The Evening of Friday 6th July

[Sylv]

So about 20 of us turned up at 7pm tonight for rehearsal, guys of all ages and shapes and two (stunner) girls. We got our yellow jerseys and told to wait till 8.15 (I'm used to waiting after the TdF ad) ... it was drizzling and cold so we went to Starbucks for a coffee.

Then we were told what to do - basically ride round the circular centre stage for a couple minutes until the signal which is some Queen song (think it involves a bicycle ) when we are meant to exit the stage. All very simple if it hadn't been so wet! The stage itself, wooden, wasn't so bad, but at the back we were riding on corrugated iron with an added two big bumps covering the cabling ... everyone was not so confident and sure enough there were a couple falls.

That was it and we should be on around 8.45pm tomorrow. I think our bikes will be next to the Pros' who will be presented on stage before our finale. If I get the chance I'll ask the Caisse d'Epargne guys what they thought of the loonie who challenged them up Box Hill

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote]loonie who challenged them up Box Hill

[Sylv]

I have a few pics but best you be there tonight. More likely 8.20pm actually.

I'll try wear my ACC cap under le helmet if they let me.

[Sylv]

no they will be on before. our thing is the closing.

are you getting there for 6 then? I'll give you a call

[Sylv]

well Tourmania really is on - my WHSmith has run out of every single road cycling magazine

[Jon H]

I've just been for a shufti around Trafalgar Square. Not much going on at the moment except the hoardes of tourists who are looking a bit more perplexed than usual.

There's one grandstand which I guess will be VIP seating only, so the rest will be standing room only unless you get there early and nap a bit of a fountain to sit on.

Alans suggested meeting point of the 4th plinth looks OK, although it's impossible to say how busy it will be by 6pm. Fallback meeting point could be the entrance to the National Gallery.

[Sylv]

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[Sylv]

Full version - from ceremony organisation

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[Nick]

A Pal of mine from my rugby club is on of the head guys for CCTV coverage for the police and security(He oversees all the cameras and sometimes mans the NEW walk through scanners), as I type this is he trying to get me backstage pass........but it means I will have to leave the kids at home. A sacrifice I could easily make considering the amount of times I have not gone on CR because a party or 2 has come up. Will keep you guys informed.


If not he has promised me some great sourvenours? 1 offs????

Nick

[Nick]

No luck with backstage pass, was left to late, he is on top of the Arches behind Nelson (Admaltary Arch?). today, and on sunday he's on top of a new Glass building watching them come across tower Bridge. Has promised some photos from high as they come across the bridge.

If only I had picked the kids up from school on tuesday and spoke to him there I would have been able to go............... ...