A few weeks ago Pat and I rode our beloved road bikes along the Marne River, into Bois de Vincennes and then into the east side of Paris. What a great trip. It was a cool day, and at one point there was a huge thunderstorm, so we stopped for lunch in a convenient Paris eatery. By the time we had finished our "croque monsieur" (think inside out grilled cheese) the rain had stopped and we were ready to ride home. It was really great.
Then, the second weekend in April is famous, well maybe with a select few, as this is the weekend for the riding of "The Hell of the North" or "Queen of the Classics"for those a little gentler, but this professional bicycle race is formally known as the Paris-Roubaix. A Frenchman told Pat, "If you are going to see any bicycle race, this is the one to see." Why? Because it involves a Giant, real racing, and more often than not lots of mud. A combination not often seen in pro road racing.
So, in anticipation, Pat studied the route, using his GPS, the computer, the Michelin maps of the areas in question and me, well I went along for the ride, and dressed for the weather. It was cold and rain threatened. There was going to be a lot of walking (what else is new?) and a chance to see some amazing bicycle racing - up close.
We went to the home of the Giant - sure - in this case, the Giant is a2.7 meter stretch of cobblestone road that runs right through Arenberg. This stretch is so bad that last year it was not part of the race, but has been touched up by a group of diligent cobblestone pavée caretakers so that this make or break, literally stretch would be included. But that's not the best part. You should see the PARTY! Now mind you this train crossing four way intersection is in the middle of nowhere - but there were tents and food and music and big screen tvs - what a hoot! All for less than ten minutes of bicycling come flying through. Well we saw them - now what? Walk back to the car, check out the mileage and see if we can see them again. So out on the highway ---- WAIT IS THAT A HELICOPTER? IT's THEM --- Quick --- here they come on. Up on that side road. Pull over. Run up the embankment. We made it -- We just missed the leaders, but got a great view of the pelaton -- (see photo) and now back in the car. Hurry the finish is in less than an hour.
It is kind of like a scavenger hunt. You know their course, but you need to be in front of them - and the roads that they are on are blocked...But if you pick the right route you will run alongside of them and can get the occasional glimpse. We made it to the finish in plenty of time, thanks to our moped escort, but the finish was rather noneventful. That's okay. We had a great day!
