The Tour De France countdown is well
and truly underway at 42 The Calls.
Anticipation is growing in Leeds and
we can’t wait to join the crowds at the start line on Saturday the 5th of July,
which luckily for us is only a short 15 minute walk away from where we’re
standing.
We anticipate the celebratory atmosphere to continue throughout the
afternoon and into the night in true Yorkshire style!
We’ve already been enjoying the cycling
inspired events Yorkshire Festival 2014 has offered and are looking forward to
so many more. The Cyclism exhibition at Leeds Gallery launched earlier this
month with an array of graphic design prints, illustrations, photography,
jerseys, custom built bikes… and even delicious bicycle biscuits. With a ‘Bike’ writing competition, a play written in homage to local born world pursuit
champion Beryl Burton and even an ‘edible’ bike ride in neighbouring York,
stopping at sites of local growing initiatives for veg and herbs, there’s
definitely an event for all enthusiasts!
On the big day itself, you can get a
little closer to the action by heading down to the start line to see the teams
signing in…as the perfect photo opportunity, we might even sneak in a selfie with
Froome! It’s no secret that the earlier you arrive to an event of this scale,
the better the view, however, even if our soft feather duvets and luxurious
cotton bed sheets keep you enraptured a little longer than hoped, there’s no
need to panic with a mere seven minute walk from the hotel to the City Centre
Loop, which is only half a mile from the starting point.
Cheers of excitement will be echoing
throughout the route in Leeds, however, we recommend The Headrow as the destination
for the unmatchable exhilaration of feeling the wheels rush by, seeing the
rainbow of jerseys and knowing you were there for the start of the world’s most
watched annual sporting event. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a relaxing
Tour De France experience Scott Hall playing fields will be hosting a family
friendly hub close by to the route, with a large screen ensuring unrivalled
views alongside stage entertainment, children-friendly activities from British Cycling Go Ride and local cuisine - all only an 11 minute drive away.
Much like the teams…however, to a
lesser degree, we’ll be stocking up our energy reserves to ensure we can last
the distance and wave off our favourite cyclists in what will be an unmissable
atmosphere, followed by a day of celebration. From 8am, Team 42 will be
sampling seasonal sausages from Lishman’s of Ilkley as part of a full, hearty
Yorkshire breakfast and a cup of coffee or two, before the short walk and long
wait that’ll be worth every minute.
We can’t wait to see who’ll be
wearing the yellow jersey by the end of the first day…
