…and here’s the thread.

YES!!!!

I’m looking forward to seeing the Yorkshire Alps.
There could be a ashes test in Paris soon.

Frome says his team is the strongest he’s ever seen so unless he gets his drug regime wrong and gets pinged he should win easily again.

Tour de France 2014 – Stage 1: Leeds to Harrogate (190.5km)

The Tour peloton will roll out from The Headrow towards Harewood House before going west to the Dales and Moors and circling south towards Harrogate. The picturesque scenery will be transmitted – rain or shine – to a global audience of millions, who will be reminded of the race’s location by climbs including the Cote de Buttertubs, which comes midway through the opening day.

The first day’s racing is anticipated to end in a sprint finish, something favoured by 25-time Tour stage winner Mark Cavendish. The Manxman has an additional incentive to pull on the fabled yellow jersey for the first time as the stage finishes in his mother’s home town.

>>Leeds to Harrogate

Woohoo, past the old broken down wool and cotton mills.

Peak Warming Man said:

Frome says his team is the strongest he’s ever seen so unless he gets his drug regime wrong and gets pinged he should win easily again.

Contador may have been eating cough steak cough

Bubblecar said:

Tour de France 2014 – Stage 1: Leeds to Harrogate (190.5km)

The Tour peloton will roll out from The Headrow towards Harewood House before going west to the Dales and Moors and circling south towards Harrogate. The picturesque scenery will be transmitted – rain or shine – to a global audience of millions, who will be reminded of the race’s location by climbs including the Cote de Buttertubs, which comes midway through the opening day.

The first day’s racing is anticipated to end in a sprint finish, something favoured by 25-time Tour stage winner Mark Cavendish. The Manxman has an additional incentive to pull on the fabled yellow jersey for the first time as the stage finishes in his mother’s home town.

Will Tony Robinson be hoisting the coverage?

party_pants said:

Will Tony Robinson be hoisting the coverage?

Don’t think he’d be tall enough.

The races will be called by the usual fine team of Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Australia’s Matt Kennan.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Tour de France 2014 – Stage 1: Leeds to Harrogate (190.5km)

The Tour peloton will roll out from The Headrow towards Harewood House before going west to the Dales and Moors and circling south towards Harrogate. The picturesque scenery will be transmitted – rain or shine – to a global audience of millions, who will be reminded of the race’s location by climbs including the Cote de Buttertubs, which comes midway through the opening day.

The first day’s racing is anticipated to end in a sprint finish, something favoured by 25-time Tour stage winner Mark Cavendish. The Manxman has an additional incentive to pull on the fabled yellow jersey for the first time as the stage finishes in his mother’s home town.

Will Tony Robinson be hoisting the coverage?

Geoff Boycott will do it, he’s a Yorkshire lad, aye.

Phil Liggett is an excellent commentator, and driver.

Typical dales scenery, “James Heriot” country.

HTH

OCDC said:

HTH

She’s got a nice bike.

Bubblecar said:

OCDC said:

HTH

She’s got a nice bike.

…but not as nice as mine.

Always something wacky about that Pushbike song, as thought it being played on an old gramophone player with poor regulation.

>>She’s got a nice bike.

stamps Bubblecars file with DEFINATLY GAY

Peak Warming Man said:

>>She’s got a nice bike.

stamps Bubblecars file with DEFINATLY GAY

Gotta get up pretty early to get past PWM

Ooh an ad for new New Who – “soon”.

Soz Fred.

It’s on!!!

And no bloody Gabriel!!!!

sibeen said:

It’s on!!!

And no bloody Gabriel!!!!

Gabriel was in attendance and made us a refreshing rhubarb & strawberry fool.

sibeen said:

It’s on!!!

And no bloody Gabriel!!!!

Who won the toss?

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

It’s on!!!

And no bloody Gabriel!!!!

Gabriel was in attendance and made us a refreshing rhubarb & strawberry fool.

Car channelling Mr T

I hope all bikes have been thoroughly scrutineered.

We don’t want another issue like the spokey-dokey incident of ’03…

.. and I’m in TDF chat.

I think those people should stand back just 1 meter or so.

Rude bastards.

party_pants said:

I think those people should stand back just 1 meter or so.

Rude bastards.

they don’t part much for the rider do they..

the lead motorcycle needs to be fitted with electric cattle-prods

any of you grubs watching this?

Yes.

party_pants said:

any of you grubs watching this?

Bits, mainly the tennis.

how much longer?

I have a tired and I want to go to bed already

party_pants said:

how much longer?

I have a tired and I want to go to bed already

30 – 35minutes.

Pity they had to spoil the atmosphere by wheeling out the shitty royals. And Cameron.

Fair crowds though.

i’ve had two bowls of ice-cream to wake me up

Kittel wins, after a silly crash near the end.

It was a pleasant enough stage, but I found it strangely hard to stay awake.

Cavendish may be out of the race.

Looks like collarbone.

I be off to be bed before the Royals pollute my TV scrren.

Night most. Sweet dreams and stuff.

sibeen said:

Cavendish may be out of the race.

Looks like collarbone.

Could well be, a broken collarbone can be very painful.

Seeya party.

sibeen said:

Cavendish may be out of the race.

Looks like collarbone.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-06/mark-cavendish-out-of-tour-de-france-with-dislocated-shoulder/5575584

I’m Cassandra!

Tonight, Stage 2, York to Sheffield

Why don’t they just use the English place names?

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Stage 2, York to Sheffield

Sacre bleu!

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Stage 2, York to Sheffield

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/3180_profil2.png

got your treadley up on a stand in front of the telly so you can ride along with it mr car?

party_pants said:

Why don’t they just use the English place names?

Because it’s le Tour de Frog.

This morning on NewsRadio there was a piece by a journalist who rode the Tour de France route around 10 years ago. It was really well written, but I can’t find it online anywhere. You lot would like it.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Stage 2, York to Sheffield

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/3180_profil2.png

got your treadley up on a stand in front of the telly so you can ride along with it mr car?

No, the armchair with a bottle of bubbly on the side table will do me.

So when did Yorkshire become part of France?

The Rev Dodgson said:

So when did Yorkshire become part of France?

The Tour often starts in a “foreign” country these days, for variety.

Cote de Blubberhouses, nice

dv said:

Cote de Blubberhouses, nice

It’s far from Nice.

Bubblecar said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

So when did Yorkshire become part of France?

The Tour often starts in a “foreign” country these days, for variety.

The Tour of Italy started in Belfast this year.

I wonder what England would be like now if the French had invaded and overrun the place about 1000 years ago.

yorkshire’s not the same since they rid it of ridings.

The Rev Dodgson said:

I wonder what England would be like now if the French had invaded and overrun the place about 1000 years ago.

The Rev Dodgson said:

I wonder what England would be like now if the French had invaded and overrun the place about 1000 years ago.

:)

For those wondering:

Blubberhouses is a small village and civil parish located in the Washburn Valley in the borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, a county in the north of England. It is situated to the south of the Yorkshire Dales national park, and to the north of a Roman road and Fewston Reservoir.

Several suggestions have been made for the origins of the name Blubberhouses:-
From the blueberry: Ely Hargrove’s History of Knaresborough.
From the Blue Boar, a former inn.
Early spellings include “Bluburgh”, “Bluborrow”, “Bluburhouse”, (1172) “Bluberhusum”. These may come from:- Anglo-Saxon burh = “fort”.
From “Blueberg” = “blue mountain”.
Anglo-Saxon bluberhus = “the house(s) which is/are at the bubbling stream”, with a later regularised plural; the -um form came from the Anglo-Saxon dative plural case æt bluberhusum = “at the houses which …”.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blubberhouses

Bubblecar said:

For those wondering:

Blubberhouses is a small village and civil parish located in the Washburn Valley in the borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, a county in the north of England. It is situated to the south of the Yorkshire Dales national park, and to the north of a Roman road and Fewston Reservoir.

Several suggestions have been made for the origins of the name Blubberhouses:-
From the blueberry: Ely Hargrove’s History of Knaresborough.
From the Blue Boar, a former inn.
Early spellings include “Bluburgh”, “Bluborrow”, “Bluburhouse”, (1172) “Bluberhusum”. These may come from:- Anglo-Saxon burh = “fort”.
From “Blueberg” = “blue mountain”.
Anglo-Saxon bluberhus = “the house(s) which is/are at the bubbling stream”, with a later regularised plural; the -um form came from the Anglo-Saxon dative plural case æt bluberhusum = “at the houses which …”.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blubberhouses

burgh – Edinburgh

borough – the borough of hillingdon

it’s nice seeing some of the english countryside. yorkshire is a lovely county.

ChrispenEvan said:

it’s nice seeing some of the english countryside. yorkshire is a lovely county.

I had no idea the TdF went through Yorkshire these days

it’s something to do with the EU i believe.

ChrispenEvan said:

it’s something to do with the EU i believe.

It is a weird world

dv said:

ChrispenEvan said:

it’s nice seeing some of the english countryside. yorkshire is a lovely county.

I had no idea the TdF went through Yorkshire these days

In recent years they’ve started the tour in some other nearby country for the first two or three days. Next year it starts in the Netherlands.

So how many stages are in the UK?

dv said:

So how many stages are in the UK?

3 I think.

Thank you, Brick … you saved the day again.
—-
According to Ben Oquist, a former chief of staff to Bob Brown and strategy director at the Australia Institute, Senator Lazarus played a key role in determining PUP’s climate change policy, announced last week.

“He helped take the Palmer United Party to the centre on climate change, leaving Abbott on the fringe,” Mr Oquist said.

“Glenn is a mainstream bloke and wanted mainstream views on climate change to prevail.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-04/glenn-lazarus-behind-clive-palmer-climate-change-move/5570262

Fred Wong

Porte needing a new bike.

Bubblecar said:

Porte needing a new bike.

That’s my old electrician’s son

Ok, time to switch over to TDF.

Is cadel evans racing this year?

jjjust moi said:

Is cadel evans racing this year?

No.

jjjust moi said:

Is cadel evans racing this year?

Nope… BMC have handed GC priorities over to Tejay van Garderen

sibeen said:

jjjust moi said:

Is cadel evans racing this year?

No.

Actually, to please the pedants on this site:

Yes, Cadel Evans is racing this year.

No, he is not racing in the Tour de Frog this year.

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

jjjust moi said:

Is cadel evans racing this year?

No.

Actually, to please the pedants on this site:

Yes, Cadel Evans is racing this year.

No, he is not racing in the Tour de Frog this year.

there are pedants on this site?

Less than 20k to go.

Very well judged by Nibali.

Not very well judged by the rest.

Loosers! (sic)

Bubblecar said:

Very well judged by Nibali.

Yeah, the big guns kind of spooked each other out of it.

The population of Yorkshire have certainly turned up en masse. Very good crowd atmosphere for both stages so far.

Bubblecar said:

The population of Yorkshire have certainly turned up en masse. Very good crowd atmosphere for both stages so far.

Half the population of England turned out for the Formula 1 Grand Prix this afternoon. The other half turned out for Le Tour.

Tough choice.

120,000 turned up at Silverstone.

I suspect a few more have turned ump for the TdF.

Gee there’s some bloody pedants around here… :(

Bubblecar said:

The population of Yorkshire have certainly turned up en masse. Very good crowd atmosphere for both stages so far.

Its a Yorkshire pud

I imagine Mr Car would fantasize about being in the Tour.

Tonight, Cambridge to London.

I can’t seem to find Londres on the map..

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Cambridge to London.

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/1798_stage3.png

will you be joining them for the Epping Forest stage Mr Car?

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Cambridge to London.

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/1798_stage3.png

will you be joining them for the Epping Forest stage Mr Car?

I hope there’s more forest left in their Epping Forest than there is in ours.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Tonight, Cambridge to London.

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/1798_stage3.png

will you be joining them for the Epping Forest stage Mr Car?

In a brown dress with a knotted rope for a belt you think?

Wonder why Paul Sherwen keeps repeating something he knows to be untrue – that if you don’t get into the breakaway, you have zero chance of winning the stage. It’s actually rare that the breakaway riders win a stage.

Maybe he means the “breakaway” right at the very end.

OK, it appears that we are going to have cobblestones on Stage 5.

i await the time when they have some stages on the corrugated roads of australia.

I suspect you may be waiting a very long time.

well, we were at the eurovision song contest…

ChrispenEvan said:

well, we were at the eurovision song contest…

Heaven forfend.

OK, decided to move from the beer to the red.

sibeen said:

OK, decided to move from the beer to the red.

I’ve just switched le Tour on. Hopefully no more thunderystorms this evening.

At least this crowd is keeping out of the way, unlike the dickheads the other night.

sibeen said:

At least this crowd is keeping out of the way, unlike the dickheads the other night.

Cyclists mowing down spectators adds much needed drama to the race.

Witty Rejoinder said:

sibeen said:

At least this crowd is keeping out of the way, unlike the dickheads the other night.

Cyclists mowing down spectators adds much needed drama to the race.

I hate it. I’ve always thought the lead motorcycle should be fitted with electric cattle-prods sticking out each side.

these fields don’t look very green.

Will the lead riders suffer the depredations of highwaymen through Epping Forest.

… I’m getting concerned

That giant ferris wheel is a bit of an eyesore.

Bubblecar said:

That giant ferris wheel is a bit of an eyesore.

Had tickets booked on that thing in 2000 with the wife. We found a pub just around from the hotel we were staying in to have a drink or two before we headed into town, and on to the ride.

Left the pub about five hours later, and I was soberer than SWMBO, but that’s not saying much, as she was legless.

Bubblecar said:

That giant ferris wheel is a bit of an eyesore.

The London Eye next to Parliament?

Bubblecar said:

That giant ferris wheel is a bit of an eyesore.

I quite like it.

But then I like last night’s Grand Designs too.

Mind you, London in general is an eyesore.

Bubblecar said:

Mind you, London in general is an eyesore.

Yeah, it’s no Launceston or Perth.

Bubblecar said:

Mind you, London in general is an eyesore.

Definitely not.

It can be a shithole. It certainly surprised me, when I first visited, the number of homeless on the street; but as a vista for the eyes, it is certainly that.

There’s no love lost between most of the UK and London.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Mind you, London in general is an eyesore.

Definitely not.

It can be a shithole. It certainly surprised me, when I first visited, the number of homeless on the street; but as a vista for the eyes, it is certainly that.

I’m not a fan of big cities. I rarely bother watching the Tour once it gets into Paris.

Spectator making a dangerous nuisance of himself.

More spectator-caused carnage :(

party_pants said:

More spectator-caused carnage :(

Na, it was Schleck…no damage done :)

Now that olympic game flame structure…that’s an eyesore.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

More spectator-caused carnage :(

Na, it was Schleck…no damage done :)

there was some other rider down too, I’m sure.

sibeen said:

Now that olympic game flame structure…that’s an eyesore.

they’ve let the flame out since 2012

Paul: “It really does look resplendent.”

No, it looks a dreary mess.

White people now a minority in the crowds.

Bubblecar said:

White people now a minority in the crowds.

I suspect you have a strange idea what a minority is :)

are the commentators just repeating themselves the last few minutes?

I was exaggerating, but the change in the ethnic mix is quite marked :)

Go the rain!

I want the breakaway to get it.

I very much doubt it will happen, but I live in hope.

party_pants said:

are the commentators just repeating themselves the last few minutes?

No.

It’s been the last three hours. This will continue for the next few weeks.

Bubblecar said:

I was exaggerating, but the change in the ethnic mix is quite marked :)

How many millions of times have I instructed you not to exaggerate!

I suspect he may get caught.

Kittel wins again.

hey-zues – that man has legs like tree trunks

Tour back to normal for the next stage. This UK start was enjoyable but would have been more so if they hadn’t ended in dreary Londres.

Bubblecar said:

Tour back to normal for the next stage. This UK start was enjoyable but would have been more so if they hadn’t ended in dreary Londres.

clears throat

“Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

Stage 4 – and we’re back in France.

i didn’t realise this race went through the area i grew up in. chelmsford and willingale.

and it actually goes through fyfield. where i lived for 12 years.

ChrispenEvan said:

and it actually goes through fyfield. where i lived for 12 years.

I was thinking, Boris ought to be watching this.

Irish Coffee: check
Jelly Babies: check

Ready for Stage 4.

About time.

Voeckler in a breakaway.

I’m shocked

Little Tommy Voeckler can do some entertaining riding when he’s in the mood.

these country roads seem too narrow for two cars to pass comfortably.

the wind turbines don’t offend the French country side.

party_pants said:

these country roads seem too narrow for two cars to pass comfortably.

Certainly too narrow for two Tiger tanks to pass comfortably.

Phil & Paul are now with us.

Is that a radar tower, or a water tower?

Radar.

party_pants said:

Is that a radar tower, or a water tower?

Enjoying a Wild Duck Creek – 2010 Yellow Hammer Hill, Shiraz/Malbec, with a bit of grana.

Cheap but tasty scotch this end (Dewar’s White Label).

I’m transferring to the bedroom. I’m just burning gas sitting in the lounge room, when i might as well rug up and watch it in bed. Doesn’t matter if I nod off.

Looks like Tommy is going to be caught…again.

Into Germany…really.

Only for a little while. Little Tommy now on his own.

Bubblecar said:

Only for a little while. Little Tommy now on his own.

Bugger me, looking at the map they must be incredibly quick to get from north western France, into Germany, and back again in that amount of time.

I ‘suspect’ that he meant Belgium.

Ayes, Belgium is a fairly bulky shape in the way of Germany in this region.

Who knows, they might sneak into Tasmania before we get to Lille.

Miniature Tommy still over a minute ahead.

Now only 34 seconds.

They’ve nearly reached Tommy.

Kittel yet again.

Bubblecar said:

Kittel yet again.

Aye, a strong rider.

Is this the first time that some of the roads aren’t actually in France?

• Is this the first time that some of the roads aren’t actually in France?

I don’t think so, no…

bob(from black rock) said:

Is this the first time that some of the roads aren’t actually in France?

No, definitely not. They do this on a regular basis. Plus some of the mountain stages regularly cross over the border into the next country for a day.

party_pants said:

bob(from black rock) said:

Is this the first time that some of the roads aren’t actually in France?

No, definitely not. They do this on a regular basis. Plus some of the mountain stages regularly cross over the border into the next country for a day.

Ta p_p

• Ta

Yeah, no worries…

Tonight’s stage.

Bubblecar said:

Tonight’s stage.

Which doesn’t convey the terror some riders will be feeling. There’s a fair chance it is going to be wet, and they are riding over a fair few cobblestones.

Not to be missed.

sibeen said:

Which doesn’t convey the terror some riders will be feeling. There’s a fair chance it is going to be wet, and they are riding over a fair few cobblestones.

Hey, they knew the job was dangerous when they took it.

Shouldn’t have signed on, if they can’t take a joke.

Bubblecar said:

Tonight’s stage.

crypes

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Tonight’s stage.

Which doesn’t convey the terror some riders will be feeling. There’s a fair chance it is going to be wet, and they are riding over a fair few cobblestones.

Not to be missed.

Do you think they will spread a few tacks around to make it even more interesting? Downhill and sharp bends would be brilliant.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Tonight’s stage.

Which doesn’t convey the terror some riders will be feeling. There’s a fair chance it is going to be wet, and they are riding over a fair few cobblestones.

Not to be missed.

I think it’s an act of cruelty to make them ride over cobbles.

i get tired just watching the tour but that could just be that it is on late at night.

JudgeMental said:

i get tired just watching the tour but that could just be that it is on late at night.

I fell asleep last night.

When you feel yourself nodding off, eat a jelly baby or suchlike.

party_pants said:

JudgeMental said:

i get tired just watching the tour but that could just be that it is on late at night.

I fell asleep last night.

So did I. But I didn’t watch the sportsers.

party_pants said:

JudgeMental said:

i get tired just watching the tour but that could just be that it is on late at night.

I fell asleep last night.

So did I. Admittedly it was after the tour was over for the evening.

JudgeMental said:

i get tired just watching the tour but that could just be that it is on late at night.

It could also be the mind-numbing tedium. Just sayin’.

been watching some clips of them going through Fyfield. didn’t recognise the places or the people.

Oh Gabriel…fuck off.

Gabriel is great and everyone loves him. And his rabbit recipe this evening sounds very tasty indeed.

Well, apparently on this stage we can expect crashes, flat tyres, explosions, sex scandals, earthquakes and asteroid collisions. So sit back with a glass of something nice and let it unfold.

Bubblecar said:

Well, apparently on this stage we can expect crashes, flat tyres, explosions, sex scandals, earthquakes and asteroid collisions. So sit back with a glass of something nice and let it unfold.

Probably cgi to get the punters in.

Good cosy wet weather from the start. Let’s hope it lasts the whole stage.

The wusses have cancelled two of the cobblestone stages.

Spotted this sign today.

Thought it might be the perfect drop for the TDF.

Turns out it is a winery.

http://www.arrogantfrog.fr/

Froome hits the deck already. A new bike required.

morrie said:

Spotted this sign today.
!http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Morrie/fun%20stuff/wine_zps586290a0.jpg

Thought it might be the perfect drop for the TDF.

Turns out it is a winery.

http://www.arrogantfrog.fr/

They’re southern French wines and not a bad drop, those I’ve tried.

… is the town centre there around the church.. flooded?

party_pants said:

… is the town centre there around the church.. flooded?

Probably just the colour of the paving.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-09/authorities-confirm-more-deaths-in-ebola-outbreak/5583016

getting silly now

Kittel’s down along with several others, and we haven’t reached the cobbles yet.

These commercials are poorly timed for this section of the race. Anything could be happening.

Bubblecar said:

These commercials are poorly timed for this section of the race. Anything could be happening.

Yes, and the left-hand drive Skoda ads are shitting me even more.

Tonight another bottle of Yellow Hammer hill, although SWMBO is not working on the morrow so is sharing it with me.

Nibbles consist of Grana, Hungarian salami, goat cheese and a small bottle of devilled ham that I found lurking in the pantry.

crash on either side of the round-about

Froome’s down yet again.

Froome down and looks fairly rooted.

Froome is out of the race.

sibeen said:

Froome down and looks fairly rooted.

…and you heard it here first.

He’s out.

I’m Cassandra yet again.

Froome – out!

Really disappointed now. Didn’t even reach the mountain stages.

Why is he still wearing his helmet in the car?

sibeen said:

Why is he still wearing his helmet in the car?

shock.

sibeen said:

Why is he still wearing his helmet in the car?

To show kids how much he cares about safety

Probably the same reason Damien Martyn didn’t remove his helmet as he walked off in one of his early test matches – he didn’t want to show the world he was crying.

Filled a bowl with chili-stuffed olives & polski ogorki to keep me alert but not alarmed. King Island brie, WA Semillon sauv banc.

carnage

They’re somersaulting into the spectators.

Boom Boom.

What a great stage.

Yes Lars Boom wins, Nibali still in the lead. I must admit I had to wind the tape back to see the end of the race ‘cos I fell asleep, but yes, a good stage and I’m glad I taped it :)

They should have a cobblestone stage every year, if fact they should have a minimum of four cobblestone stages per year.

Tour de France Physics

Tonight Stage 6, Arras – Reims

Bubblecar said:

Tonight Stage 6, Arras – Reims

Boring!

Where’s the cobblestones?

I just hope it’s wet.

Tasmanian Richie Porte is now leader of Team Sky.

Bubblecar said:

Tasmanian Richie Porte is now leader of Team Sky.

good to see

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Tasmanian Richie Porte is now leader of Team Sky.

good to see

He’s an impressive rider but expecting a Tour win from him this year is a bit of an ask.

Oh, great, Gabriel.

sarcasm

Gabriel is the best part.

Hen cooked in champagne. He’s a cook after my own heart.

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Tasmanian Richie Porte is now leader of Team Sky.

good to see

He’s an impressive rider but expecting a Tour win from him this year is a bit of an ask.

when i talked to his dad last year,he said a couple of years yet to go

Ad: “Hair loss is a medical condition”

Um no, not normally.

For me it’s a purely haircut condition, once or twice a year.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

good to see

He’s an impressive rider but expecting a Tour win from him this year is a bit of an ask.

when i talked to his dad last year,he said a couple of years yet to go

NAME DROPPER!

:)

sibeen said:

NAME DROPPER!

:)

Tasmania is a quite small big island.

Bubblecar said:

Tasmanian Richie Porte is now leader of Team Sky.

Was only a matter of time.

Bubblecar said:

Gabriel is the best part.

I can’t take Gabriel either.

Bubblecar said:

Hen cooked in champagne. He’s a cook after my own heart.

Coq au Vin? That’s original…

Never understood the hostility to amiable Gabriel. It must be a bloke thing :)

Bubblecar said:

Never understood the hostility to amiable Gabriel. It must be a bloke thing :)

Fucken annoying accent – Seems manufactured.

Instead of paying for Gabriel to gladly gallivant around the French countryside, they could pay so we get the start of each stage. They could have 17 hours of Gabriel before that and I wouldn’t give a rats.

Stuffing myself with very nice casseroled hen at this very moment (late dinner due to rising late, after watching the Arg vs Neth semi-final and then having to stay up for the smoke detector inspector’s visit).

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Never understood the hostility to amiable Gabriel. It must be a bloke thing :)

Fucken annoying accent – Seems manufactured.

Aye.

sibeen said:

Instead of paying for Gabriel to gladly gallivant around the French countryside, they could pay so we get the start of each stage. They could have 17 hours of Gabriel before that and I wouldn’t give a rats.

I’d happily cut out another 10 minutes of the stage for a longer look at the local cuisine :)

His accent doesn’t bother me.

Bubblecar said:

Never understood the hostility to amiable Gabriel. It must be a bloke thing :)

It’s boring, and it interrupts the race and scenery show.

sibeen said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

He’s an impressive rider but expecting a Tour win from him this year is a bit of an ask.

when i talked to his dad last year,he said a couple of years yet to go

NAME DROPPER!

:)

He was my electrician,lived a couple of streets behind me.
Matt Gos’ dad Harley is a much nicer bloke though, one of my regular customers.

Mr Salzberger was another regular, but he only wanted to deal with the boss

Bubblecar said:

His accent doesn’t bother me.

You’re a generous man.

Sorry if that sounded harsh..

I’ve lived in Australia most of my life but only sound mildly Aussie. It’s not actually compulsory to adopt local accents when you move somewhere.

Ironically, Aussies do tend to be quite critical when their born-&-breds move overseas and end up sounding American or British etc.

party_pants said:

Sorry if that sounded harsh..

I’m not bothered, I know your interest in food doesn’t venture much beyond Twisties :)

Bubblecar said:

I’ve lived in Australia most of my life but only sound mildly Aussie. It’s not actually compulsory to adopt local accents when you move somewhere.

Ironically, Aussies do tend to be quite critical when their born-&-breds move overseas and end up sounding American or British etc.

on the first night the commentaters were discussing one ofthe riders whohad picked up an aussie accent

I am looking forward to seeing what Porte can do with the might of the Sky train working for him. I think he’s earned the position, and they have every reason to respect him.

waits for a rider to go off course and end up ln-seine…

I bet Cadel Evans is spewing now that he’s not in the race.

party_pants said:

I bet Cadel Evans is spewing now that he’s not in the race.

He rode the Giro.

Rule 303 said:

party_pants said:

I bet Cadel Evans is spewing now that he’s not in the race.

He rode the Giro.

Yeah I know. he’s too old now to do both. Spewing they chose the wrong one.

Also, TJ Van Garderen is leading the BMC boys – And would probably have done so with or without Cadel.

Cadel’s a good cyclist, but he’d be fucked without full team support.

And yeah, Cadel’s not a kid any more, but did you see Voigt attack in the first stage?

8-/

two crashes in the last few minutes.

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

Stealth said:

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

headphones?

Stealth said:

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

Stealth said:

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

Looking at the weather radar – are you on a boat 50 km offshore from Mandurah?

Hey everyone – STEALTH HAS GOT A BOAT !!

party_pants said:

Stealth said:

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

headphones?

I think they may make sleeping uncomfortable…

You down Clifton way then Stealth?

Silly me. School holidays and you’re down in Margs.

Oooooh ! the elephant tax return ad is now a ninja!

party_pants said:

Stealth said:

Bloody rain on an uninsulated tin roof means I can’t hear the tour. I can’t turn the tour up because apparently that is too noisy for all the sleeping type peoples…

Looking at the weather radar – are you on a boat 50 km offshore from Mandurah?

Hey everyone – STEALTH HAS GOT A BOAT !!

I do have a boat, that has had very little use in the last few years (it was never quite the same after the Arts incident…) but it does not go 50km offshore, in fact it does not go in the ocean at all as the hull design means it will put the bow under a 1’ wave. Try looking a bit further south to Kingy-ville.

party_pants said:

Oooooh ! the elephant tax return ad is now a ninja!

Ninjas seem to be in vogue. The grandson and I watched the Lego movie and that had ninjas in it and we played ninjas on the dinner table this evening with Lego men and assorted other cast members.

10 km to go

Kittel won’t win this one.

Andre the Grippel !

Stage 7, Epernay – Nancy. Not sure how much I’ll watch of it, I’m feeling a bit Toured out. I’ll probably do some music practice while it’s on in the background.

Tonight there is no sprogs in the house so I decided to open a Seppelt’s Great Western – 1998 St Peter’s.

Very surprising, the tannins have stayed very strong, whilst the fruit has mellowed. SWMBO doesn’t like it at all, so more for me. Although I must say, it is either just this bottle, or that this wine was better when drunk around the 6 to 10 year mark.

I do hope that Bubbles and Party haven’t fallen off the perch.

sibeen said:

I do hope that Bubbles and Party haven’t fallen off the perch.

Leg off here and sitting on the floor by the fire… less far to fall :P

sibeen said:

I do hope that Bubbles and Party haven’t fallen off the perch.

not at all, just having a brief musical interlude before the last hour of the race.

back to Le Tour now, till the end of the stage

No booze this end, I’ve been overdoing it. This full moon will be a weekend of purity and fasting.

Bubblecar said:

No booze this end, I’ve been overdoing it. This full moon will be a weekend of purity and fasting.

Making a dent in Vat 315 here

Bubblecar said:

No booze this end, I’ve been overdoing it. This full moon will be a weekend of purity and fasting.

You are dead to me!

Have Sibeen and Stumpy died??

party_pants said:

Have Sibeen and Stumpy died??

nah, just battling the dog for prime position in front of the heater.
He’s 6kg lighter than me, but it’s all muscle (and a very hard, stubborn head!)

party_pants said:

Have Sibeen and Stumpy died??

can’t smell them yet.

More carnage towards the end. Still not sure who’s won the stage…

Bubblecar said:

More carnage towards the end. Still not sure who’s won the stage…

They gave provisionals, but it was close.. officials will confirm placings

Trentin wins, with Sagan a very very very close second. Carl would have been proud.

Bubblecar said:

Trentin wins, with Sagan a very very very close second. Carl would have been proud.

Carl would have preferred it to be run against a zooming background of the universe as he imagined.

Porte now running 6th overall.

Bubblecar said:

Porte now running 6th overall.

I can watch that on my TV.

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

stumpy_seahorse said:

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

If only we could all wish that.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

Yes it should be an enjoyable one.

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

Yes it should be an enjoyable one.

contador will be good to watch.. close to 3 mins down and needing to make up some ground

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

Yes it should be an enjoyable one.

I’m assuming here but ‘pretty decent’ sounds to me like flatter country?

As an old cyclist, flat country has hills otherwise known as headwinds and temperature barriers and etc.

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Tomorrow’s stage looks pretty decent

Yes it should be an enjoyable one.

I’m assuming here but ‘pretty decent’ sounds to me like flatter country?

As an old cyclist, flat country has hills otherwise known as headwinds and temperature barriers and etc.

“Pretty Decent” to me means challenging, flatter country is nothing to write home about

stumpy_seahorse said:

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Yes it should be an enjoyable one.

I’m assuming here but ‘pretty decent’ sounds to me like flatter country?

As an old cyclist, flat country has hills otherwise known as headwinds and temperature barriers and etc.

“Pretty Decent” to me means challenging, flatter country is nothing to write home about

Well, between you and me, there is a lot of flat country and it is me who has cycled across southern Australia on a bicycle against said head winds with the sunburn in April.

roughbarked said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

roughbarked said:

I’m assuming here but ‘pretty decent’ sounds to me like flatter country?

As an old cyclist, flat country has hills otherwise known as headwinds and temperature barriers and etc.

“Pretty Decent” to me means challenging, flatter country is nothing to write home about

Well, between you and me, there is a lot of flat country and it is me who has cycled across southern Australia on a bicycle against said head winds with the sunburn in April.

and?…

stumpy_seahorse said:

roughbarked said:

Well, between you and me, there is a lot of flat country and it is me who has cycled across southern Australia on a bicycle against said head winds with the sunburn in April.

and?…

Heh…

stumpy_seahorse said:

roughbarked said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

“Pretty Decent” to me means challenging, flatter country is nothing to write home about

Well, between you and me, there is a lot of flat country and it is me who has cycled across southern Australia on a bicycle against said head winds with the sunburn in April.

and?…

You want to take up the challenge?

I’m 61 now but I’ll still have a go.

ie; watching cycling on the teve and commenting about it on the interwebs may be fascinating but.. why not get a life and do it?

roughbarked said:

ie; watching cycling on the teve and commenting about it on the interwebs may be fascinating but.. why not get a life and do it?

I am experienced with leg amputations and yours doesn’t look to me like you cannot ride a bike.

roughbarked said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

roughbarked said:

Well, between you and me, there is a lot of flat country and it is me who has cycled across southern Australia on a bicycle against said head winds with the sunburn in April.

and?…

You want to take up the challenge?

I’m 61 now but I’ll still have a go.

In all my years of racing I have yet to find a flat race that compares to a decent set of hills in hardness. Flat races have their own challenges, but a good set of hills are something else again.

I am saying ‘hills’ because in Australia we don’t have anything that would be in the ‘mountain’ category of the Alp’s or Pyrenees. I have bussed and trekked up a few of the Tour climbs, and I am damn glad I did not have access to a bike at the time.

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

ie; watching cycling on the teve and commenting about it on the interwebs may be fascinating but.. why not get a life and do it?

I am experienced with leg amputations and yours doesn’t look to me like you cannot ride a bike.

WTF?

Stealth said:

roughbarked said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

and?…

You want to take up the challenge?

I’m 61 now but I’ll still have a go.

In all my years of racing I have yet to find a flat race that compares to a decent set of hills in hardness. Flat races have their own challenges, but a good set of hills are something else again.

I am saying ‘hills’ because in Australia we don’t have anything that would be in the ‘mountain’ category of the Alp’s or Pyrenees. I have bussed and trekked up a few of the Tour climbs, and I am damn glad I did not have access to a bike at the time.

Indeed so. But this is Australia and too few of us actually try cycling to any destination.

Stealth said:

roughbarked said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

and?…

You want to take up the challenge?

I’m 61 now but I’ll still have a go.

In all my years of racing I have yet to find a flat race that compares to a decent set of hills in hardness. Flat races have their own challenges, but a good set of hills are something else again.

I am saying ‘hills’ because in Australia we don’t have anything that would be in the ‘mountain’ category of the Alp’s or Pyrenees. I have bussed and trekked up a few of the Tour climbs, and I am damn glad I did not have access to a bike at the time.

i used to love the pyrenees setting on the exercise bike :D
4 good, equal hills.
Burn, release, burn, release, burn, release, burn, release/// bliss

Witty Rejoinder said:

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

ie; watching cycling on the teve and commenting about it on the interwebs may be fascinating but.. why not get a life and do it?

I am experienced with leg amputations and yours doesn’t look to me like you cannot ride a bike.

WTF?

sorry about that but stumpy seems to have accepted it better than you.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Stealth said:

roughbarked said:

You want to take up the challenge?

I’m 61 now but I’ll still have a go.

In all my years of racing I have yet to find a flat race that compares to a decent set of hills in hardness. Flat races have their own challenges, but a good set of hills are something else again.

I am saying ‘hills’ because in Australia we don’t have anything that would be in the ‘mountain’ category of the Alp’s or Pyrenees. I have bussed and trekked up a few of the Tour climbs, and I am damn glad I did not have access to a bike at the time.

i used to love the pyrenees setting on the exercise bike :D
4 good, equal hills.
Burn, release, burn, release, burn, release, burn, release/// bliss

Yes. There is that joy to cycling that is missed by many.

Well I tought today was a generally uphill day (with a very uphill final 20km) but the Le Tour.com live must have found a downhill start…

Average speed
75.8 km/h

after the first 18min???

Team Sky had a chat in the team bus… really??

Is it a day for the break to survive?

how many times do they stop for a piss?

party_pants said:

how many times do they stop for a piss?

they piss on the saddle

party_pants said:

how many times do they stop for a piss?

Most won’t at all. Some will once, but will only actually stop if the pace is not too high. If it is moving along quickly then you just fade to the back of the peloton and have a wizz out the bottom of your knicks while still moving. If you need to go more than once on a race of 4ish hours then you have a crap nutrition plan.

Triathlons hace different rules to road cycling. You must stop at a designated toilet, or you will be DQed.

wookiemeister said:

party_pants said:

how many times do they stop for a piss?

they piss on the saddle

No intentionally.

Stealth said:

wookiemeister said:

party_pants said:

how many times do they stop for a piss?

they piss on the saddle

No intentionally.

yeah they open their spandex and let fly, I didn’t know they bothered to move to the back – would you?

Bucken fucketing down

wookiemeister said:

Stealth said:

wookiemeister said:

they piss on the saddle

No intentionally.

yeah they open their spandex and let fly, I didn’t know they bothered to move to the back – would you?

If you don’t want to become the a-hole of the peloton then you move to the back. I would, except I have never had the need to piss while road racing, training yes, but not racing.

In triathlons I have stopped at the designated toilet, only once during a bike leg and a few times during the run leg (apparently you can get away with taking a wizz not at a designated toilet in the swim leg, but I wouldn’;t know anything about that…) But long distance triathlons tend to be 5hr (1/2 ironman) – 12hrs (full ironman) for me, whereas road racing is about a 4hr max.

wookiemeister said:

, I didn’t know they bothered to move to the back – would you?

I’d stop at the side of the road and ask one of the spectators to hold it

Stealth said:

wookiemeister said:

Stealth said:

No intentionally.

yeah they open their spandex and let fly, I didn’t know they bothered to move to the back – would you?

If you don’t want to become the a-hole of the peloton then you move to the back. I would, except I have never had the need to piss while road racing, training yes, but not racing.

In triathlons I have stopped at the designated toilet, only once during a bike leg and a few times during the run leg (apparently you can get away with taking a wizz not at a designated toilet in the swim leg, but I wouldn’;t know anything about that…) But long distance triathlons tend to be 5hr (1/2 ironman) – 12hrs (full ironman) for me, whereas road racing is about a 4hr max.

maybe you could have an small tube that leads to the bottom of the frame, you’d just hook the cup onto the end of it and then let it all go

I’M GAY: Olympic champion Ian Thorpe finally reveals his sexuality during interview with Michael Parkinson after years of denials
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2689759/IM-GAY-Australian-Olympic-champion-Ian-Thorpe-finally-reveals-sexuality-interview-British-TV-personality-Michael-Parkinson-years-denials.html

From: wookiemeister
ID: 558638Subject: re: Tour de France 2014
I’M GAY
———————
Context is everything…

Stealth said:

From: wookiemeister
ID: 558638Subject: re: Tour de France 2014
I’M GAY
———————
Context is everything…

I report

I decide

I can’t see shit.

Good finish. Very tough conditions even in the dry.

Now I go to bed I think. Goodnight.

Yep, me too.

Looks a hilly one tonight: Gerardmer – Mulhouse

Bubblecar said:

Looks a hilly one tonight: Gerardmer – Mulhouse

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/3935_stage9.png

Is it still raining?
those descents will be interesting

clocks on

watching on live streaming, the TV coverage doesn’t start for another 2 hours here :(

party_pants said:

clocks on

watching on live streaming, the TV coverage doesn’t start for another 2 hours here :(

coverage started wel into ithere, after the first climb.

Camera motorbike has it’s footpegs scraping on the 2nd descent :)

now the bloody live stream has dropped out. I can get the ads but not the race. Not fair umpire!

A lot of colour here…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doping_at_the_Tour_de_France

About time. They’ve hit the hill.

Don’t know if I’m going to last the distance. I may have to abandon this stage before we get down the other side.

I’m probably the same, Bubbles. I have the sprogs back at school on the morrow, so have to be up just before 7. Will watch until they get to the top of the mountain.

Admiral, they’ve just announced that you laggards in the west may now have television.

sibeen said:

Admiral, they’ve just announced that you laggards in the west may now have television.

Yeah heard that. But the streaming is working again. Might go to bed soon and just take the laptop with me.

sibeen said:

Admiral, they’ve just announced that you laggards in the west may now have television.

Yeah, what is with that? It is not like there was anything else more important to telecast…

And the Tour Tracker app kept crapping out on me…

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Admiral, they’ve just announced that you laggards in the west may now have television.

Yeah heard that. But the streaming is working again. Might go to bed soon and just take the laptop with me.

Oh, I wasn’t aware that they were talking about the tour coverage, I really thought they meant television :)_

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Admiral, they’ve just announced that you laggards in the west may now have television.

Yeah heard that. But the streaming is working again. Might go to bed soon and just take the laptop with me.

Oh, I wasn’t aware that they were talking about the tour coverage, I really thought they meant television :)_

I think you’re drunk, and need to get some rest.

Bubblecar said:

Don’t know if I’m going to last the distance. I may have to abandon this stage before we get down the other side.

I don’t think I’ll make it for the World Cup final.

Promises to be a gruelling one tonight: Stage 10, Mulhouse – La Planche des Belles

Bubblecar said:

Promises to be a gruelling one tonight: Stage 10, Mulhouse – La Planche des Belles

That may sort a few out.

Well whilst Gabriel has been rabbiting on they are quite near the peak of the first mountain of the day.

Tommy Voeckler in front.

*I’m amazed.

bucketing down.

Well whilst Gabriel has been rabbiting on…

the girls would be lapin it up though i bet.

JudgeMental said:

Well whilst Gabriel has been rabbiting on…

the girls would be lapin it up though i bet.

Hare, hare. hare.

Looking at that profile, there will be a few rings hanging out I think.

Cosy damp conditions.

I keep hearing dogs bark.

can’t people leave their dogs at home, just in case?

Contador down!

party_pants said:

I keep hearing dogs bark.

can’t people leave their dogs at home, just in case?

They may be at home as the bikes go past??

sibeen said:

Contador down!

he was 4 mins down at the start of the day, double that now

he seems to be up and going again reasonably well

Leave youse too it, I have a tired and I’m abandoning the tour for tonight.

Might watch a bit of it in bed with the tablet, but I’ll probably nod off within minutes.

party_pants said:

Leave youse too it, I have a tired and I’m abandoning the tour for tonight.

Might watch a bit of it in bed with the tablet, but I’ll probably nod off within minutes.

Quitter… these hillocks ain’t that steep…

Contador out!

Contador… out

shame

OK, onto the last climb.

Very strong finish from Nibali. Porte now in second place overall.

Tonight: Stage 11, Besancon – Oyonnax

Bubblecar said:

Tonight: Stage 11, Besancon – Oyonnax

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/7282_stage11.png

What’s the deal with the Cote de Choux?
points for being halfway up the climb?

Looks like a good viewing night though (missed it last night)

>What’s the deal with the Cote de Choux?
points for being halfway up the climb?

Dunno, can’t make much sense of it.

It was a rest day yesterday so you didn’t miss anything.

Bubblecar said:

>What’s the deal with the Cote de Choux?
points for being halfway up the climb?

Dunno, can’t make much sense of it.

It was a rest day yesterday so you didn’t miss anything.

yeah, that’s what i mean….

not ‘miss’ as in ‘didn’t watch’…

‘miss’ as in ‘had to make do with other crappy tv’…

I see, you were pining for it.

84 ks to go.

I doubt there will be too much excitement tonight.

sibeen said:

84 ks to go.

I doubt there will be too much excitement tonight.

oh, shit yeah..
too engrossed in argueing with people on the interwebs and hadn’t switched over… D’oh!

It’s OK, SS, all we’ve had here is dv linking to some very average ‘music’.

Talainsky out…I suspect.

sibeen said:

Talainsky out…I suspect.

yeah, he doesn’t look good..
His team have left him for dead anyways

Oh, he’s back in again, at least for the moment.

I do note that this is a better effort than those big noters Bubbles and the Admiral. One day’s break, and they’re stuffed. Oh, they give themselves big wraps in the first week, but those mountains (of cheese, olives & wine) soon sort them out.

sibeen said:

Oh, he’s back in again, at least for the moment.

I do note that this is a better effort than those big noters Bubbles and the Admiral. One day’s break, and they’re stuffed. Oh, they give themselves big wraps in the first week, but those mountains (of cheese, olives & wine) soon sort them out.

rofl

i think he’ll be eliminated on time
(ironically due to the pace his team mates are setting)

to be fair, it is a cracking pace, especially on a stage like this, wonder if they’ve kept enough in the tank for the climbs?

Hehe… 2CV club :)

I’m actually drinking an Abbotsford at the moment, but I may rush indoors and cut myself a slab of hard cheese and pour a wine, perhaps even an olive or two.

Bugger it….I shall, damm the torpedoes!

sibeen said:

I’m actually drinking an Abbotsford at the moment, but I may rush indoors and cut myself a slab of hard cheese and pour a wine, perhaps even an olive or two.

Bugger it….I shall, damm the torpedoes!

coffee and pizza shapes here, but will splash out and get some tastier nibblies tomorrow when Mrs SS is on night shift and i can have a few drinks

Ok, a glass of red, a slab of parmesan, about a dozen kalamata olives and a bowl packed with some Irish flake. I do reckon I’m set for the end of the race.

I’m still here, but nodding off intermittently. I wish they’d hurry up, I’m pining for my warm bed.

Soft, Bubbles, just soft.

Ya big poofter.

:)

Their tar starts to melt at about 29 degrees?

WTF do they use?

sibeen said:

Their tar starts to melt at about 29 degrees?

WTF do they use?

cheese…

No sign of Richie Porte.

I was just thinking the same thing, Bubbles.

Bubblecar said:

No sign of Richie Porte.

He’s peeked out of the peloton a couple of times, but nothing spectacular today.

(I think he may be taking a Steven Bradbury approach… Froom, Contador, telansky…)

Gallopin was really gallopin’, and wins the stage.

Richie still holding on to second place.

Porte must have been in the mix. No time lost.

Bubblecar said:

Richie still holding on to second place.

didn’t lose any time today

After this beef feast I’m going to need a couple hours kip if I’m going to stay awake for a night of bicycles. Tonight, Stage 12 Bourg-en-Bresse – Saint-Etienne :

Bubblecar said:

After this beef feast I’m going to need a couple hours kip if I’m going to stay awake for a night of bicycles. Tonight, Stage 12 Bourg-en-Bresse – Saint-Etienne :

!http://media.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/upload_media/2252_stage12.png

bit easier tonight, will be interesting to see if talansky stays in it.
A few teams hurting today i suspect after yesterday’s pace

It’s that time again…

Looks nice, why the honey though.

AwesomeO said:

Looks nice, why the honey though.

it’s honey wholegrain mustard

Poached fucking cherries.

Fuck off, Gabs!

sibeen said:

Poached fucking cherries.

Fuck off, Gabs!

i reckon Gabs has poached a few cherries in hi time…

If you know what i mean…

stumpy_seahorse said:

AwesomeO said:

Looks nice, why the honey though.

it’s honey wholegrain mustard

Very good. Been ages since I have had some kabana and cheese. RSLs used to have it on the bar for bar snacks.

stumpy_seahorse said:

It’s that time again…

That’s a fine idea.

sibeen said:

Poached fucking cherries.

Fuck off, Gabs!

The man is clearly a reprobate.

Rule 303 said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

It’s that time again…

That’s a fine idea.

This is the full menu for tonight…

Coon slices? Love the Cracker Barrel black though.

AwesomeO said:

Coon slices? Love the Cracker Barrel black though.

yeah, our local doesn’t have the swiss in a block.. and it’s damn good

You know what is a tops snack, refried beans and cheese, nuke in the microwave and have with some sour cream and crackers.

Talanski was a non starter.

sibeen said:

Talanski was a non starter.

no great loss, he was half an hour behind yesterday

Has Mr Car pulled a Talansky tonight?

I told you he was soft last evening, Stumps. The Admiral is also considerable by his absence.

sibeen said:

I told you he was soft last evening, Stumps. The Admiral is also considerable by his absence.

Kids these days…

I told you mollycoddling them would get them nowhere…

I’m all present and correct. To post here though I have to get out of the armchair and walk across the room to the pooter desk, which is a lot of work.

Mollycoddling?

For crying out loud, man, wasn’t I the one who demanded that the stocks and tar & feathering be introduced for these miscreants?

Just a mention of the lash has him scurrying out of his chair!

Ooooo, that’s a collarbone.

sibeen said:

Ooooo, that’s a collarbone.

Just returned with plate #2 and caught that…

Ouch

stumpy_seahorse said:

sibeen said:

Ooooo, that’s a collarbone.

Just returned with plate #2 and caught that…

Ouch

…and he’s out.

Nor surprising.

sibeen said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

sibeen said:

Ooooo, that’s a collarbone.

Just returned with plate #2 and caught that…

Ouch

…and he’s out.

Nor surprising.

he dropped like a sack of spuds…

You never see me falling off my bike like that.

Bubblecar said:

I’m all present and correct. To post here though I have to get out of the armchair and walk across the room to the pooter desk, which is a lot of work.

This is my setup… works well :)

Breakaway down to two but maintaining their distance.

Clarke’s riding a very good stage.
But they did keep saying yesterday that today’s finish is a tricky climb

Breakaway now under two minutes.

It’s anyone’s race.

Some dickhead with a flare.

Like the riders want to choke on smoke.

Simon Clarke is shaking his head.

Bubblecar said:

Simon Clarke is shaking his head.

stick a fork in him

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Simon Clarke is shaking his head.

stick a fork in him

I tried but missed and hit Greipel, who’s now fallen.

Alexander Kristoff wins.

I told you it was anyone’s race.

Richie Porte might be riding more aggressively in the proper mountains.

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte might be riding more aggressively in the proper mountains.

he’s just maintaining position til the closing stages
conserved a lot of energy so far,hasn’t overly pushed himself

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte might be riding more aggressively in the proper mountains.

he’s just maintaining position til the closing stages
conserved a lot of energy so far,hasn’t overly pushed himself

True but he’s got to make a move at some stage.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m all present and correct. To post here though I have to get out of the armchair and walk across the room to the pooter desk, which is a lot of work.

This is my setup… works well :)

!http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j163/stumpy_seahorse/mysetup_zps14354b8c.jpg

Cosy, but I can’t really justify buying a laptop given that I have two perfectly good desktops. Anyway, getting up from the armchair now and then is much needed exercise :)

…and on to the bikes.

sibeen said:

…and on to the bikes.

take a moment to savour it.

Done a big favour for my team :)

Navarro… rooted

*Car clocks in, having overslept my after-dinner kip

Have I missed anything important?

Bubblecar said:

*Car clocks in, having overslept my after-dinner kip

Have I missed anything important?

not really.

A couple of minor riders out

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

*Car clocks in, having overslept my after-dinner kip

Have I missed anything important?

not really.

A couple of minor riders out

Ta.

big climb about to start.

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

Let’s hope Team Sky has a good solid day.

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

Is it a stage whose time is known? Training and technology can make great advances. But yeah, probably just undetectable drugs or other methods.

I watched a bit the other day, not that impressive I thought till I noted how fast the filming motorbikes are going. What are they doing in good stretches, 60 kmh?

Bubblecar said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

Let’s hope Team Sky has a good solid day.

should suit them, they just need to make use of it

(btw, they said earlier they expect the final climb to be 51 mins. Lance Armstrong did it in 47 mins 5 years ago)

AwesomeO said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

Is it a stage whose time is known? Training and technology can make great advances. But yeah, probably just undetectable drugs or other methods.

I watched a bit the other day, not that impressive I thought till I noted how fast the filming motorbikes are going. What are they doing in good stretches, 60 kmh?

they were hitting 70 a couple of days ago.
Coming down one of the mountains, you could hear the foot pegs of the camera motorbike scraping through the corners, so they were descending rather fast

On a flat stage they will lead the sprinter through the final 5km at 50-55km/h. Final kilometre they will be nudging 60km/h lead out. Then the sprinter will hit 70+km/h on the final 200m.

On a mountain stage going down hill they can exceed 100km/h, but will be often at 70-80km/h.

The TdF coverage is really carp tonight…

AwesomeO said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

Bubblecar said:

Higher than average speed so far for this kind of stage. I thought the new drug-free image for the race was supposed to mean lower speeds.

i reckon they’ll finish today much slower

Is it a stage whose time is known? Training and technology can make great advances. But yeah, probably just undetectable drugs or other methods.

I watched a bit the other day, not that impressive I thought till I noted how fast the filming motorbikes are going. What are they doing in good stretches, 60 kmh?

yeah, something like that. On a good straight stretch with no head-wind they’d do 50-55 km/h. Up to 70 km/h in the downhill sections.

Stealth said:

The TdF coverage is really carp tonight…

Just tonight?

runs away

Stealth said:

On a flat stage they will lead the sprinter through the final 5km at 50-55km/h. Final kilometre they will be nudging 60km/h lead out. Then the sprinter will hit 70+km/h on the final 200m.

On a mountain stage going down hill they can exceed 100km/h, but will be often at 70-80km/h.

I used to work at a cherry farm at the top of a big hill, one time I got my 10 speed up. Fast enough to overtake a car. Not a slow car, I was frigging flying with no helmet on tiny puncture prone tyres.

and the big downhill run – expect a few crashes here …

Wow – that fort n the top of the mountain!

Imagine sitting down there for a quiet beer or wine, watching the sun set. Awesome view.

they’re starting to crack now

party_pants said:

Wow – that fort n the top of the mountain!

Imagine sitting down there for a quiet beer or wine, watching the sun set. Awesome view.

And then the Huns crest the hill and you have work to do…

Stealth said:

party_pants said:

Wow – that fort n the top of the mountain!

Imagine sitting down there for a quiet beer or wine, watching the sun set. Awesome view.

And then the Huns crest the hill and you have work to do…

need a helipad then.

Gravity is sorting them out. There’s not much difference between Porte, Valverde and various others. It’ll be interesting to see if Porte can hold onto second place.

Always nice footage from the whirlybirds in the mountains.

Porte has gone to the back of the group….

So, moments after I wondered if Richie could hang onto place two, it looks like he’s cracking.

Porte has gone I fear.

party_pants said:

Porte has gone I fear.

not looking good

Bubblecar said:

Always nice footage from the whirlybirds in the mountains.

And I am watching the mountains in nearly 1:1 scaling. I wish I could take a photo of the massive screen (and awesome truss/lightshow surrounding it) that I am watching this on…

party_pants said:

Porte has gone I fear.

Any second now Lance will come screaming through the pack…

Stealth said:

party_pants said:

Porte has gone I fear.

Any second now Lance will come screaming through the pack…

Ha.