A belated report of Friday's stage watching on the lower slopes of Chinnor Hill.
After a gentle meander to Chinnor, (all of 6 miles!) when riding through Chinnor I was asked to stop by a lovely lady in a flouro vest to allow 200 schoolkids to cross the road. "My pleasure" I said, as I wasn't in a hurry.
The group of roadies who then gathered behind me then proceeede to take the mick out of my laden Carradice with stool bungied to the outside. My temporary companions of the road stopped taking the mick when I mentioned than I'd shortly be enjoying the use of the stool, whilst further enjoying the flask of tea and snacks in the aforementioned saddlebag!
As we rode off after the children had finished crossing the road, all 200 cheered loudly as we rode past as a thank you for stopping!
Accordingly lots of adults whom I'd guess are not familiar with seeing professional cyclists, then joined in thinking we were something official!
Choose a random driveway to sit in which afforded a good view of the approach to Chinnor Hill. A chap in a KotM jersey joined me with a small child on his shoulder. I'm guestimating she must have been about 4 yo. She was delighted when the owners of the house whose drive we were occupying appeared with a selection of cowbells, and so we all proceeded to play the "what reaction do we get if we cowbell you" game to the passing motor bikes and cars prior to (and post) the race coming through. Lots of waves, beeps, thumbs ups, siren blasts, and classic Euro team car two tone horns, passed the time and added to the atmosphere.
A great atmosphere as the race came through and then a lovely gently ride home - a top couple of hours on a sunny Friday afternoon.