Viewing le Tour - Questions re: Security

GaryG

With a bit of luck (and the fact that I'm online so much :-) ) I was able
to secure a booking with Graham Watson Sporting Tours for their
Alps-to-Paris Tour de France tour in July. I'll be taking my bike and
riding some of each day's stage (L'Alpe d'Huez, here I come!).

But, I've never been over there, and wonder how I should go about protecting
my bike and personal effects while viewing the race. I plan on carrying
money and ID (not passport) in one of those "around the neck" wallets worn
under my jersey. But, I've heard horror stories about Euro pickpockets, and
I'm a bit worried about being in large crowds with stuff in my jersey
pockets...especially my digital camera. I also worry about the bike
wandering off during the excitement of the moment.

Any advice from those of you who've done this before?

~_-*
....G/ \G
http://www.CycliStats.com
CycliStats - Software for Cyclists

Bert L.am

"GaryG" <garyg@shasta_SPAMBEGONE_software.com> schreef in bericht
news:10an8tmm0j2pkd3@corp.supernews.com...
> With a bit of luck (and the fact that I'm online so much :-) ) I was able
> to secure a booking with Graham Watson Sporting Tours for their
> Alps-to-Paris Tour de France tour in July. I'll be taking my bike and
> riding some of each day's stage (L'Alpe d'Huez, here I come!).
>
> But, I've never been over there, and wonder how I should go about
protecting
> my bike and personal effects while viewing the race. I plan on carrying
> money and ID (not passport) in one of those "around the neck" wallets worn
> under my jersey. But, I've heard horror stories about Euro pickpockets,
and
> I'm a bit worried about being in large crowds with stuff in my jersey
> pockets...especially my digital camera. I also worry about the bike
> wandering off during the excitement of the moment.
>
> Any advice from those of you who've done this before?
>
> ~_-*
> ...G/ \G
> http://www.CycliStats.com
> CycliStats - Software for Cyclists
>
>

Expect everything you also would expect during a sunny saturday afternoon in
a crowded high street.
Yes, pickpockets may be there, as anywhere else (we're European, which
almost equals aliens). A small rucksack may be effective for your things.
I used to climbe on of the small electricity houses of the EDF (Energy the
France) for a good overview and good photo shooting.

You should leave your bike at your hotel.

When you want to see the Alpe d'Huez finish you'll be wanting to arrive the
day before the event, as during the day of the event the roads are closed
for all traffic.


have phun


--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu

Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction Bicycles

> But, I've never been over there, and wonder how I should go about
protecting
> my bike and personal effects while viewing the race. I plan on carrying
> money and ID (not passport) in one of those "around the neck" wallets worn
> under my jersey. But, I've heard horror stories about Euro pickpockets,
and
> I'm a bit worried about being in large crowds with stuff in my jersey
> pockets...especially my digital camera. I also worry about the bike
> wandering off during the excitement of the moment.
>
> Any advice from those of you who've done this before?

Gary: I've been to France five times (and will be going again for the TDF
this July) and have found that security concerns are largely overblown.
I've never used a money belt, nor been aware of any attempts to pickpocket
me (including while traveling a number of times on the metro). When you're
actaully riding to a spot where you'll watch a stage, your bike will be with
you... simple as that. Just like thousands of others. For most stages, the
Graham Baxter vehicle will be there at the stage, and you'll simply load
your bike up in the trailer.

I've never brought a lock for my bike and, in fact, have left my bike (along
with several others from our group) outside a relatively busy restaraunt (in
a small shopping center) for an hour, entirely unattended... and it was
still there when we left. Strange, but true.

You may read about my trip with Graham Baxter last year-
http://www.chainreaction.com/diaryfrance2003.htm

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

GaryG

"Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction Bicycles" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote
in message news:66Pqc.69140$LG1.63524@newssvr25.news.prodigy.com...
> > But, I've never been over there, and wonder how I should go about
> protecting
> > my bike and personal effects while viewing the race. I plan on carrying
> > money and ID (not passport) in one of those "around the neck" wallets
worn
> > under my jersey. But, I've heard horror stories about Euro pickpockets,
> and
> > I'm a bit worried about being in large crowds with stuff in my jersey
> > pockets...especially my digital camera. I also worry about the bike
> > wandering off during the excitement of the moment.
> >
> > Any advice from those of you who've done this before?
>
> Gary: I've been to France five times (and will be going again for the TDF
> this July) and have found that security concerns are largely overblown.
> I've never used a money belt, nor been aware of any attempts to pickpocket
> me (including while traveling a number of times on the metro). When
you're
> actaully riding to a spot where you'll watch a stage, your bike will be
with
> you... simple as that. Just like thousands of others. For most stages,
the
> Graham Baxter vehicle will be there at the stage, and you'll simply load
> your bike up in the trailer.
>
> I've never brought a lock for my bike and, in fact, have left my bike
(along
> with several others from our group) outside a relatively busy restaraunt
(in
> a small shopping center) for an hour, entirely unattended... and it was
> still there when we left. Strange, but true.
>
> You may read about my trip with Graham Baxter last year-
> http://www.chainreaction.com/diaryfrance2003.htm
>
> --Mike Jacoubowsky
> Chain Reaction Bicycles
> www.ChainReaction.com
> IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member
>

I was wondering if my fears were overblown. I had spoken recently to my
fiance's teenage son who travelled in Italy last summer. He reported
several pickpocketing attempts while he was there, including one by a little
old lady who was "nearly 80 years old" (but, still had quick and deft hands
that she clearly put into his pocket as she brushed by him on the street).

As for your experiences...wow...you must have some really good karma!!
Perhaps you were a monk in a previous life, eh? <g> Anyway, it's good to
hear that you don't have to stress over it too much.

GG

Mike Jacoubowsky

> I was wondering if my fears were overblown. I had spoken recently to my
> fiance's teenage son who travelled in Italy last summer. He reported
> several pickpocketing attempts while he was there, including one by a
little
> old lady who was "nearly 80 years old" (but, still had quick and deft
hands
> that she clearly put into his pocket as she brushed by him on the street).

For what it's worth, I've heard far more horror stories about Italy than I
have France, particularly areas around train stations in large cities. My
wife & daughter went on a school trip that spent a bit of time in Italy, and
the stories of the Gypsies, with their cardboard facades held in front of
them so you couldn't see them steal your stuff when they bumped into you...
pretty amazing. I never saw anything like that in France.

> As for your experiences...wow...you must have some really good karma!!
> Perhaps you were a monk in a previous life, eh? <g> Anyway, it's good to
> hear that you don't have to stress over it too much.

Have you traveled abroad previously? If not, don't dwell on the things that
might go wrong. Look forward to having a great time. The experience is
amazing... although, frankly, you can remain fairly isolated from it when
you're on an organized tour. And don't get too hung up on everything
working out a certain way, especially on a Graham Baxter tour. Sometimes
the itinerary bears little resemblance to reality, but it's the changes and
surprises that often bring the most memorable experiences.

Which level of Alpes-to-Paris tour are you doing (standard/deluxe/luxury)?

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

GaryG

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:aIVqc.51423$gc3.48099@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com...
> > I was wondering if my fears were overblown. I had spoken recently to my
> > fiance's teenage son who travelled in Italy last summer. He reported
> > several pickpocketing attempts while he was there, including one by a
> little
> > old lady who was "nearly 80 years old" (but, still had quick and deft
> hands
> > that she clearly put into his pocket as she brushed by him on the
street).
>
> For what it's worth, I've heard far more horror stories about Italy than I
> have France, particularly areas around train stations in large cities. My
> wife & daughter went on a school trip that spent a bit of time in Italy,
and
> the stories of the Gypsies, with their cardboard facades held in front of
> them so you couldn't see them steal your stuff when they bumped into
you...
> pretty amazing. I never saw anything like that in France.
>
> > As for your experiences...wow...you must have some really good karma!!
> > Perhaps you were a monk in a previous life, eh? <g> Anyway, it's good
to
> > hear that you don't have to stress over it too much.
>
> Have you traveled abroad previously? If not, don't dwell on the things
that
> might go wrong. Look forward to having a great time. The experience is
> amazing... although, frankly, you can remain fairly isolated from it when
> you're on an organized tour. And don't get too hung up on everything
> working out a certain way, especially on a Graham Baxter tour. Sometimes
> the itinerary bears little resemblance to reality, but it's the changes
and
> surprises that often bring the most memorable experiences.

Thanks...I normally have an Alfred E. Neuman attitude ("What, me worry?"),
and rarely has it or my guardian angel let me down. I sense that the GB
tour may be somewhat "eccentric", but I'm really looking forward to it (the
price was very reasonable compared to Trek Travel, for instance). Most of
my tours in the past have been of the cheaper do-most-of-it-yourself variety
(e.g., Bicycle Tour of Colorado), with camping option.

>
> Which level of Alpes-to-Paris tour are you doing (standard/deluxe/luxury)?

Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year due
to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km from
the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!

>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
>

dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers

>For what it's worth, I've heard far more horror stories about Italy than I
>have France, particularly areas around train stations in large cities. My
>wife & daughter went on a school trip that spent a bit of time in Italy, and
>the stories of the Gypsies, with their cardboard facades held in front of
>them so you couldn't see them steal your stuff when they bumped into you...
>pretty amazing. I never saw anything like that in France.

I was just about to make virtually the same comment!

Travelling in Italy, we were accosted at junctions where traffic lights were on
red - where gypsies would come up and beg money, in a less than friendly way...
Never saw this once in France or Germany, but in Italy it was all too common in
the cities; Pisa being a particular pain-in-the-ar$e. I also found that in
Italy, sadly, the tourist was preyed upon by shopkeepers in that prices
mysteriously increased when you bought the exact same item as the Italian
person in front of you...

Cheers, helen s




--This is an invalid email address to avoid spam--
to get correct one remove fame & fortune
h*$el*$$e*nd**$o$ts**i*$*$m*m$o*n*s@$*a$o*l.c**$om$

--Due to financial crisis the light at the end of the tunnel is switched off--

Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction Bicycles

> Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
due
> to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
> Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
> announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km from
> the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!

Sounds like you're doing the same tour I am... and yes, I signed up about an
hour after it went on-line (I was expecting it to go fast!). I'll be the
guy taking a zillion photos with a digital camera while riding... and also
heading back to my room in the evenings to update our website each day with
photos from the TDF (which is why I went for a single room, along with the
fact that it wouldn't be fair for someone else to have to put up with my
snoring!).

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

"GaryG" <garyg@shasta_SPAMBEGONE_software.com> wrote in message
news:10aod34jv880j13@corp.supernews.com...
> "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
> news:aIVqc.51423$gc3.48099@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com...
> > > I was wondering if my fears were overblown. I had spoken recently to
my
> > > fiance's teenage son who travelled in Italy last summer. He reported
> > > several pickpocketing attempts while he was there, including one by a
> > little
> > > old lady who was "nearly 80 years old" (but, still had quick and deft
> > hands
> > > that she clearly put into his pocket as she brushed by him on the
> street).
> >
> > For what it's worth, I've heard far more horror stories about Italy than
I
> > have France, particularly areas around train stations in large cities.
My
> > wife & daughter went on a school trip that spent a bit of time in Italy,
> and
> > the stories of the Gypsies, with their cardboard facades held in front
of
> > them so you couldn't see them steal your stuff when they bumped into
> you...
> > pretty amazing. I never saw anything like that in France.
> >
> > > As for your experiences...wow...you must have some really good karma!!
> > > Perhaps you were a monk in a previous life, eh? <g> Anyway, it's good
> to
> > > hear that you don't have to stress over it too much.
> >
> > Have you traveled abroad previously? If not, don't dwell on the things
> that
> > might go wrong. Look forward to having a great time. The experience is
> > amazing... although, frankly, you can remain fairly isolated from it
when
> > you're on an organized tour. And don't get too hung up on everything
> > working out a certain way, especially on a Graham Baxter tour.
Sometimes
> > the itinerary bears little resemblance to reality, but it's the changes
> and
> > surprises that often bring the most memorable experiences.
>
> Thanks...I normally have an Alfred E. Neuman attitude ("What, me worry?"),
> and rarely has it or my guardian angel let me down. I sense that the GB
> tour may be somewhat "eccentric", but I'm really looking forward to it
(the
> price was very reasonable compared to Trek Travel, for instance). Most of
> my tours in the past have been of the cheaper do-most-of-it-yourself
variety
> (e.g., Bicycle Tour of Colorado), with camping option.
>
> >
> > Which level of Alpes-to-Paris tour are you doing
(standard/deluxe/luxury)?
>
> Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
due
> to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
> Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
> announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km from
> the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!
>
> >
> > --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> > http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
> >
> >
>
>

Badger_South

On Thu, 20 May 2004 20:03:24 GMT, "Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction
Bicycles" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote:

>> Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
>due
>> to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
>> Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
>> announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km from
>> the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!
>
>Sounds like you're doing the same tour I am... and yes, I signed up about an
>hour after it went on-line (I was expecting it to go fast!). I'll be the
>guy taking a zillion photos with a digital camera while riding... and also
>heading back to my room in the evenings to update our website each day with
>photos from the TDF (which is why I went for a single room, along with the
>fact that it wouldn't be fair for someone else to have to put up with my
>snoring!).

Hi Mike. I hope you'll keep a verbose and keen journal and thrill us all
with your exploits.

BTW, I have a Metallic Black Trek 7500FX being brought in for me from out
in the mid-west by my LBS guys, and they've promised to handle me with
kid-gloves and see I get top-drawer treatment wrt the fitting.

Wow, what a world, eh?

I blame this all on you. <big grin> Thanks buddy.

best,
-B


>
>--Mike Jacoubowsky
>Chain Reaction Bicycles
>www.ChainReaction.com
>IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

Badger_South

On Thu, 20 May 2004 20:03:24 GMT, "Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction
Bicycles" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote:

>> Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
>due
>> to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
>> Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
>> announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km from
>> the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!
>
>Sounds like you're doing the same tour I am... and yes, I signed up about an
>hour after it went on-line (I was expecting it to go fast!). I'll be the
>guy taking a zillion photos with a digital camera while riding... and also
>heading back to my room in the evenings to update our website each day with
>photos from the TDF (which is why I went for a single room, along with the
>fact that it wouldn't be fair for someone else to have to put up with my
>snoring!).

Hi Mike. I hope you'll keep a verbose and keen journal and thrill us all
with your exploits.

BTW, I have a Metallic Black Trek 7500FX being brought in for me from out
in the mid-west by my LBS guys, and they've promised to handle me with
kid-gloves and see I get top-drawer treatment wrt the fitting.

Wow, what a world, eh?

I blame this all on you. <big grin> Thanks buddy.

best,
-B


>
>--Mike Jacoubowsky
>Chain Reaction Bicycles
>www.ChainReaction.com
>IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

GaryG

"Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction Bicycles" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote
in message news:ga8rc.1751$i_6.211@newssvr27.news.prodigy.com...
> > Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
> due
> > to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
> > Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
> > announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km
from
> > the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!
>
> Sounds like you're doing the same tour I am... and yes, I signed up about
an
> hour after it went on-line (I was expecting it to go fast!). I'll be the
> guy taking a zillion photos with a digital camera while riding... and also
> heading back to my room in the evenings to update our website each day
with
> photos from the TDF (which is why I went for a single room, along with the
> fact that it wouldn't be fair for someone else to have to put up with my
> snoring!).
>
> --Mike Jacoubowsky
> Chain Reaction Bicycles
> www.ChainReaction.com
> IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

Cool...look forward to meeting you there. I've enjoyed your postings and
your website for quite some time. In fact, it was your comments on Graham
Baxter's tours that convinced me to book with his company.

I'll be the bald guy with a goatee on a black Trek 5200
(http://www.shastasoftware.com/BTC2003/BTC0035.htm ).

~_-*
....G/ \G
http://www.CycliStats.com
CycliStats - Software for Cyclists


> "GaryG" <garyg@shasta_SPAMBEGONE_software.com> wrote in message
> news:10aod34jv880j13@corp.supernews.com...
> > "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
> > news:aIVqc.51423$gc3.48099@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com...
> > > > I was wondering if my fears were overblown. I had spoken recently
to
> my
> > > > fiance's teenage son who travelled in Italy last summer. He
reported
> > > > several pickpocketing attempts while he was there, including one by
a
> > > little
> > > > old lady who was "nearly 80 years old" (but, still had quick and
deft
> > > hands
> > > > that she clearly put into his pocket as she brushed by him on the
> > street).
> > >
> > > For what it's worth, I've heard far more horror stories about Italy
than
> I
> > > have France, particularly areas around train stations in large cities.
> My
> > > wife & daughter went on a school trip that spent a bit of time in
Italy,
> > and
> > > the stories of the Gypsies, with their cardboard facades held in front
> of
> > > them so you couldn't see them steal your stuff when they bumped into
> > you...
> > > pretty amazing. I never saw anything like that in France.
> > >
> > > > As for your experiences...wow...you must have some really good
karma!!
> > > > Perhaps you were a monk in a previous life, eh? <g> Anyway, it's
good
> > to
> > > > hear that you don't have to stress over it too much.
> > >
> > > Have you traveled abroad previously? If not, don't dwell on the
things
> > that
> > > might go wrong. Look forward to having a great time. The experience
is
> > > amazing... although, frankly, you can remain fairly isolated from it
> when
> > > you're on an organized tour. And don't get too hung up on everything
> > > working out a certain way, especially on a Graham Baxter tour.
> Sometimes
> > > the itinerary bears little resemblance to reality, but it's the
changes
> > and
> > > surprises that often bring the most memorable experiences.
> >
> > Thanks...I normally have an Alfred E. Neuman attitude ("What, me
worry?"),
> > and rarely has it or my guardian angel let me down. I sense that the GB
> > tour may be somewhat "eccentric", but I'm really looking forward to it
> (the
> > price was very reasonable compared to Trek Travel, for instance). Most
of
> > my tours in the past have been of the cheaper do-most-of-it-yourself
> variety
> > (e.g., Bicycle Tour of Colorado), with camping option.
> >
> > >
> > > Which level of Alpes-to-Paris tour are you doing
> (standard/deluxe/luxury)?
> >
> > Since I've never been before, and since AdH will be such a zoo this year
> due
> > to the TT, and for the chance to have dinner with Bob Roll and Graham
> > Watson, I booked the luxury tour (it filled up within 24 hours of being
> > announced). We'll be spending 3 nights on l'Alpe d'Huez, about 1 km
from
> > the finish line...and, yes, I am completely stoked to be going!
> >
> > >
> > > --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> > > http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

S o r n i

GaryG wrote:
>
> I'll be the bald guy with a goatee on a black Trek 5200

You painted a beard on your bike?!?

Bill "slow afternoon" S.