thinking of taking wife and kids to watch – which is better option, start or finish ? They are both just over an hr’s drive from home.

Thanks

Could you do both? A few years ago we saw the start at Dumfries then jumped on the motorbike and saw them at drumlanrig. I’m sure you could get from Peebles to Drumlanrig in plenty of time.

I’m going up but I am planning on just having a Day around the Borders and catching the Tour on route, probably in Rowanburn or simular.

Looking on the map, I reckon its possible to get from the start to finish, its just I can’t be bothered driving to Peebles.

Start tends to be quite chaotic – fans mobbing the buses, everyone working to a deadline cos they need to get the race started.

The finish is usually a bit more atmospheric, more people hanging around, a commentator, big screen, more chance to watch everything and usually better food & coffee stands! More chance to catch the riders afterwards as well if the kids want an autograph or photo opportunity.

As a supplementary question is there route information anywhere other than the http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/ website? I think that might be the worst website I’ve ever seen.

I went to the start and finish of the national champs in Glasgow and whilst it was nice to see the start of the event but the finish was much better.

If I could only do one it would be the finish. I’m going to ride down to Drumlanrig and watch the finish.

PDF race manual, much better than the website

http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/files/documents/ToB_2013_RaceManual.pdf

The bike museum at Drumlanrig is worth a visit, perhaps.

http://www.drumlanrig.com/visit-drumlanrig-castle/drumlanrig-castle/cycle-museum

thansk all. Much as I would like ot see both start and finiahg that might be pushing it a bit with the family, so will opt for the finish. The kids like the normal activities there too, so should be easy to keep them amused. Cheers

You’ll make both no bother, its not even that far from here (Peebles) to Drumlanrig, probably not much more than an hour.
I know what you mean about shipping the kids about but in my experience of big races all the teams disappear pretty quickly at the finish.
My son (and his dad!) loves all the buses etc that goes with a race and you dont see that the same at the finish.
If you do come here get here nice and early, the last couple of times here its been pretty mad to get passed by Thor Hushovd, Mark Renshaw etc warming up riding round the car park 🙂
Watch the start, nice late breakfast in Osso, down to Drumlanrig – great day out
I would definitely be going to both but the young team is racing up Glentress after the grand depart.

it’s only 1.5 hours frmo peebles to drumlanrig, but if only one then prob the finish. ALso, going the other way to the race, so no problem with road closures.
Good adventure playground round the back of the castle for younger ones too.

I’ll be at the start, my kids are part of the leadout train with peebles cc!

http://www.drumlanrig.com/

“Tour of Britain 2013

The Tour of Britain’s Scottish Stage, and Day One of the 2013 race, is coming to Drumlanrig Castle on Sunday 15 September.

Watch the race live on the Giant Screen before the cyclists arrive at the Castle. There will be cycling themed entertainment from 1pm, trade stands, a mouth watering farmers market and much more. Arrive early to enjoy the Country Park, Cycling Museum, Castle Gardens and Stableyard.

Important Spectator Information for Tour of Britain visitors to Drumlanrig Castle

Vehicular access on Sunday 15 September is from the main visitor entrance, on the A76 north of Carronbridge. Admission charges for the day to the Gardens and Country Estate have been waived and car parking for the event is £2 per car.

To ensure that the race runs smoothly and without obstruction, all spectators and vehicles to Drumlanrig must be in place by 2pm. Cars will not be allowed access to the Castle grounds after this time. This is to guarantee the safety of competing cyclists, support staff and spectators.”

Macavity – thanks for link, looks like a cracking day out, so will aim to be there 11ish, cheers

It should be good if it is dry on the day, not so great if it rains. Umbrellas and wellies. It is grass on either side of the finish line.

If you have not been to Drumlanrig before,

http://www.wilde-thyme.co.uk/sites/default/files/drumlanrig%20castle%20aerial.jpg

The road leading up to the house, will have the finishing straight / finish line just about at the bottom right of the photo.

Once across the finish line the riders will turn right into the small carpark (not a public car park on the day) to where the team buses will be. You will be able to chat to the team staff/helpers (if you speak the right languages) before the race arrives.

The public carpark on the day will be in a field off to the left of the picture. You will walk up the narrow curved road from the carpark to the front of the house.

Some further info about timings, parking, access to Drumlanrig etc here:
http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage1/scotland_spectator_info.php#.Ui7xOT9el3s

http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage1/scotland_route.php#.Ui7xbT9el3s

Second link you can download the full race manual which lists every road, turning, hillclimb, timings etc.

Go to Drumlanrig early and go for a ride, you know it makes sense 🙂

Drumlanrig, Adventure playground for the kids, then Thomas tosh in Thornhill for coffee n mahoosive cake!. Dalveen pass is a lovely drive too.

Nobeer – yep, it’s Drumlanrig for us, hoping the weather is ok….