Forget the dopers, a British guy is riding the whole tour route solo a day ahead of the pro’s. His mom is following behind him in a minivan, which they sleep in each night. He’s the first guy to do this. He’s unsponsored. They figure they’ll spend 2000 pounds total.
Decades ago the TdF often had Amateurs tagging along trying to see if they could beat the pro’s. Sometimes they did! The crowds loved it.
This British guy sets out an hour before the route-marker guys. They then catch up to him and he follows the route arrows. They cheer when they pass.
It’s about the cheering.
More amateurs should haul off and ride the Tour. They’re the best hope for it. But why bother with a follow van? One can tour 3 weeks with 15lbs of gear stashed to a bike. Just wing it! Find a friend to come along. See how good you can do. Give the people something to cheer about again. I’m sure there are amateurs out there who could JUST BLAST up those mountains even with some luggage—the public would eat it up. Go go! Allez allez! It would be an adventure. People would be happy to let you pop up your tent in their yards.
Make up your own jersey—heck, maybe get a sponsor…
https://sport.guardian.co.uk/tourdefrance2007/story/0,,2134809,00.html#article_continue
