Tour de France visits Essex, 7-7-14

[Sickbag_andy]

The Tour de France passed through Essex on Monday and came right through my village (Rayne) so I spent the day watchign the various goings on accompanied by my camera.



there were all sorts of associated vehicles going along the road from early morning onwards then at around 11.30 (2 hours before the race arrived) the promotional 'Caravane' came through, a bit sporadic at times but in all it took about an hour to all go past



'Oi - you're in England, drive on the left please'


'honestly officer, I was driving along quite happily and this four pack pulled out in front of me!'














'got the time please?'


chips are on their way


then the race itself came through, these 2 had broken away from the pelaton (that's french for the main group) which followed about 4 minutes later






Team Sky ( while they were all still fit and in the race)










a few bobs worth of bikes on the roof of this car, I and several thousand others were hoping that one would fall off un-noticed!



then after the race had passed through there were lots of TdF wannabees riding the route and hoping to catch up with the race


this guy was taking it more leisurely, I wonder if he made London by midnight?


and the village had a competitin for the best dressed house - this was one person's attempt to bring a bit of Frech atmosphere into Rayne!


I also got photos of the helicopters filming the race and carrying VIPs, they are posted in a separate topic

[34053]

Great pics. Watched all of the 'Cambridge to London' Stage on TV. Mama Wedgy and I also had additional interest as we had been in the area (Braintree, etc.) for a few days at the end of last week and saw all the signs, warning about the road closures, etc. We also saw three of the Official 'Tour de France' vans making their way along the M25 and M11 motorways, during our journey to Essex on 3rd July.

[Our visit (surprise, surprise) also involved a 'Railway' visit. But perhaps more of that as a separate Topic some time ]

PW

[Sickbag_andy]

Colne Valley Railway by any chance? I was there a couple of weeks ago with the family as my grandson is a TTTE fan and they had a 'day out with Thomas' weekend. great fun even at my age! we occasionally go over on 'normal' weekends for a train ride or 4

[34053]

Colne Valley Railway by any chance? I was there a couple of weeks ago with the family as my grandson is a TTTE fan and they had a 'day out with Thomas' weekend. great fun even at my age! we occasionally go over on 'normal' weekends for a train ride or 4

Yes, that was the one. I must say that I was VERY impressed with the set up there and also with the enthusiasm and helpfulness of the Volunteers on the day we went. We found it to be really 'child friendly' as well (in addition to catering for us 'big boys'!).

PW