Armstrong at the 2005 Tour de France - Thoughts and Predictions

Big News: Lance Armstrong WILL ride the 2005 Tour de France.

Oh really! Most of the European pros never doubted he would ride it, and most were annoyed at Americans asking what they thought of the announcement. I must admit, I fall somewhat into the same camp. I fully expected him to be there, but yet, the every move of Armstrong remains newsworthy here in the USA.

There is no doubt that his presence helps companies selling travel to the Tour make more sales. We are also a benefactor. (BTW; we are contributors to the LAF -so we give back!) Tour companies are making hay while the sun is shining; or is it now setting?! Definitely it is setting.

This year's interest in the Tour is way down from previous years by our American clientele. Since Armstrong has delayed his commitment, many fans also waited on the sidelines. But since the announcement the interest has come primarily from non-riders or simply fans of Lance Armstrong. Thats great, but where are the cyclists?

Do I assume that cyclists are doing their own thing by going to the Tour on their own, or do I assume that they have already been in one of the last 6 years where Armstrong has prevailed, and now it isn't worth it to go back? I don't know, but as Lance Armstrong rides out of racing and into cycling history I think we can predict a downturn in Tour de France fanaticism in the USA and quite possibly road cycling in general in the USA.

In my recent trips to the Tour de France I have asked every participant their greatest TDF moment; and the majority by far list an experience involving Lance Armstrong. It is phenomenal what this man has accomplished for cycling and continues to accomplish for cancer patients and cancer survivors. My own father in law, who died of cancer 2 years ago in France, kept Lance Armstrong as a model to help him get through. Helas, he did not. Armstong's inspiration for cancer patients will continue, but for cycling it will slowly fade.

So, if you want to see the legend one more time, you can do so at the Tour de France; or at the Tour of Georgia, or the various spring classics he will ride. But, if you are just a cyclist, have always been a cyclist, or are just new to cycling for any reason, you can rest assured that you will have the opportunity to see the Tour de France and/or ride the famous routes of the tour in future. Bicycle travel will continue to be a popular form of vacation, especially in Europe where roads are many and the culture and sites very appealing.

So, about this year’s Tour de France; can Armstrong win number 7? Unless he crashes out, is injured prior in one of the classics; then I see nobody who is mentally strong enough to top him.

L

Frequent Flyer Space 2005

Looking to cash in some miles for travel this season to Europe?

If you don't have your tickets yet, you may be out of luck already! Space is at an extraordinary low for travel from mid May through the end of August. I personally have been looking for 1 month now to locate 4 award seats on DL, AF, CO, NW, AL, and others and nothing is available over the water in either direction. The good news is, availability does change as people cancel and/or space that is held does fall back into the system when not booked. This does require calling regularly and working on the phone for hours. Some airline websites will show you frequent flyer space, but if you are like me, you know that those sites are not too sophisticated. I have a hard time taking "no" for answer and I know that by calling an agent can manipulate the connections and system much more smartly than the website computer can with the limited data you will input.

The advice: book it now! But now! Last minute travel, don't make me laugh; there will be nothing and you will pay through the nose for a ticket to Europe. Why does this not correspond to the domestic scene? Because the big guys control the transatalantic flights and they are making their only revenues there! Expect to pay a lot across the Atlantic because the domestic markets are killing them!

L

Using Walking Poles

If you are considering a walking/hiking tour, you may be considering the use of walking poles. It seems like the obvious and prudent thing to do for most people, yet there are others, myself included, who don't often use poles.

Some people may consider it like wearing a helmet on a bike, or in other words, as a security device. They do help provide balance on loose trail material or steep grades, or crossing streams. Walking poles will also, apparently, help reduce fatigue by improving breathing and posture. If used properly, poles will help travel more quickly as well, if that is your goal, and reduce overall stress.

There are really no arguments against using them, only arguments as to why they are useful and should be employed by everyone. There are those who use one pole, or a stick, to get the balance, but based on the argument that they are effective in all the areas they are, then 1 pole in each hand is the most logical solution.

I have often avoided them for several reasons:
- just more gear to carry; and if non-telescoping then totally too bulky
- my hikes were short, and/or I wasn't carrying any gear for which I needed improved efficiency
- balance can be hindered as well as aided by poles
- mountaineering or technical scrambles require hands and/or axes
- I like positioning my hands in the straps of my pack or under my pack and just different places to change things up
- looking funny

Well, as a promoter of walking and hiking travel, I have to advise clients that none of my short list of reasons are really valid. You should get yourself a pair of telescoping poles. Make sure they are sized properly, and that you practice and know how to use them. Your poles must have straps, or it seems to me that they are going to be a burden, just like some long unpackable pole will be. At the same time, I have to wonder; does it make a difference if you spend hundreds of dollars. The usual arguments apply: quality, life of the product and so forth. If it helps, I now refer you to a few good articles in the Backpacker website:

http://www.backpacking.net/trekpole.html

http://www.backpacking.net/walkstik.html


Enjoy!

L