It' s our first experience in watching the tour and it as been quite an experience. Although we started all on our own on the side of the road, it did not take long for it to be full. Lots of people rode and walked past, saying hello. A few fellow Australians stopped for a chat, having a break from riding up the mountain, some we offered to refill their bottles of water (no extra supplements!) Close by there as a mad Spaniard with his electric guitar, speakers, drums etc all peddle powered, that kept us all entertained. Then about 45mins before the riders, the promotional cars/floats come past throwing out small gifts. A bit of fun and everybody love a freebie! We knew the riders were approaching when we could see the helicopter coming. Then the police motorbikes along with the support vehicles and motorbikes with one sole rider riding among them. He was the breakaway rider. Then three pelotons followed and about 10 mins it was all over, well for us anyway. As soon as the last police motorbike passes, it was a mass exodus. A lot of people packed up and jumped in their cars and for the next few hours it was a continual stream of cars, bikes, Motorhomes and walkers leaving. We went to the restaurant to watch the end of the tour. Then after packing up and having dinner, we were back to being the only ones on the side of the road! Some one had a noisy generator going, so we decided to head down the road a little and found a very quiet spot.
You weren't tempted to jump on the bikes and chase them up the mountain! At least the Aussies were on the front as they went by.
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