TDF 2011

[hilljockey]

Well the Giro is over.  Next up, the Grand Boucle.

Seeing as the Ferret went to Italy I've decided to go to France.  Looking forward to following the last week through the Alps.

Who will win?

Contador if he starts.  Someone else if he does not (can't be wrong on that 2nd one!).

[Commuter]

Apparently Contador will face the allagations after the 2011 TDF.................someone else looks like coming second HJ

[hilljockey]

Haven't raced for a month.

Not been on the bike for nearly 2 weeks.

2 weeks Monday till a week of riding including Ventoux, Galibier, Alpe d'Huez.  Yes, I'm supposed to be riding them.  Will I make it? 

[Proudly hairy-legged]

You're adopting my training plan it seems!

Have fun HJ, very jealous of you. I am guessing your moniker is some indication of your ability to ride a hill, though?

Metro has set the pace up the Alpe d'Huez so there's your carrot.

[hilljockey]

An indication of wanting to ride hills rather than ability.

So what is the magic time I'm supposed to beat?

Another well known local rider has done it in very good time although some suggest he may have started his watch half way up...

[simply red]

oh hilljockey whats all this crap ..will you make it ,Of cause you will.The adrenalin of just being there will take over and man there are plenty of  riders who would love to have your weight to pull over the climbs.You will love it and I wish we could change places,but I will have to just keep going round and round in circles at the gang.Enjoythe atmosphere ,enjoy the food ,enjoy the people and enjoy the hills, cause when you race blackhill next you will be saying to yourself .....what hills ...saturday afternoon racing will be a breeze. Most of all have fun

[hilljockey]

Thanks Red.  It will all be fine I'm sure, just need to get a small enough gear.

Calling Metro, what is the target time for d'Huez?

[hilljockey]

Geez it's been an interesting tour this year.

Bertie missing the steaks or just tired from the Giro?

[Dogma]

HJ

Bertie needs to find himself a new butcher......

[hilljockey]

Contador couldn't keep up.  He doesn't just need a steak, he needs a Hungry Jacks Whopper!

[simply red]

maybe you can give him some advice from the sidelines ....one more sleep ..and your there ,do you need to kick yourself now or maybe half way up the alp ,just remember I can do it, I can do it,  I can do it...you  lucky thing.Come to think of it watching on tv might be easier  ...ENJOY HILLJOCKEY,something to remember

[simply red]

So we know  Hill jockey  has  arrived   at the tour ,he always knows where to postion himself at racing .... right  behind  the tomarlaris camera crew at the finish of one of cadels best days so far, being the keen spotter I am ..I also noted that he was not in cycling clothes, was this a non  ride stage day for  hilljockey or did he get a lift to the end ??

[hilljockey]

Hey Red, we rode the last bit of the stage in the morning in pouring rain, and it was freezing.  Lucky our tour group owner is a commentator for TV France (ex Yellow jersey holder) so for that stage we had a hot shower and cafeteria meal in the press area and access to the whole media compound.  The weather was really nice in the afternoon for watching the race.

After bombing the SBS footage I went and stood to the side about 3 ft from Tomalaris and watched the SBS monitor that is at his feet (this is why he keeps looking down).  It was just like watching it at home but the audio was him speaking instead of out of the tele.  Pretty cool.

Really nice day today in the Alpes, only rode 40k but 20 of it was uphill.  Climbing going good.  They put the wrong gears on my bike and I didn't check and did Ventoux using a 42 x 25.  That was a bit tough.  All seems easy enough now on 34 x 25.

Coffee in small Italian villages is really good!

[simply red]

Good on you ,hilljockey always new you could handle those hills (even with a sabotaged bike ..42x 25).Good to see you there, you thought it was good ...I m watching Tomaralaris ,neils on the phone to, I don t know who and ...I m pointing at the screen...look at that...its hilljockey(point,point),might ...I say looking very inconspicuous in the background.Moments to remember you lucky thing..hope you are saving it for the alp du ez make sure you have the right gear before you take off...and just remember I can do it, I can do it..remember the little red engine..says red  good luck mate

[hilljockey]

Hey Red, how good is Cadel Evans?!!

Good to be there when he did it.

The weather was good and riding the mountains was great.  Descending is a blast, never imagined overtaking cars in a tunnel, or zipping downhill alongside and amongst the tour caravan and thousands of other riders.