AndrewLincs said:
I am travelling from Lincoln and Pocklington looks good!
Specifically, I would recommend the climb of Kilnwick Percy which starts on the way out of Pocklington, since you can see more. There is an arrow half-way up the climb on the
Ordnance Survey map which indicates a section of 14% gradient or above, which is approximately 3km/2 miles beyond Pocklington town, so I would hover around there where I would expect there to be a decent crowd. On the other hand, you may prefer to go into Pocklington itself for the atmosphere in the town, or right up to the top of the climb where there is usually a fair crowd.
How long before the race is due through should we arrive
It really depends on how much waiting around you want to do. Assuming that there is a reasonable crowd in Pocklington and on the climb afterwards, you'll want somewhere to park the car fairly close by. My own decision when I do stages in this race is to get to my spot no later than an hour before the race is due through (usually earlier) since I enjoy the build-up, but you may want to do it later - I am not sure exactly how soon before the race passes through the rolling road closures come into effect but it's not very long.
If you want to watch in Pocklington, that should provide much more than ample time and space to park the car and choose your spot. You can always stop in a shop or cafe if you have loads of time on your hands.
If you plan to go on the climb instead, I would be there quite a lot earlier to reccy it when you arrive to see if there are any good parking spots close by, and prepare for a fair old walk if there aren't (there are a couple of lay-bys on the hill which are good, but it's not inconceivable that they may be full by the time you get there).
and is it then worth trying to jump ahead for a second view?
I am going to be trying this myself for the first time this year in Devon and Somerset. The estimated time between the race arriving in Pocklington and finishing in York is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, although in reality that could vary between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. The drive from the Pocklington/Kilnwick Percy area is approximately 25km/16 miles via the A1079 which should be doable in under 25 minutes. There may be some traffic issues in York but it shouldn't be too bad. Something approximating
this route should get you to the stage finish in sufficient time, I reckon (adjust the start and finish locations to your own specifications, obviously). If I'm not mistaken the stage finish will be on Malton Road (A1036).
Is there a Caravan like the TDF?
No, just a long gradual stream of police vehicles and also a Tour car which, if you are in a remotely busy area, should come along and tell everyone who is in the break and what gap they have on the chasers, and how soon the race should be due along.
