So off to stay with friends in Pau next weekend, our visit also just happens to coincide with Stage 16's visit on Monday...we'll be driving from Toulouse on the day, can anyone enlighten me as to what kind of traffic meltdown/carmaggedon I might expect with a 9 month baby on board?
It's about a 2 hour drive normally, and an event like this in the UK would probably mean 4 hour delays etc. so am I looking at a gridlocked road to hell a la Mr Rea? will road closures mean this route will be impassible? Not so bothered about the seeing the race as our pals live right on the route apparently...just need to know we can set off safe in the knowledge we'll actually reach Pau!
Any advice would be gratefully received - except if you say "you're stupid for even trying to do this" or "you need to set off at 4am to guarantee getting there"!
`we're down there next weekend for the Etape with a 4 month old. No help really, but you're not alone!
Last year, you needed to be off the roads early before the closures, but it was signed when they'd be shut from/until.
we went yesterday, we cycled from a village 25km away (best option) the cars trying to leave where in all sorts of problems! we just cycled up past them easy!
Mmm...going to a logistical nightmare as I thought! Cheers folks...
is driving through a stage town on the day before likely to be a problem?
We're arriving above Quillan on the saturday mid morning, then stashing the campervan at a pre arranged spot, and cycling to the route a few km away on the sunday morning with the kids. I know of about 4 different ways up on to the plateau but am worried do they close it the day before or just the morning of the race?
is driving through a stage town on the day before likely to be a problem?
Nope. Will be fine.
so am I looking at a gridlocked road to hell a la Mr Rea? will road closures mean this route will be impassible?
Just get there early, will mostly still be open but they will close roads a few hours before, esp as it's a finish town.
Enjoy the atmosphere everyone!
Chris Rea i'm afraid.
We were in Bourg last year for Alp D'Huez stage. Roads close early about 4hrs earlier i think, although the Alp was effectively closed all day due to volume of people/walkers/cyclists & the Dutch.
We were staying with friends and tried to make run for it about 11pm afterwards. Whoops, did 3 miles in about 3hrs on the road to Grenoble, luckily we were heading south, so cut off up the Col D'Ornon, which was almost traffic free