On Sunday, we loaded into the van and headed to the Forest of Arenberg in France to watch the race. When we arrived, we had a twenty minute walk from the parking lot to the course. Cleve and Hank went in search of coffee while Rodeny, Steve and Paul looked for a place to watch the race. First we found a nice old railroad bridge to sit on. It would offer a great view of the race that most people would not be able to experience. Cleve and Hank made the climb and sat for a while. As a few more people joined us, so did the gendarme. They ran us off so we went in search of another place to watch.
Forest of Arenberg
We wanted to be closer to the end of the forest but it would require a longer walk. While we were good for the distance, fighting the crowds to get back to the van so we could high tail it to Roubaix was at the front of our minds.
Our new view point
We setlled in and watied for the race to come through. People started packing in around us and on the other side of the road. There were some interesting characters there. I guess races just bring the weirdo out.
Blues Brothers
Finally the racers came along and they were flying! They came through so fast that we were hardly able to get pictures.
Fast!!!
After the main groups came past, we ran for the van with a few thousand of our best friends. Traffic to Roubaix wasn’t bad but due to road closures, we had to stop and ask for directions. We parked the van and headed into the velodrome. They had a big screen TV there so we were able to watch the ~50k of the race. As you all know by now, Cancellera was off solo again and cruised into the velodrome. He did his lap and was cooked.
Solo win. Again.
It was a very cool race to witness.
Paul
