The publicity caravan

Of course the most exciting part of our TdF trip will be seeing our favorite cyclists.  Nathan is a big Andy Schleck fan and I've got a number of favorites including Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloden.  It will be cool to catch a glimpse of them during the mountain stages, and hopefully we will see some of our favorites on the podium in Paris.

However, I've heard that one of the most interesting parts of le Tour is the publicity caravan that comes before the riders on each stage.  The publicity caravan is basically a parade that (from what I've heard) takes about 45 minutes to go by, is filled with crazy, decorated cars and trucks, and distributes huge amounts of swag on a daily basis.  Here is a video of publicity caravan to give you an idea:

One survey in France showed that almost 40% of the people who come to watch le Tour are actually more interested in the caravan than the actual race.  While I can assure you I'm not part of that 40%, I'm still looking forward to seeing it...

Skin in the game

Today I put down a deposit on an apartment in Bagneres-de-Luchon.  From this base of operations, Nathan and I will be able to watch stages 16 and 17 of the Tour.  Thanks to Flo (my secret French-speaking weapon), I found the web site Abritel.fr.  This is a site where people rent out their homes and apartments, and it had quite a few locations in Luchon.  I found a small apartment near the center of town, and although I have to rent it for a full week, it still will be less expensive than the hotel I'd originally (thought I'd) booked.

Here's a picture of the outside of the apartment:

And a picture of the inside:

It's not living in the lap of luxury, but we have a place that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and that was the real goal.

I guess we're really going to go to France for the TdF as I'm starting to put down deposits.  This is going to be pretty freaking awesome!  Or should I say, c'est magnifique?!

The moment of truth

Up to this point, I've really put no significant skin in the game regarding the TdF trip I've been planning.  I've reserved some hotel rooms using points, but I can cancel those at no cost.  Other than that, I've not invested anything.

Now, however, I've now found a room in France for the first few stages of the Tour we'd like to see, and that requires a $170 non-refundable deposit.  I'd prefer to not lose that money, so it's the moment of truth: are we really going to do this or not?

I think a conversation with my wife about how much this could cost is in order.  I think she's on board, but I don't want any surprises...

Likely rooms in Bagneres-de-Luchon

Well, my blast of requests has resulted in 3 people getting back to me.  I've reached out to two of them who are sending rental contracts.  I did have to rent these apartments for a full week rather than for a day, but because the hotel I originally had was so expensive, I will actually pay less.  This also gives us the ability to arrive a day or two earlier and use apartment as a base of operations from which to explore southern France and possibly even northern Spain.

I won't count on anything until the agreement is signed and the deposit made, but hopefully this room situation is taken care of.

Ouch!

Over the past few days, I've had a really painful toothache that has  kept me off my bike Friday and Saturday.  Most important is that I missed my long ride that was scheduled for yesterday.

I think I will be able to get back in the swing of things tomorrow, but this set back has been a bummer.

Guilt...

Last night I was unable to get in a scheduled workout because I had to work very late.  Under normal circumstances, having to skip a ride would just be a bummer, but not a huge deal.  However, when I'm on a training plan with a ride upcoming, missing a ride makes me feel really guilty.

I guess this is a good situation to be in as it keeps me on track with my program, but it still feels like I'm taking things a bit too seriously.

By the way, I did get a 21 miles tempo ride in tonight, so I certainly don't feel guilty tonight!

Zone 4 intervals

Zone 4 intervals are something that I've recently started doing, based on Joe Freil's Heart Rate Training book.  I'm sure most of you are wondering what the big deal is, but I've got to admit this this is something new for me.

I can see how these are effective.  I just finished a 45 minute workout with 4 6 minute work intervals at my Zone 4 heart rate.  I don't know yet if these workouts are improving my fitness, but if the phrase "no pain, no gain" is even partially true, I'll be getting a lot stronger soon.