How do you celebrate TDF time?

[tulip]

I don't have a TV, so I catch it on the Internet from various countries. It's a pleasure to see/hear coverage from other countries because it's not an exclusive Lance show, like it is on Versus.

I've been watching it since 1986, but there are many more options now than ABC's two-hour weekly coverage back then. When I lived in France, I had it on all the time live. I didn't get much else done, but it was fun.

Oh, and celebrating will include French wine and cheese, baguettes, and good conversation with my French friends. I may even get a tricolor to fly outside my house, at least on the 14 juillet. It's a time to revel in my love of France a bit more than I usually do.

[nolemom]

Watch it off and on at home, and the bike club has a night out to watch a mountain phase at a local sports bar. Probably the only time that their back room is dominated by cycling fans and the big screen is tuned to Versus.

[Eden]

Being on the west coast of the US, our coverage usually starts *early* - sometimes 4 or 5am. We usually pick the "queen stage" - the one with the biggest climbs, the most excitement and the biggest potential to turn the race on its ear, invite some friends over, get up nice and early and make a big breakfast.

[annielynn]

We will record every stage of the race and hubby and I will sit down and watch each night. I am kinda sad that I will be in Daytona at the Coke Zero 400 race on Saturday so I will miss watching the prologue live. Thank goodness for the DVR.

I am so excited for the TdF!

[GLC1968]

We've been watching the last 5 years. Not long after last years race, we dropped our cable down to the very basic subscription that only includes 8 channels because we rarely watch TV.

My husband just upgraded our subscription today. I'm picking up the DVR tomorrow. All so that we can watch the TdF. We'll dump it again after it's over.

[Veronica]

Like CC I get annoyed by all the Lance coverage. How much press did Frank Schleck get for winning the Tour de Suisse? He rode the time trial of his life! Or how about Tony Martin defeating Cancellara that same day? Nope the majority of the coverage was Lance 7th to 2nd - at nearly 39 years of age.

But as my riding buddy reminded me yesterday, Lance is the embodiment of cycling for non-biking Americans. Versus needs to make advertisers happy, and get lots of viewers. The perception is main stream America wants to hear about other Americans. He is amazing, but so is Dara Torres and she didn't get all the Olympic press.

I did watch the very lame Contador vs Armstrong special - basically a rehash of last year's Tour. I wish they would show Contador the respect he deserves.

Veronica

[katluvr]

I, like others, DVR the live broadcast and we watch after work, while eating dinner!

I work this weekend...but otherwise I would love to have beer/wine or food from the area that the are riding in that day...but alas, I have yet to get a menu or plans together. But I get excited to have 3 days of BIKING to watch!

I suspect Lance won't live up to some of the expectations his fan's, versus and "non-biking" americans think of him. But even if not doing well early on they will "talk" and "think" he will show form on mountain stages. Not holding my breath on it!

But still enjoying watching it!

K

[jobob]

I did watch the very lame Contador vs Armstrong special - basically a rehash of last year's Tour. I wish they would show Contador the respect he deserves.

Veronica

Oh, lordamercy, that was the lamest thing to hit the airways e-ver. I give it five eyerolls.

But were it not for Lance we in the USofA would not have anywhere near as much cycling coverage. So, thank you Lance. gag retch.

That said, I'll be rooting for the Schlecks, Christian Vande Velde, and, oh yeah, Contador!! for GC.

I would root for Levi, and I probably will, but naturally he'll be Working for The Man so Levi's chances for GC are pretty much nonexistent, unless Lance winds up in traction or something.

And I'll be sending out a cheer for Jens every chance I get. And Fabian and Stuey.

Vive Le Tour!

[alexis_the_tiny]

I don't have a TV, so I catch it on the Internet from various countries. It's a pleasure to see/hear coverage from other countries because it's not an exclusive Lance show, like it is on Versus.

Tulip, where on the internet do you find the TDF? There aren't any bars showing the TDF where I live and I'm not sure how to get it on cable...I'm missing out on the action. Also? Rooting for Contador!

[Possegal]

The Versus camera guy came over and filmed us at the start line today - with my big US flag hanging over the barrier. And when I yelled to Big George, he stopped and turned around and looked over. I should have had the nerve to wave him over to see if he would have come over. So many missed opportunities.

[katluvr]

How many stages are you going to be at Possegal?

K

[Possegal]

Today's the last day. Though it's killing me to not alter my plans and go following it. Next time, I need to follow it the entire time I'm here.

[tulip]

Tulip, where on the internet do you find the TDF? There aren't any bars showing the TDF where I live and I'm not sure how to get it on cable...I'm missing out on the action. Also? Rooting for Contador!

You have to click around a bit on the European sites. Sometimes they get cut off and then you have to surf for a new feed. It's not ideal, and I might end up paying for Versus Tour Tracker, but I'd much rather watch the European coverage. It helps to understand the languages, but I'll even watch it in Danish if need be!

If you have cable, check to see if you have Versus. They have exclusive coverage in the US. I don't know if you are in the US, but if you are and you have cable, then Versus is the best bet for TV coverage. My issue is that I don't have a TV and I don't have cable or satellite. This is the only time of year that I want a TV, but it's not worth it to me for the rest of the year.

[redrhodie]

My bf just returned from the cheese shop with Compte, a cow's milk cheese from the region they rode today. Also croissants!

[tulip]

I'm making baguettes today. I just cannot find a good baguette in all of Virginia...so I make my own, which are perfect, of course.

I might invite neighbors over for 14 juillet get-together with wine and cheese. Nothing to do with the Tour, but it would be fun to have a bit of celebration of the Rights of Man and all that. And wine. And cheese. And bread.

I would like to get a French flag for the 14th, but all the flag places around here are strictly stars-and-stripes, cutesy bunnies, or sports teams. I might have to take a trip to DC just to get a simple flag.