I’m really glad this trip came together, it was a let-down when the April trip to Belgium fell through. Things seem to happen for reasons though, and this is certainly a great trip to offset that disappointment. Wim and I have been talking through the nitty-gritty over the past few days and I like how things are shaping up. I’m now less than two days to departure, still not packed.
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| The Museeuw I rode in 2010 |
Today’s updates include confirmation that Andrea and I will be riding some Museeuw bikes fresh from Johan’s warehouse. Those in the Toronto area can stop by the Gears Bike Shop new location as they are the only local shop that sells Museeuw frames. Then Wim followed it up by letting us know that our Thomas Cook team kits will be waiting for us to wear when we get there.
As I had mentioned in my earlier post I have a nice B&B (De Zoete Kers, www.dezoetekers.be) arranged for my short stay in Belgium. I look forward to having some time to relax and hope to get a ride or two in while I’m there. I know that starting Wednesday things will get very busy for a week.
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| Stage 11 |
The agenda for Wed has about 1,000KM of driving as Wim and his second driver will be collecting the group in various locations and then we all head down to Lavaur to catch the finish of stage 11. I will be following in the Renault Traffic Wim has provided.
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| Andrea on the Tourmalet in 2006 |
After the stage, we will settle into the Hotel Eychenne in Saint-Girons until Saturday. This will be our base for the stages in the Pyrenees. I know Andrea will get a lot of riding in, she’s looking forward to climbing the cols. We were there in 2006 and it’s spectacular, very different from the Alpes. Hopefully I will get some good rides in too as we will be at the Col d’Aubisque, the Tourmalet and the Portet d’Aspet and surrounded by many other famous climbs.
Stay tuned for regular updates, I intend to provide good coverage of the Tour as Thomas Cook Sports serves it up!