Start of the Second Stage

After the long disappointing Saturday, I wondered whether I should still ride into Bastia…of course I should ! although it took me some dragging to get going again, and I did the sensible thing…I’d travel light, and go in on my road bike.. so by mid morning I was again heading along the coastal road towards Bastia

The closer I got , the more ‘convoy’ vehicles I saw, and the Team Saxobank Hotel headquarters some distance outside.. as i got into Place St Nicholas in the centre of Bastia it was chaos..the entire square had been sectioned off, one end was being used for vehicle being marshalled, whilst the top half of the square was the riders village, where access was controlled – I presume passes could be bought, so I was to get nowhere near !

I rode further from the square, and up on to Boulevard Pauli, and positioned myself up at the top of a small incline, at a bend in the road, with a view all the way down the hill..so I was set, or was I ? Toilet stop needed, so I had to find somewhere convenient, which I did ! and then back to my spot, Jotowns headquarters… I’d only have a 3 hour wait, although I was in a nicely shaded part, with a kerb to sit on !

Surprisingly things got going within the hour, with the Publicity caravan hitting the road, and throwing goodies out at the crowd, which had swelled substantially by then ..and great fun was had catching what was available, although I did give away a load of hats which I already had (and thinking light !) then as the build up continued various team cars started passing through, and I kept attracting attention from the Team Sky crowd, with hoots and waves to me as the passed by – I even got the French crowd cheering, and recognising the ‘Team Sky’ transports !

The crowd had dwindled after the giveaways had finished, although it started to build up again, as the race time became nearer ,then the roar of motorbikes,red judges cars, and the throng of cyclists approaching..It was difficult to spot who's'/who ! so I just kept snapping and shouting out for the Brits in the race ,with the race leader in yellow at the head of the peloton, as they eased their way up the hill, and passed me ..and quick as that they were all passed and gone ! All that then remained were the team buses and cars to roar passed , they’d all gone…

time to pack up, and leave my lovely spot !

and an easy ride back through the town centre, with everything almost already packed away, so a leisurely ride back to the campsite, glad I’d brought the road bike, and cool down… watching the days finish on the campsite TV !

Then it was my final Corsican BBQ, as I also started ‘packing down’ ! –ready for my move in a few days time !

So I’ll just wish everyone Bonne Nuit !

Crash Bang Wallop…. there goes the Yellow Jersey

The big day had arrived, and the first stage of the Tour de France finishes in Bastia…where I’ll be !

I’d been nervously looking forward to this day all year, so how the cyclists manage…I don’t know, one day I may find out ?

Still, by late morning I couldn’t wait any longer, and the bike panniers loaded, I thought with the kitchen sink, it felt that heavy, what with extra water,clothing,food,etc etc, and even my little Union Jack flying from the back of the bike, I set off towards Bastia ready for the main event, as I rode along lots of cars were hooting, obviously joining in the festivities.. in the centre itself, although lots were around, there still wasn’t much happening, so I went to the finish area, at Plage Arinella, arriving just before noon (the race was expected to finish about 1720, at least a 5 hour wait !)

There were already lots of people, ‘staking’ their territories, and I joined up with some other Brits, and forming our own British Paddock (as the Brits do !), with our bikes…soon the flags were up on the nearby tree (useful for shade ) and I had a large union jack to drape over the barriers (although I wasn’t supposed to ), and then we all settled in, the group growing larger with other Brits, we had a good position 100 mts from the finish line, expecting a momentous sprint finish, which we were perfectly placed to view… the publicity caravan started driving through hours before the finish, giving out lots of free goodies, some of which were useful !  and the crowd continued to build up, amidst chaotic scenes, especially when they were handing out freebies !

Things were going well, the British contingent were confident of victory for Cavendish, and a yellow jersey for a Brit tonight..and from news out on the course, everything was going perfectly (well as perfect as it can be), then suddenly disaster.. a team bus had driven into the hoardings over the finish line…and was stuck !

Panic set in around the officials with more and more running up and down the finish straight…and red judges cars being made to empty their passengers at the end of the straight…then the news came through…the finish line had been changed, but to where ? No one knew…meanwhile the coach was still stuck, were we to be denied our great view of the finish ?…or would it be moved 100 mts back ? –right where we were, hopes were high again, as more and more cars came zooming through the finish area, and the helicopters above clearly showed how close the cyclists were to us.. then to great cheers, the team bus was extricated from under the gantry, reversed up the final 100 mts, and driven off into the crowd at the side, minutes before the peloton arrived…chaos had reigned, and it seemed we were back on.. but what was happening out on the course ?, where was Cavendish…suddenly a great din, as a relatively small group of riders surged up the finish straight, passed our position, and over the line..the winner was ?, clearly a rider for Argos Shimano..but where was Cavendish and the other fancied sprinters, a whoosh of riders including Cavendish arrived, shortly followed by some of his team mates,who’d obviously had a crash somewhere, as their jerseys were ripped and torn, with dirt all over them…Oh dear, what a way to end the first stage..we could just cheer all the riders who limped in to the finish, with team cars following … and time to get to the presentation area to see the winner Kittel receive his yellow jersey, along with the white and Polka dot ones also, what a day he’d had !!

So what had happened ? well after the bus had become stuck, the race organisers decided to move the finish 3 kms back ! when the teams were told chaos set in, as everyone suddenly realised they needed to get to the front earlier than expected, and in the ensuing free for all,one of Cavendish’s team mates crashed, bringing others down, and blocking the road completely , with all the fancied riders getting stuck – at the same time the organisers announced that the finish would now be back in original position…what a farce, and what chaos…anyway there’s always another day.. C’est la vie

All that remained was to watch some of the entertainment and make my way back to camp with my ‘goodies’ !

A long disappointing day, still Paris should be fun !

Calm Before the Storm…or Le Tour

I was up bright and early for the 7 a.m. bus into Bastia wondering whether there’d be much happening there..well as it turns out there wasn’t..should have gone for a ride instead – although there were clearly lots more people arriving in town for the race the following day .. and as the morning wore on, it became quite cool (at least for me ) and there were a few spots of rain…

so I got the 12 noon bus back, and treated myself to nice lunch of moules frites,Corsican orange cake…washed down with some nice cooling wine, ready for an afternoons snooze..

the sea had become rough during the day, being whipped up by a strong wind, so swimming was out anyway..ah well early night, ready for the big day tomorrow…Good night, and Bonne Chance to all our British cyclists..

Le Tour is in Town..

I’d been worn out by my ‘little stroll’ on Tuesday, so Wednesday I did little..and not a lot of that ! I did do a lot of eating (runny chukky eggs..), reading, sunning,swimming…and snoozing !

Thursday I had decided to ride into Bastia to see what, if anything was happening – it’s cooled down a lot these past couple of days, down to a ‘freezing’ 18C at 7 a.m. ! and I had a leisurely 9 a.m. start, along the old coast road, up and down the hills, where I had some good fun, seeing a group of 3 cyclists some distance ahead of me ..I first of all had to catch up with them, overtaking them on the main street of Erbalunga, being cheered on by locals outside the cafe’, and then having a time of them trying to catch up with me, thinking they were surprising me on an uphill stretch, as they swung out of my ‘slipstream’,to they though ,sail by me, not as easy as I responded catching them unawares, and we went head to head uphill for a while, until eventually I let two of them by, with the third panting behind me..he never made it passed me, although he tried several times…and we caught his mates up on the outskirts of Bastia, with them cheering and gesticulating wildly as I passed them all.. ( I think they all stopped then !)..just like children..aren’t we ?

Anyway back to the days business, there didn’t seem to be much happening in the centre of Bastia, and so I rode out to Plage Arinella, where the finish of Saturdays race will be…there was lots of activity, the road already being closed (not to intrepid cyclists though !) and as I rode into the finish area, was amazed at the number of trucks cars vans that were already there, and the finish area was clearly under construction already (2 days before it will be needed)..and press interviews already taking place- with the cameras even  focussing on me as I rode up !

I imagine that by tomorrow, and certainly Saturday, the whole area will be transformed, and shows what organisation comes with Le Tour –even the old boys I’d been chatting with on Sunday had opened themselves up a Cafe/smack bar, hoping for plenty of business !

I then rode back into Bastia,briefly stopped in the main square, then headed for home, and a relaxing lunch and afternoon..

Still not seen any of the main teams, or anyone famous !

I’ve been reading a really peculiar book ‘Kinesis’ by Ethan Spier…really weird, read it (it’s free on Amazon)http://www.amazon.com/Kinesis-ebook/dp/B006ZDPVM8

My plans for the next couple of days are now made

Friday, early bus into Bastia, for a wander round the main area, in case something is happening

Saturday, late morning/mid day  ride to Bastia, for 1st stage of TdF  finish at Plage Arinella, watch presentations(with a GB win ??hopefully), and ride home, …eventually!   

Sunday, mid morning ride into Bastia, for start of Stage 2, TdF, see whatever else is happening…and ride home

Who’s excited ?? Guess ??

Whether I’ll have time to update you all,I don’t know,maybe you’ll see me on the television….Au revoir..

A ‘Gentle’ Meander..

I’ll give Monday a miss… a strong wind had blew up Sunday night, and carried on most of the day, so I made use of it..and did some washing, reading and planning for the next day ! –at least I found the value of the high shrubbery around my pitch, as I didn’t get rocked in Wally, like I have been in other places..

So, this morning I’d decided I should go for a walk, up into the hills, I’d a rough plan, and small map/diagram of some marked walks..so I planned to start from the campsite, and see where it got me to ! The alarm went off at 6 a.m., although it was slightly dull, I didn’t plan to be out walking in the middle of the day (some plan!)

Having breakfasted,made my butties and packed my rucksack with lots of supplies I set off just before 8 a.m. and was soon following a trail from the Marina, up towards Pietracorbara in the hills, I was walking through woods, and overgrown bits of whatever, with brambles scattered everywhere, trying to catch me out – I did have long pants/shirt if it got too bad ( it didn’t ).. as I walked along I suddenly saw a big herd of goats coming down the track towards me, and smartly stepping to the side, they all shot passed me.. there must have been someone herding them, but I didn’t see or hear anyone, but they seemed to know where they were going !

The trail was passing old abandoned hamlets, consisting of 3/4 houses (shacks) which were now falling down, with the roofs having collapsed , I suppose they were goat herders, the land didn’t seem to be of much other value, apart from wood for kindling..

I got up to the church at Pietrocorbara, and then started following another trail up to some higher hamlets alongside a small stream, which even though it didn’t seem much, had cut it’s way down into the rockbed

Then I ended up at Cortina, quite how I wasn’t sure (as the  only thing I’d forgotten was the map !) another hill village, which was having a lot of work done on the houses, and streets – must be up and coming !

I had lunch in the woods there, and turned around to re-trace my steps , funny how you see different things going in a different direction.. It was quite hot by now, being the middle of the day, although the woods did give me some cover, when it burst out into the sun…it was hot !

I found an old watermill, which has had recent renovation, with a new waterwheel being built up underneath it, great ingenuity up in the hills, then as I got closer to home, I started ‘wandering ‘ again trying to find a trail to the left, up into some higher mountains, which I could see from the campsite, but not whilst I’d been walking..

I located an old dry stream bed, which went up the hill, and I followed it, up and eventually popping out on a ride, into full sun..and the track I think is the one I was looking for..I did follow it for a while, eventually deciding to come back again, and climb up it.. great views of the mountains behind and sea in front .. ready for another day, now it was to get back to camp for a cooling swim and relax..

I’d been walking, how far ?, 7 1/2 hours, and 550mts+ climbed…phew I’m jiggered…….Goodnight !

Birthday Surprises !

The mornings had been cooler for the last couple of days (must be all the rain !) and so I’d set the alarm for 6 a.m., undecided as to where to go…but knew I’d be out for a ride, hoping to get into a large group going somewhere, and I could tag along…

I had wondered about doing my ride from the other day, the other way round, but decided not to risk damaging my trusty steed, and so set off for The North, and I’d decided as I got higher up… I soon passed Santa Severi, and continued up the coast for Macinaggio, which I reached in early morning sunshine..and no groups to tag along with…so I sat in the sunshine, and decided – I would go to Bastia…back along the coast road, as it was quiet being Sunday !

I started riding back down along the coast road – I did see a couple of groups…going the other way ! It was quite pleasurable , especially when I saw in the distance another rider, who I thought I catch up with, and see if we could spin along together… I did manage to catch up with him – A Frenchman from Bastia, ideal I thought, as we rode together into the stiffening breeze, taking turns to lead, whilst the other sheltered behind – although I think I did more leading, even had to wait for him a couple of times, but enjoyable, and we were soon on the outskirts of Bastia, where he lived and left me to continue into the town.. there seemed to be a giant car boot sale going on in Place St Nicholas, so I didn’t hang around

I wanted to find where the TdF was to finish, and se whether there was a more suitable campsite for me to be in, I rode through the town, not being able to go through the coastal tunnel (which was flat!), instead had to climb up and over the road past the Citadelle, and dropped down along the coast. I had seen a map from the tourist office, so knew the finish would be near here…and then saw it…a newly laid stretch of road, along the sea front, culminating in a big area..I bet myself that this was where the finish would be,(and I later found I was right !) even had a couple of sprints myself…testing the ground for the ‘Manx Missile’ to perform on..should be good (and I’ll be here, watch out for me, whether I’ll be able to have a couple of ‘sprints’ on my shopper bike though…?? At least I can still say…I was over the line first – not that it’s there yet !!

The next time I expect to be here it’ll be absolutely packed, and chaotic

I did find a campsite on the beach front, thought I’d be better off where I am , and went into the centre to treat myself to a big ice cream..and then the hard ride back to Pietracorbara, it was a slog, arriving back after 12 noon, the sun was hot, and I’d ridden 70kms +, I felt like John Wayne, as I got off the bike…doused myself in the shower and had a light lunch…

ready for my Skype call to my youngest Grandchild Chloe, who is 1 year old today.. Happy Birthday Chloe

They both look a little different from  when ?

I was able to sing Happy Birthday before the Computer connection gave up on me…however it was nice to catch them, before they went out to Lossiemouth for the ‘Birthday flypast’, amazing what you can get ,with the right connections in the RAF isn’t it !

So, now I’ve not had my afternoon siesta, it’ll be early dinner ( Big Garlic steak..), and early to bed, Bonne Soiree !

Still Counting the Cost..

As my foot was still sore, I decided to rest it for the day, and so, sat around all day reading, and generally ‘doing nothing’…with my foot up on a stool –said I’d ‘peaked’ too early !

By mid afternoon, I’d decided that I should see how bad it was by riding into Erbalunga, 10kms away, as I’d seen that mass was there on the Saturday afternoon, although I couldn’t remember the time , and it would give me an idea how my leg would be…and I could call at the supermarket in Sisco on the way home..

So off I set, gently riding along, with no great pains, although not quite right ( No, it was my left !) arriving at the church in Erbalunga, I found that mass was at Lavasina at 4-30 p.m., so I had plenty of time..or so I thought ! I went into the church for a quick look round, and was greeted by a Frenchman, who wanted to tell me all about his hobby as an Amateur Military Historian, and we had a long conversation, mostly in French and pigeon English, about his visits to England, and the RAF – it turned out that his father had been in an RAF regiment and was killed in the second world war, interesting that even Corsicans had been involved, and volunteered..

On the walls of the church, were some unique features, I’ve never seen before.. Palm leaves, formed into differing designs for each year, and which adorn the cross each Palm Sunday – must suggest this for at home !

The church itself, was well decorated,and large , with great stained glass windows, which I always enjoy

Then I had to pedal down to Lavasina, for the afternoon Vigil mass.. before setting off for Sisco on the way home, a few items bought at the hectic supermarket (which I had to carry !) and ride home, just as the heavens opened, and the rain thundered down.. there must have been at least 10 drops !, and it brightened up again for me to cook my BBQ dinner

The foots held up well, so hopefully if I keep decent footwear on I should be OK…

I’ll bid you all Bonne Nuit !

The Longest Day..

It may have been the start of the longest day, however after my epic ride of the day before, I thought i should have a ‘relaxing day’…but that didn’t last too long…although I did have a nice breakfast of juice,coffee and 2 pain au chocolats, sat in the sunshine reading..

Then running short of some supplies, I decided to ride across to Sisco, where I had seen a small shop, and wondered what was there..so off I went, 20 minutes later into Sisco, and looking around the shop, which seemed to have all I would need…..but not now !

I decided to have a ride into the villages above Sisco, so once again was riding up the lanes into the hillside above, and away from the coast ( I had brought water though !) I eventually ended up at a little village Balba, where time had seemed to stop still..there were still the village wash sinks ,in working order, the remains of an old windmill, and lots of buildings falling down , with views of the mountain ridges above, peeking through the buildings

I then set off down the hills, stopping at an old bridge crossing the gorge, which I had spotted on the way up, presumably an old path to somewhere ? although little used nowadays, I suppose the road must have replaced the access points..by now it was the middle of the day, so I headed back to the campsite for lunch (salad with sardines in chilli oil…lovely)

As it got cooler later in the afternoon, I set off for a walk along the coast, and up the nearby hills, hoping to find a path up to the tower on the skyline..firstly along the shoreline, and rocks, all of which were quite eroded, but showing their unusually shaped features, with all the rock flows clearly visible (once again, where’s them geologists when you need them ?) So after a while dodging along the rocks, I climbed off the cliffs, and over the road, following a rough bulldozed track I’d seen, which seemed to climb up into the fields behind.. and keep climbing, unfortunately not near the tower though, and I couldn’t see any access from this side, even though I’d climbed higher than it, and was looking down at it beneath, highlighted against the islands further out to sea

Having given that up, I wandered back down to the beach, in the setting sun, and treated myself to a Pizza, from a roadside van (which the Corsicans seem to love !)..even though I was hungry, the Pizza was huge, bigger than a dustbin lid, so I sat on a rock at the beachside eating it, whilst listening to a group performing at a local bar – quite funny listening to them performing ‘Wonderwall’, but not quite understanding the words…

I then wandered along the sands, watching the sun go down, with the moon up,high in the sky ..then started limping, I’d pulled something whilst walking so far in my sandals (foolish boy !), so stood in the sea cooling it down for a while, then limped back to camp…and bed..

It has been a long day..and night ! Bonne Nuit !