8 July 2008: Stage Four: The Kindness of Strangers

Quick update, since it will be 270K and a 4 AM start tomorrow...

I knew this would be a challenge, but I thought that most of the difficulties would be pedaling-related.

Broken luggage racks, bike stores closed for the TDF, missing route arrows, hilly stages that had been described as 'flat', burning approximately 30 percent more calories than the racers themselves, the need to (quite literally) eat constantly while off the bike, grocery stores that close at 7:30 and almost all day on Sunday, towns impossible to navigate during a tour stage--these things were not on the list of things that I expected. I almost threw my bike in the dumpster this morning after another piece of the luggage rack broke.

However, also not on the list of things expected are French reporters who publish an article in French on just the day that you need to explain to French-speaking folks what you are doing ("C'est moi, j'ai besoin d'aide"--the article will remain in my jersey pocket for the remainder of the ride), the most amazing and helpful people who surround the course of the Tour in "camping cars" and carry enough tools and spare parts to piece a space shuttle back together, not one but two mothers with children my age who are only too happy to take a few unnecessaries off my hands and out of my panniers for a few days until we meet again in the mountains, a local mechanic who is willing to leave off watching the TT riders pass to personally guide me to an open bike shop (just crossing the street becomes a feat of law-flaunting bravado during a Tour stage), a friend who is willing to leave me his helmet and some other much-needed supplies (thanks Tom--I couldn't have made it this far without you, have fun in Asia!)...

I could continue, but 4 AM lurks. For now, Rick's Ride goes on.

Broken luggage rack, temporarily repaired with bungee cord and baling twine.

The rack repair team, who helped get it as fixed as possible (with hose clamps!)

Photos courtesy of Thomas T. Lee.