TDF 2014, Where will you be watching?

[ColinJ]

I'm trying to suss this one out. I will be with family so we will have to drive somewhere, park then walk to wherever we want to view. I've narrowed it down to a couple of places and would appreciate any opinions;

I think that it will be difficult to park within miles of the route unless you get there hours before! I tried to watch the Kelloggs tour go over Holme Moss once and my mate had to park before Digley Reservoir. We just got to Holme village as the riders passed through.

The crowds for the TdF will probably be several times bigger.

I think the Yorkshire stages will get huge support from the roadside, and the Tour organisers will be making glowing statements to the press afterwards!

 

[DCLane]

I'm planning to ride to my parents (near Settle) on the 4th and then watch it between Kettlewell and Hawes before riding home.

Sunday 6th I'm going to be either with the club members on Holme Moss or on Woodhead Pass where I think it'll be quieter.

 

[Diggs]

I am currently doing a bit of research on the Essex route to check for an ideal vantage point. Perhaps we can set up a CC version of the Dutch corner somewhere?

 

[Accy cyclist]

I'll be watching the highlights on the telly in the evening(like all the stages). The TdF to the average cyclist is like the Football Premier League to the average football fan,besides i don't like to be part of big crowds!

 

[MikeG]

I am currently doing a bit of research on the Essex route to check for an ideal vantage point. Perhaps we can set up a CC version of the Dutch corner somewhere?

I reckon Finchingfield, Essex, might be a nice spot, although it will of course be crowded. There are a number of nice lanes nearby, only some of which will be shut, so there is certain to be a route to cycle home. Of course, the setting is delightful, with the famous village green and pond, with the little bridge, all the thatched houses, and a couple of windmills. There is a stiff little hill out of the village, so that might be the best spot.

It's only about 10 or 12 miles from me, so I'll obviously be on my bike.

Having said all that, my club will probably organise something, so I might end up somewhere entirely different.

 

[Stephen C]

Is there anybody else in the Cambridge area? I'm torn between heading into Cambridge to see the very start (but likely to be crowded) or heading further south as they leave Cambridge and head towards Saffron Walden. Any idea at what point the racing would actually start?

 

[Diggs]

I reckon Finchingfield, Essex, might be a nice spot, although it will of course be crowded. There are a number of nice lanes nearby, only some of which will be shut, so there is certain to be a route to cycle home. Of course, the setting is delightful, with the famous village green and pond, with the little bridge, all the thatched houses, and a couple of windmills. There is a stiff little hill out of the village, so that might be the best spot.

It's only about 10 or 12 miles from me, so I'll obviously be on my bike.

Having said all that, my club will probably organise something, so I might end up somewhere entirely different.

I think you're right, Finchingfield will undoubtedly be packed but a good atmosphere. As you say with the hill just outside, it's just getting the balance right. At least on the bike it gives you a degree of flexibility and getting away in part from the really crowded sections

 

[mr_cellophane]

I am currently doing a bit of research on the Essex route to check for an ideal vantage point. Perhaps we can set up a CC version of the Dutch corner somewhere?

Come and ride the second half from Chelmsford the day before and sort out the best point from that
http://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=32024
The route winds about alot before it gets to North Weald.

 

[Diggs]

Come and ride the second half from Chelmsford the day before and sort out the best point from that
http://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=32024
The route winds about alot before it gets to North Weald.

Sounds like a great idea. That may be leaving it a bit late for planning purposes though

 

[mr_cellophane]

Sounds like a great idea. That may be leaving it a bit late for planning purposes though

Best road surface you will find in Essex and hopefully you will see what barriers are up that may turn a potentially good spot into a rubbish one.

 

[Diggs]

Best road surface you will find in Essex and hopefully you will see what barriers are up that may turn a potentially good spot into a rubbish one.

Really good point, and goes for assessing access too. Ideally though I need to ride it before then, to identify a short list

 

[Biscuit]

I'm planning Finchingfield too. Seems like a popular choice. Only a short ride from home. Hopefully get a pint in at the pub.

 

[Biscuit]

Is there anybody else in the Cambridge area? I'm torn between heading into Cambridge to see the very start (but likely to be crowded) or heading further south as they leave Cambridge and head towards Saffron Walden. Any idea at what point the racing would actually start?

I know that they're heading over the A505 roundabout south of Sawston ( McDonalds Roundabout ) . But it will be a rather quick affair. If you're in Cambridge there's prob more to make the day of it after they've headed off. I think there's a cycling festival in Cambs to go with the whole tour shenanigans. Plus looking at the tour buses etc. Could be fun.

 

[Stephen C]

I know that they're heading over the A505 roundabout south of Sawston ( McDonalds Roundabout ) . But it will be a rather quick affair. If you're in Cambridge there's prob more to make the day of it after they've headed off. I think there's a cycling festival in Cambs to go with the whole tour shenanigans. Plus looking at the tour buses etc. Could be fun.

I live in Linton so would be able to get to any point from the start to Finchingfield, but the idea of all the extras in Cambridge does sound appealing!

 

[mr_cellophane]

I marshaled for the TdF around Ashford last time. Getting anywhere along the route will be difficult/impossible in the morning and the roads won't open for several hours after either.
I don't remember any casual cyclists passing along the route in the morning either, so don't expect to be able to cycle to your vantage point.