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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Coming Attractions on the Patio.



Workmen will be busy for a while from today constructing a grandstand on the Patio. We are expecting big crowds to our all-night, most of the day sessions, binoculars and GPS at the ready, watching the big events in Europe unfold. TWO big events in fact. Starting June 29th.

We can see a long way. Much further than most so you might want to get a comfy chair by your computer, Google Earth at the ready. Two of the the Greatest, toughest, most 'close-up' Races in the World starting on June the 29th with the Tour de France and interrupted after a week on July 7th by the Red Bull X-Alps: that will likely last an entire week. Perhaps more. Then the rest of the Tour can be followed.

Yep, From here we can see Europe !

The Red Bull X-Alps 2013 will be the sixth edition of the world's toughest adventure race. Athletes must either hike or fly approximately 1000km across the Alps from Salzburg to Monaco in the fastest time possible. Every kilometre must be covered either on foot or flown in a paraglider. It's a formidable undertaking and takes place in one of most breathtaking yet also unforgiving environments.



Each team consists of one athlete and up to two supporters. No technical or outside assistance is allowed. It requires expert paragliding experience and a very high level of endurance fitness — it's not uncommon for athletes to hike up to 100km in a day. The 2013 edition comes on the ten-year anniversary of the first Red Bull X-Alps.

You will be able to track every athlete who carries a GPS marker that even shows him spiralling up on thermals. See the marker as it hikes past on 'street view'.


Usually the athletes rest late at night but this year one night can be chosen by each for them to plod on, perhaps taking and extending a lead over their exhausted competitors. They are not likely to all choose the same night and as there are 32 stalwarts so far (expect a few drop outs before the day) there will be a few out on the roads and mountain tracks every night.

We will serve hot drinks and provide blankets and rugs. You can go to the toilet anytime an athlete does.

Vast quantities of spirit-lifting ale, wine and hard liquor are on order to bolster our already well-stoked cellar. The kitchens will have extra cooks. Singers and small orchestras will be on hand most evenings.


Tickets at the patio gate or you could goto:



 
Follow your favoured man or national team. But be there. You will be amazed.


The week before, and all through the Red Bull X-Alps race, we will also be able to see and follow the Tour De France.





France TV does a first class travel marketing job, showing superb countryside and historical sights. The camera-work at road and bike level is also a phenomenon. It is a huge treat for those who like to see men in lycra showing little else but their backsides. But the massed-peleton crashes are a far more spectacular sight to see.


SBS TV in Oz does the very best coverage and their Tour de France site can be found at : 

Your Tavern-Keeper has many a short night's sleep ahead !! But fear not, I shall sleep in !
 

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Ne meias in stragulo aut pueros circummittam.

Our Bouncer is a gentleman of muscle and guile. His patience has limits. He will check you at the door.

The Tavern gets rowdy visitors from time to time. Some are brain dead and some soul dead. They attack customers and the bar staff and piss on the carpets. Those people will not be allowed in anymore. So... Be Nice..