Reading and watching the fun at the Tour

Catching up with those at the Tour de France

The Tour de France is back and so too are many of my favorites who bring us news, stories, and photography. Let's meet up those happy folk as they begin their adventures of bringing us the sideline news from the Tour de France.

They are back! Jens Voigt, Bernhard Eisel, Frankie Andreau and James Startt, Chris Horner, O'Nev, Dan Wouri, and some excellent new sources.

O'nev ciclismo photographia: Absolutely recommended reading, O'Nev is a fascinating photojournalist offering spectacular photography with a human touch. Read his adventures as he covers the Tour.

Hardly Serious with Jens Voigt: His chosen topics are always a delight and a surprise. Bicycling.com emerges from a state of boredom to provide excellent features during the Tour de France.

Tour Talk: The rare time I have tolerance the wade through the cumbersome Bicycling.com website is to view Tour Talk with Frankie Andreu and James Startt. These two cover the news of the Tour as if I was sitting chatting with my knowledgeable friends. I like the mood of their videos, it could have been called Straight Talk.

Breakfast with Bernie: A series of morning chats before each stage start with Bernhard Eisel for VeloNews.com. Bernie is asking that you submit questions for him to answer, follow him and write to him via his facebook page.

Chris Horner diaries: To make sure Chris has an outlet for his oratory skills, he is providing  guaranteed race analysis interviews with Bicycling.com.

Dan Wouri: The tweeter humorist is now writing a column for VeloNews called The Livestream Diaries.

Team Orica-GreenEDGE Backstage Pass - Tour de France: A behind the scenes video series from the team.

John Wilcockson: For a historical insight approach read Mr Wilcockson's articles for Peloton.

Cycle Sport Tour Village: Cycle Sport Magazine has all sorts of topics that delight, other than their great daily previews, check out Le Gourmet de France: One man’s culinary journey at Le Tour.

Tour de Pez: Pez Cycling's news travel series will bring you through the 2012 Tour de France stage by stage. 

Steephill.TV: I enjoy their Tour de France Big Photos series after each stage, the images seem to capture the mood and faces of the day. Pull up Steephill to scan their listed videos and stories from the day for the best of the real sport news stories. 

Road ID and Bob Roll TV commercials.

With these news sources you should be able to keep abreast of the human interest stories, travel stories, and sport stories. Enjoy your next three weeks in France!

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Tour de France information for fans

The Tour de France begins this weekend!

I need to get ready, I need to prepare, I need to understand who, what and where. If you too plan to watch coverage of the Tour de France, and who, I ask, would not, or even better, if you plan to attend, as I do - then we need to do our homework ahead of time to learn the basics of the race. What are the dates? What teams will be in the 2012 Tour de France? What riders will be in the Tour de France? What is the route of the Tour de France? What time will each stage begin and finish? Which stages should I make sure to see? Which riders should do well? What changes can we expect for 2012? Where can we watch Tour de France coverage on TV and online? And most importantly - where will I be!

First a few facts:

• 1 Prologue, 20 stages, 2 rest days, 22 teams, 9 riders each. 
• Total distance: 3,496.9 km (2,173 mi)
• 11 of the 25 climbs in the Tour are in the Pyrenees.
• Only 3 of the stages have uphill finishes. 
• There will be 101.1 km of individual time trial in 2012.
• The Tour will begin in Belgium this year. It will also visit Switzerland.
• The Tour will flow in a clockwise direction in 2012. It rotates every other year - clockwise then counter-clockwise).
• There will be 9 new first ever stage towns in 2012.
• Of the podium finishers from 2011 (Evans, A.Schleck, Contador) only Evans will return in 2012.
• George Hincapie (USA) will set a record this year by racing seventeen times at the Tour de France.
• Approximately 2 million euros will be awarded to the teams and the riders, including 450,000 euros for the winner of the general individual classification (yellow jersey).
• The caravan gives away over 16 million gifts with € 200,000 to € 500,000 investment from each advertiser from 33 brands represented.
• 47% of spectators come first and foremost to see the caravan (learn more).

Dates of 2012 Tour de France

30 June–22 July, 2012

Cycling teams in the 2012 Tour de France

22 professional UCI and Continental teams will compete in the 2012 Tour de France:

Ag2r-La Mondiale, Argos-Shimano†, Astana, BMC Racing Team, Cofidis†, Euskaltel-Euskadi, FDJ-BigMat, Garmin-Sharp, Lampre-ISD, Liquigas-Cannondale, Lotto-Belisol, Movistar Team, Omega Pharma-Quick Step, Orica-GreenEDGE, Rabobank, RadioShack-Nissan-Trek, Saur-Sojasun†, Team Europcar†, Team Katusha, Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank, Team, Sky, Vacansoleil-DCM

Rosters of riders in the 2012 Tour de France

Each of the 22 teams will bring 9 riders (plus Directeur Sportif, coaches, mechanics, soigneurs, cooks, drivers, communication staff and other general staff members). The list of riders on each team may be seen at this link (this is the best list I have found): wikipedia's list of Tour de France riders

Route of the 2012 Tour de France (by LeTour.com)

The 2012 Tour de France begins with a Prologue in Belgium, followed by 20 stages. 

2012 Tour de France Map (link to official larger map)

Official 2012 Tour de France route (by LeTour.com)
(Hiding behind those fancy red arrows are profile maps of some of the stages)

Stage	Type	Date	Start and Finish	Distance	Details
P	Prologue	Saturday 30 June	Liège - Liège	6.1 km
1	Plain	Sunday 1 July	Liège - Seraing	198 km
2	Plain	Monday 2 July	Visé - Tournai	207 km
3	Medium mountains	Tuesday 3 July	Orchies - Boulogne-sur-Mer	197 km
4	Plain	Wednesday 4 July	Abbeville - Rouen	214 km
5	Plain	Thursday 5 July	Rouen - Saint-Quentin	197 km
6	Plain	Friday 6 July	Épernay - Metz	210 km
7	Medium mountains	Saturday 7 July	Tomblaine - La Planche des Belles Filles	199 km
8	Medium mountains	Sunday 8 July	Belfort - Porrentruy	154 km
9	Individual time-trial	Monday 9 July	Arc-et-Senans - Besançon	38 km
10	High Mountains	Wednesday 11 July	Mâcon - Bellegarde-sur-Valserine	194 km
11	High Mountains	Thursday 12 July	Albertville - La Toussuire - Les Sybelles	140 km
12	Medium mountains	Friday 13 July	Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Annonay Davézieux	220 km
13	Plain	Saturday 14 July	Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Le Cap d’Agde	215 km
14	High Mountains	Sunday 15 July	Limoux - Foix	192 km
15	Plain	Monday 16 July	Samatan - Pau	160 km
16	High Mountains	Wednesday 18 July	Pau - Bagnères-de-Luchon	197 km
17	High Mountains	Thursday 19 July	Bagnères-de-Luchon - Peyragudes	144 km
18	Plain	Friday 20 July	Blagnac - Brive-la-Gaillarde	215 km
19	Individual time-trial	Saturday 21 July	Bonneval - Chartres	52 km
20	Plain	Sunday 22 July	Rambouillet - Paris Champs-Élysées	130 km

Stage start and finish times of the 2012 Tour de France  

The caravan, on the first day, will present at 12:00, the first rider in the Prologue will start at 14:00, the last rider will finish at 17:25. Most standard Tour de France days expect the Caravan to begin around 10:20am, the riders to start between 12:00 and 12:30 and finish shortly after 17:00.

For exact time schedules, please click on the Stage # link (and select the Time Schedule tab) for the complete stage schedule. Time are in France (CEST) time, (-6hrs EDT) (-8hr MDT) (-9hr PDT): Prologue ; Stage 1 ; Stage 2 ; Stage 3 ; Stage 4 ; Stage 5 ; Stage 6 ; Stage 7 ; Stage 8 ; Stage 9 ; Stage 10 ; Stage 11 ; Stage 12 ; Stage 13 ; Stage 14 ; Stage 15 ; Stage 16 ;  Stage 17 ; Stage 18 ; Stage 19 ; Stage 20 

A Caravan car in 1930

Key stages to watch of the 2012 Tour de France

Stages 7, 9, 11, 16, 17, 19. 

For a very complete excellent race preview please read: Tour de France 2012 Preview by road.cc with maps and profiles and route descriptions. 

Which riders to watch in 2012
Almost everyone has their eye on the top-5 candidates for overall victory: Cadel Evans (BMC), Bradley Wiggins (Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas), Frank Schleck (RSNT), and Robert Gesink (Rabobank). I expect to see a surprise on the podium, but the riders I am most interested in watching are the young ones - the twins Peter and Martin Velits, Tejay van Garderen, Marcel Kittel, and especially Peter Sagan.

The first week of the Tour, when the stages are in northern France, the fans will go crazy over Philippe Gilbert and Frank Schleck. When the Tour passes into Switzerland, the fans will turn out in support of Fabian Cancellara. The French have their favorite as well - Tommy Voeckler and his entire Europcar team. Expect to be entertained by the best riders to interview including Jens Voigt, Chris Horner, Pierre Rolland and Bernhard Eisel.

Changes in rules for the 2012 Tour de France

1. NO BONUSES For this 2012 edition, no bonuses will be awarded in intermediate sprints and stage finishes. Official time remains the absolute reference.

2. A SOLE INTERMEDIATE SPRINT As in 2011, the points for the green jersey classification will be awarded at stage arrivals and during the sole intermediate sprint in the straight stages.

3. POINTS SCALE INCREASED IN THE MOUNTAINS For this 2012 edition, points will be awarded to the first ten riders who go over the top of the highest level mountain passes. The points will be doubled for summit finishes.

TV coverage schedule of the 2012 Tour de France
For the schedule of TV coverage of the Tour de France, please read information by Pedal Dancer at How to watch the 2012 Tour de France.

Where to watch the 2012 Tour de France online, and apps
For online live coverage - both Steephill.TV and Cycling Fans compile the best online links for viewing. Steephill.TV also compiles the best list of articles and videos, and photos. The tracker app is this one in Australia - SBS Tour de France Skoda Tour Tracker 2012 at thetourtracker.com/.
And this one in the United States: TourdeTrance.nbcsports.com/

Twitter: If there is any one person I would recommend following on Twitter it would be Aussie Edy Budicin @edbud68, he sorts through and offers the best he finds out on the web and on Twitter - he will point you straight to the good stuff without wasting your time. Also the @Orica_GreenEDGE team is producing Backstage Pass videos that should be fun and informative throughout the tour. Maxime Monfort  @maxmonfort is also worth a follow, so is Robbie McEwen ‏@mcewenrobbie, and Manuel Quinziato @manuelquinziato. VeloPeloton will bring you great local photography of the Pyrenees @velopeloton. And of course, please follow me @karenrake.

Pedal Dancer will be at the 2012 Tour de France

I am thrilled to be returning to France and will be attending Stage 10, 11, 13, 16, 17. Follow me on my journey as I photograph and write about my adventures across France.

Classification Jersey Sponsors for the 2012 Tour de France

Read previous TDF educational posts by Pedal Dancer:

Pedal Dancer series: Five fact Friday (Tour de France Trivia)
Pedal Dancer series: Guess Where? (Guess that landmark) 
Word of the Day: Prologue 
Word of the Day: Repos 
Word of the Day at the TDF: voiture balai  
Word of the Day at the TDF: Boucle  
Word of the Day at the TDF: Le maillot verte  
Word of the Day at the TDF: contre la montre  
Word of the Day: Embrocation  
Word of the Day: Dossard  
Word of the Day: Penultimate 
Who is Škoda 
Who is the Devil?
Learn about the Tour de France caravan

Read more TDF related posts by Pedal Dancer:

2012 UCI Professional Cycling Teams (ProTeams) 
2012 ProTeam bikes 
2012 ProTeam wheels and tires 
2012 ProTeam jerseys 
2012 l'Étape du Tour Mondovelo 
An interview with Thomson Bike Tours 
Climbs of 2012 Tour de France - Alps  
Recommended Reading: Tour de France History 
Recommended Reading: 2012 Grand Tours  
Who to follow at the Tour de France - Riders & DS 
Tour de France Prize Money (2010), Updated Prize Money for the Tour de France (2011) 
The best climbs in Europe in the Grand Tours (from 2010, but interesting)
If you plan to travel to France yourself to see the Tour de France, please enjoy Pedal Dancer's FRANCE CYCLING page or the FRANCE TRAVEL page, for more ride information and travel tips. 
If you are interested in the famous climbs in France - please see FRANCE CYCLING

After all those days racing, and they win by seconds (larger view at link)

More great information from other talented folks:
Le Tour 2012 White Jersey Preview: A Light but Powerful Year, by Podium Cafe
Tour de France Wins by Nation by VeloPeloton 

Tour de France on TV by VeloPeloton 
Tour de France – Race Day Viewing Options by VeloPeloton 

Climb Profiles of the 2012 Tour de France by Climb by Bike 
Training Peaks data 2012 Tour de France (race data and analysis)

NOW FANS HAVE 2 OFFICIAL WEBSITES View the traditional old leTour website or view the fancy new leTour website. 

Trying to remember who wore the jerseys last year? This should help you with your fantasy league picks, although .... 2012 is a whole new year. 

Wearers of the 2011 classification jerseys (larger view at link)

 

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Chris and Zak Tackle l'Tour: planning

Chris and Zak tackle the Tour: learn the route, begin an itinerary

Do you remember Chris and Zak, they are the couple from Colorado who are planning a cycling trip to the 2012 Tour de France (Two Americans go to the Tour de France). We meet up with Chris and Zak again as they begin planning their trip to France, taking it step by step to build their dream trip. The first steps in any travel adventure is to look at a map, decide what you want to see within your route, ask a lot of questions, and begin to make some initial plans.

Part I - 5 Steps to planning a trip to the Tour de France

• Learn the route
• Buy maps and guides
• Build a plan
• Top 3 wishes
• Seek advice and learn

1. Learn the Route

To learn the route of the 2012 Tour de France, Chris and Zak go straight to the source - the official Tour de France website (www.letour.com). The route for 2012 was announced in mid October.  

Pedal Dancer Tip: I would recommend planning to see a variety of stage experiences: start, finish, mountain pass, mountain top finish, time trial, feed zone. Each experience is unique. I especially like stage starts because there is hours of fun, the same is true for time trials. Feed zones are actually quite fun and you can gather bottles and chat with team staff waiting to hand up feed bags. When seeing a stage finish, select a town which is fun to visit before and after the fast finish, where you can enjoy a meal or spend some tourist time. Mountain top finishes are thrilling all-day events for fans, they can involve up to 11 hour days for cyclists riding 60-100km to and from the Col, definitely plan a rest day the day after. Pedal Dancer Tip: Within a 2 week trip to the Tour de France, you will be more than happy if you see 4-8 stages of the Tour de France. Even the best Cycling Tour Companies select the best stages for their guests and do not chase the Tour every day. In 2003 I cycled 16 days over parts of the Tour, it was a bit much. This year the Tour de France travels along the Rhone River Valley - I say it is time to take in some vineyards! Pedal Dancer Tip: Once you consider the stages and your travel dates, a picture should emerge indicating where you should fly in and out of France, you are not limited to Paris. I much prefer flying in and out of the smaller airports in France. Also consider using the TGV (high speed trains) to transfer between larger cities. At this point your focus should be deciding what you want to do, making it happen will be covered in future steps.

2012 Tour de France route map

Learn the Climbs: 
To learn the climbs of the Tour de France Chris and Zak visit Climb by Bike - a fantastic resource for climb descriptions and profiles of all the climbs in France. Climb by Bike happens to have a summary page for all the climbs in the 2012 Tour de France. For an excellent climbing resource for climbs in the French Alps visit Grenoble Cycling Pages. For an excellent map of most of the major climbs in the Midi-Pyrenees view VeloPeloton map of Cols in the Pyrenees. Look for future reviews due to come in the next 4 months by CyclingNews, VeloNews, Cycle Sport and other publications.

Pedal Dancer Tip: There are certain climbs that all of us have heard about in conjunction with the Tour de France, maybe you have a few on your bucket list. If you can say "oh I've always wanted to do that climb," and it is not in the Tour de France this year, leave a day to make sure you get to achieve your dream, the climb may be in the Tour next year and you will be able to recall I was there! I think it is more important to make these side trips than trying to see every stage of the Tour de France. 

Every one of these climbs is worth climbing!

Here is a brief list of the locations of the key climbs often featured in the Tour de France: French Alps: Alpe d’Huez, Col de l‘Aravis, Col du Chaussy, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, Col de l'Iseren, Col du Columbiere, Col de Fer, Col de Joux Plane, Col du Galibier, Col de l’Izoard, Col de Lauteret, Col de Telegraphe, Lancets, Cormet de Roseland, Vercours. Near Provence: Mont Ventoux. French Pyrenees: Col d’Aspin, Col d’Aubisque, Col de la Marie Blanc, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Soulor, Col de Tamie, Col du Tourmalet, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, Cautarets, Col d’Agnes, Col de Boderas, Col de la Core, Col d'Ichere, Superbagneres, Col de Menthe, Port de Bales, Col de Latrape, Col de Port, Col de’Portet d Aspet, Col d’Portillon, Col de Soudet, Col de Tramassel, Hourquette d’Ancizan, Lac d'Estaing, Pla d’Adet.  Tour de France: Ten most famous, infamous mountains

2. Buy maps or guides

Next Chris and Zak visit an online bookstore like Amazon.com (USA), or Drive Alive (UK), or many bookstores in France to purchase Michelin road maps to help in the planning process. They will need several maps for the 2012 Grande Boucle. You may also use the online site at: http://www.viamichelin.com/   

Pedal Dancer Tip: I buy one large map of France for planning only. I highlight each stage start and finish. On this large map I begin to mark TdF stages and other rides I would like to complete while in France. I can then see optimal cities to search for accommodations near or in between the stages. Pedal Dancer Tip: I buy a spiral bound France Atlas and cut out the pages where I will be cycling, leaving the large book at home. I carry these pages with me in my jersey pocket while riding, just in case my GPS device does not locate my position while in the mountains, the altas page will show every intersection, even for small roads. Pedal Dancer Tip: I do use my iphone apps like crazy in France, to locate wi-fi, GPS, etc, only watch the data charges! Pedal Dancer Tip: I still like real maps to see large scale - I decide which Local (yellow) Michelin maps to buy based on the stages I will be attending and where I need to see the roads in great detail. I don't ride with these maps, I use them for planning, but I do bring them to France with me.

Paper maps: These are the corresponding LOCAL (highly detailed) Michelin road maps of France for the 2012 Tour de France (for cycling you will need this level of detail): 
Stage/Date/ Cities/Km/Michelin Map numbers

P Prologue Sat 30 June Liège > Liège 6.1 km, Michelin Map #213 in Belgium
1 Road stage Sun 1 July Liège > Seraing 198 km, Michelin Map #213 in Belgium
2 Road stage Mon 2 July Visé > Tournai 207 km, Michelin Map #302
3 Road stage Tues 3 July Orchies > Boulogne-sur-Mer 197 km, Michelin Map #302, #301
4 Road stage Weds 4 July Abbeville > Rouen 214 km, Michelin Map #304
5 Road stage Thurs 5 July Rouen > Saint-Quentin 197 km, Michelin Map #304, #305, #306
6 Road stage Fri 6 July Épernay > Metz 210 km, Michelin Map #306, 307
7 Road stage Sat 7 July Tomblaine > La Planche des Belles Filles 199 km, Michelin Map #307, 314
8 Road stage Sun 8 July Belfort > Porrentruy 154 km, Michelin Map #315, #321 and into Switzerland
9 Time trial Mon 9 July Arc-et-Senans > Besançon 38 km, Michelin Map #321
10 Road stage Weds 11 July Mâcon > Bellegarde-sur-Valserine 194 km, Michelin Map #320, #333, #328
11 Mountains Thurs 12 July Albertville > La Toussuire - Les Sybelles 140 km, Michelin Map #333
12 Mountains Fri 13 July Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > Annonay 220 km, Michelin Map #333, #332
13 Road stage Sat 14 July Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Le Cap d’Agde 215 km, Michelin Map #332, #339
14 Road stage Sun 15 July Limoux > Foix 192 km, Michelin Map #344, #343
15 Road stage Mon 16 July Samatan > Pau 160 km, Michelin Map #336, #342
16 Mountains Weds 18 July Pau > Bagnères-de-Luchon 197 km, Michelin Map #342
17 Mountains Thurs 19 July Bagnères-de-Luchon > Peyragudes 144 km, Michelin Map #342
18 Road stage Fri 20 July Blagnac > Brive-la-Gaillarde 215 km, Michelin Map #343, #337
19 Time trial Sat 21 July Bonneval > Chartres 52 km, Michelin Map #311
20 Road stage Sun 22 July Rambouillet > Paris Champs-Élysées 130 km, Michelin Map (Paris)

Local Michelin map number guide click map to enlarge

GPS systems: Pedal Dancer Tip: Yes the extra cost for a GPS navigation system in your rental car is worth every penny. If you have a co-pilot you can use a Garmin, iphone, or any GPS hand held unit, but if you are alone, or with a map-challenged friend, use a car GPS system, they are invaluable. I really like that they warn me before I approach an automatic speed ticket camera. I also like that I can program them to speak to me in English (with an Aussie or Irish accent) or in French so I can space-out and enjoy the countryside until the next direction is audibly given. Hand-held or bike mounted GPS systems are excellent while cycling. 

Guidebooks also offer helpful information: Michelin Green Guides to France Pedal Dancer Tip: they are heavy, so cut out the pages you need rather than bringing the entire book. You can now buy some guidebooks for your iPad or as an app for your phone.

Know the regions of France: Understanding the regions and departments of France is very important. Read more about traveling in France on the Pedal Dancer France Travel Page. click map to enlarge

3. Build a plan

Using any software you prefer, or a piece of paper, Chris and Zak write out the dates of the 2012 Tour de France. They include the stage number, date, start and finish cities. Add a column for 3 activities a day, drive time, hotel, and overnight city. Add hotel information as they are confirmed, add airline or train information and any other links or contacts you want to have during your travels. You are building your final itinerary. click image to enlarge

sample itinerary worksheet

Pedal Dancer Tip: When in France - keep it simple. Our motto is three things a day. That might include a stage start, drive to a new city to check into your hotel, plus a dinner out in town. Or an early morning market, ride, picnic. Whatever you do in your day, try to limit it to 3 major activities per day, you will experience the real France in the spaces in between. Pedal Dancer Tip: I also schedule an open/rest day about every 4 days. This allows for weather (that may keep you off a much desired climb), enjoying local culture, and true rest after several long days riding and chasing the Tour de France. Pedal Dancer Tip: build this plan so that it basically becomes your itinerary, one that you can leave at home for family to follow your adventure and use for contact if need be. 

4. Top 3 wishes

Pedal Dancer Tip: Be clear and realistic about your expectations. With their new maps laid out in front of them, Chris and Zak discuss their top wishes they would like to do while in France. They begin by writing these down onto their plan, plotting them into the time schedule of the Tour de France. If they each achieve their top three wishes, their trip is a success, anything else is icing on the cake. Of course the unexpected, always makes for the best memories anyway. You do not need to plan everything. 

dreaming of cycling © Photo by PedalDancer.com

5. Seek advice and learn

Next Chris and Zak sought out resources, people they could ask for advice. I was one of them. Tom and Courtenay from Colorado were another resource, so was Mike from Arizona, and Sue and Scott from Colorado - all cyclists who had traveled to France in previous years. Reading blogs from other travelers is also a helpful resource, or PezCycling travel articles. Also visit Mr. Patterson Goes to Languedoc written by an avid cyclist who lives and rides in France. Read Paddy's VeloPeloton Blog all year long, he writes and photographs about his life living in the foothills of the Pyrenees. 

Pedal Dancer Tip: I like to read and learn from the itineraries and tips on the Cycling Tour Company websites. They bring clients to the Tour de France year after year and really understand the flow of how much can be covered within a typical 9-17 day vacation. Read more about traveling in France on the Pedal Dancer France Cycling Page.

Below is my video of Lance Armstrong on Alpe d'Huez in 2003 (that is me screaming for him, I sound like I am age 8). hit the > button

The Tour de France is Fun!
Planning is a framework, a probability, not an expectation of exactness. Every person has at least one off-day while traveling, every trip has a number of unexpected occurrences, allow for this. These sometimes make the best stories and memories.

Quote of the Day: "The only aspect of our travels that is interesting to others is disaster." - Martha Gellman

I also admit that people are usually far more interested when I am going somewhere then when I have been somewhere. Anyone who loves travels, such as myself, knows that the planning, anticipation, and excitement is as fulfilling as the actual trip. Enjoy the planning! 

Previous installments in the Chris and Zak series 

Two Americans go to the Tour de France

Future topics in the Chris and Zak Tackle l'Tour series: 

Arranging Accommodations in France for the Tour de France. Renting and driving a rental car in France. Estimating your travel costs to France. Packing for a cycling trip to Europe. Training for the Tour de France. Food and restaurants in France. Tips on traveling around France. Tips on being at the Tour de France. Understanding the race that is the Tour de France. Leaving home in not too much of a panic. And any other topics that happen to arise during their adventure. 

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Recommended Reading: 2012 Grand Tours

In search of the perfect grand tour

Yesterday John Wilcockson, of VeloNews, published a lengthy (but worth wading through) description of the expected route and stages of both the 2012 Giro d'Italia and the 2012 Tour de France, titled In search of the perfect grand tour. I am certain Wilcockson needed to rush this article to press after leaks exposed the routes well ahead of plans, but his article is timely and full of excellent information. 

John Wilcockson is the author of a number of books on the Tour de France. He extensively understands the history and terrain used by the race directors of the Grand Tours in France and Italy. His article In search of the perfect grand tour, is like embarking on an armchair bike ride through the stages of the Tours. For those of us who know some of the cities and mountains, it is a joy to read his description with imagination as he guides us through France and Italy. All that is missing is the human experience, the beautiful unknown of sport, that builds our anticipation and holds our attention for weeks every year.

Author John Wilcockson

John Wilcockson has been covering the Tour de France for over forty-years. I have a number of his books on my bookshelf, if you are a fan, chances are you can say the same. I found this short bio of the author: A graduate of the University of London, John Wilcockson was the first-ever cycling correspondent of The Times. He has edited numerous cycling magazines. For his journalistic services to the Tour de France, Wilcockson was presented with the Medaille de la Reconnaissance and the Plaque de la Reconnaissance du Tour by the race's organizers.

In adding this photo above, I realized I saw John Wilcockson at the Tour of California this year in Claremont, CA. He stood out in the crowd, I thought, who is that man who looks like a professor? I would have said hello (and perhaps a thank you for teaching me so much through his writing) if I had put the pieces of the puzzle together on that day. John Wilcockson writes a regular column at VeloNews. Read more articles here: John Wilcockson's cycling topics for VeloNews. I would bet he could win any Tour de France trivia contest.

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Recommended Viewing: Tour de France Photography

Going through Tour de France withdrawals

The first few days after the Tour coverage end are brutal. Cold turkey - no more daily live viewing of the Tour de France until June 30, 2012. To remember how good it was, this is a great collection of photos. Definitely read the name of each photographer responsible for each image. These were the people in the thick of it, day after day to capture our best memories and what we would like to imagine we would have seen if we had been there. 

2011 Tour de France photographs collected by The Atlantic 
Part II 
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/07/tour-de-france-2011---part-2/100114/

Part I
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/07/tour-de-france-2011---part-1/100105/ 

This video of Laurens ten Dam working the crowds of fans on Alpe d'Huez will make you feel good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqoWNVzu8Ss&feature=player_embedded

And another video of the peloton, along with Thor Hushovd, rounding the final "Norwegian corner" on Alpe d'Huez in 2011: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjruuJy7WPI&feature=player_embedded

And of course my favorite photographer blogger from the entire tour O'Nev Cyclismo Fotographia:

Tour De France 2011 – Stage 21 – Champs Elysees – A New Begining

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