TdF 2005 - Stage 16 & 17

July 20,2005
Bonjour,

Tuesday we were on the early slopes of the Col d'Aubisque (a frightening mountain just to look at from a distance), somewhere between km 17 & 16 parked securely on the side of the road. Angel had to wrestle some Spanish children for booty by the car and told them "NON! Ne touch pas!" Saw Vinokourov launch his attack right in front of us. Lance laughed when we shouted "Go Disco" as Discovery Channel Team takes so long to say that the peloton is halfway past.

Went to Olonron and then Pau Monday night for dinner, and we ended up driving the last 20km or so of the course right over the finish line. Walked around the parking lot with all of the TV trucks.

Bought berets in Pay. Stayed in a 15th century farm house last night (that up until 8 years ago hadn't been occupied for 100 years), where Angel decided we should buy the house from the owners. Drove through several large sunflower fields this morning at which Angel took multiple pictures. Today we find ourselves on the side of the road just after Pouy-de-Touges in the feed zone. Hoping that we'll be able to wrestle any discarded water bottles and feed bags away from all of the kids in the area.

(Update: We stood right by the Discovery car and Angel caught a T-Mobile water bottle.)

Top Photo: The peloton passing us on the Col d'Aubisque;
Bottom Photo: Hincapie leading Discovery Channel through the feeding station.

Au revior.