I won't remember for next time' and then I screwed up.

TDF has always been something that I've been interested in - the bikes, colours, the caravan - really not sure - but seeing them in York wetted my appetite and going to Dusseldorf was a simple decision. So Ciaran, Dermot and I headed off to Dusseldorf via EuroWings from Birmingham. An uneventful, and surprisingly short trip - didn't really mind the lack of IFE.

The first day;
Rained - and was wet - I know that shouldn't be a surprise - but it was really wet rain.
Dermot not happy
Caravan was ok to watch - stood too close to barrier
Watching a time trail from a static spot without a screen is a bad idea.

Thankfully we retired to a pub, I felt this was wrong and we should have been out on the course supporting the riders, until I realised the pub was full - everyone watching the big screen. Data - especially comparative data, is very important - its the difference between he is going fas, and he is going the fastest. Also the ability to watch multiple riders at once, and follow the action beats standing by the side of the road every time.
Lunch, dinner and wheat beers were all good.

2nd day
Watched riders cycle past slowly, then a bit quicker but still controlled and then finally flat out - each was just a short glimpse of colour - nothing to write home about.

Overall;
- drinks - good
- food - great
- hotel - fab
- company - probably my problem assuming the boys would be more enthused - but overall I think it did us some good to get away together - even though it was a bit fraught at times.
- travel - easy
- Important notes - Germany is a very clean place.

I'd go back - in fact already made some soft enquiries about cycling the Grand Depart in Vendee 2018 a week before the race starts.Read more