Tour de France 2023

July 10

Today was an official Tour de France rest day. The guys found a disc golf course and played until their hearts were content. Disc golf and beautiful scenery was a double win for them. After18 holes they drove the next day’s bike tour stage route backwards, looking for a place to campout and see the race with Cody.

The next morning, July 11, was Stage 10 of Le Tour de France. Randy, Zach and Cody packed lunches and headed out to watch the tour. They had scouted a place where the riders would be coming through a forest area, which would provide spectators with plenty of shade.

As they waited for the riders, team sponsors came in advance throwing free merchandise, shirts, and hats for spectators. SCORE and SUPER FUN!

Here come the riders!!!

Tadej Pogacar in White, the best rider in the world. He finished the tour in 2nd place this year.

Just after the riders rode by, Randy, Zach, and Cody hopped in the car and drove to another spot to see the riders approach the finish line. Two sightings in one day! The boys were thrilled with their viewing spots.

Just imagine a perfect wheat field being attacked by a joyful puppy spinning in circles.

July 9

Along with hiking Puy de Dôme, the guys saw trains clearly decorated for the bike tour.

The food looked amazing at Le Bistrot des Combes in Mazaye, France. Creme Brulee became the dessert of choice for Randy.

The next morning began a hike that would have the guys feeling as if they were part of the novel Danny Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, as well as the Von Trapp family hiding from the Nazi Regime. The guys had scouted out a trail that would allow them to hike a few hours to reach an area where cars were not permitted during the tour. Here they thought they would be able to have a private viewing location of the Tour de France. Leaving Cody at home, Randy and Zach enjoyed their hike through a variety of landscapes. The hike seemed beautiful through the pictures I saw from afar.

The adventure twisted and turned as they approached the viewing area. It seemed the French police were positioned along the roadside every 50 feet. Apparently spectators were not allowed anywhere near the route to the top of the finish line. The guys kept trying to find a covered place to hide and watch but no luck.

Patrol helicopter with heat seeking cameras or Tour de France helicopter?

As they were quietly searching through the woods they spotted a fox. A few minutes later several huge wild boars showed their snouts. Both Randy and Zach knew the danger they could have been in from both the police and boars. They concluded it was time to leave. The adrenaline rush made the hike back down seem like a sprint. Good food and Cody awaited their return. Despite not seeing any of the bike race today the guys had an amazing day.