Day 11 Tidbits

Kind of boring today

Rest stops…

The rest stops along the way are a unique experience. If you recall, we need to stop every 2 hours for a 30 minute break for the driver. We typically stop at a rest stop with a grassy area typical of rest stops in the US, but they also have services; such as, gas station, small restaurants, bathroom facilities, etc. Some are popular stopping point and are over crowded with cars and people. The people seldom see the need to wait in line to use the facilities. The entire area becomes a facility. The stench is everywhere. Lovely for a 30 minute break. The facilities are also a unique experience. Few have actual commodes. While they may have urinals, the 'other' facility is basically a piece of 2' x 3' porcelain on the ground with a hole towards the rear of the base for the, ahem, deposit. On either side of the porcelain base, towards the front are markers for feet placement. I found them unsuitable for use. As refined a the Euros, the French in particular, pretend to be in the international community, they lack a significant level of basic decency in so many other areas. The US has its issues to be sure. But I find it particularly disappointing when people act so indignant with the behavior of others when they have so many warts themselves. This is one item I am working to improve - checking myself so as not to be too hypocritical.

Cleanliness…

The climb to the Hautacam was littered with people for 14 km. The people were partying and throwing their garbage everywhere. The Tour Caravan is an interesting event. It is a caravan of all the team vehicles, sponsors and entertainment that rides the ENTIRE route staying about 1 hour ahead of the lead group of riders in the race. Along the route, the Caravan participants throw souvenir items to the crowd. The items range from goofy trinkets, pens, and newspapers to team shirts, hats, and more collectible items. Many of the items are retained by the spectators, more is discarded along the road. The next morning, several in our group went back to the Hautacam to attempt the climb again. The overwhelming comment was that they did not see one piece of trash on the route. Pretty impressive for how little the French otherwise seem to work.