July 10, 2019
Brussels, Belgium
The Tour de France! At the start line of the Grand Depart! How
much better could it be. After so much effort and changes I am here
to watch the boys take that first of thousands of pedal strokes that
will carry them to Paris over the next 3, very hard weeks.
Well, at least I am right on the start line. Maybe all I can really
see is the backs of those in front of me and the large tv screen on
the Royal Plaz. Still, I am here.
Yesterday I went to the Fan Zone, saw some of the riders, picked up
some free and some not so free souvenirs, and got into the
atmosphere of the event. Today the race. Did see a few of the
interviews and got up close to the team buses and support caravan.
Yes, I am here.
The next morning I found a great place to watch the team time
trails. I was so close I really could have touched the riders as
they went by. Wow, how fast they go! I could feel the wind of
their movement. Such a wonderful rainbow of colors flying down the
road. First the police motorcycles, then the rainbow of riders
followed by the support cars, all passing at over 35 mph. Worth
every mountain climbed and every obstacle overcome.
Met a very interesting family. I overheard a young man trying to explain the race to a younger girl. He really had no idea what was going on, so I asked if I could help. We talked and I shared what I knew. I asked where they were from. Tanzanian they answered. He was studying architecture and she was in high was in high school. What university, I inquired. Well, he said it was in China. They looked up and waved at a man and woman across the street and said that was their mother and father. Soon we were joined by them and the conversation continued. I learned so much from this wonderful family. Their hopes and dreams and about their lives.
The race ended and we said our goodbyes with photos for all.