Anyone heading for the 'Grand Depart' via Dover to Calais?

carnocs3m5

Hi, I am Simon, a 19 year old who has just finished his A-levels.

This summer I plan on hitchhiking the entire TDF route with a tent on my back. Is anyone planning on heading there for the first few stages (the Vendée department), via the Dover to Calais ferry? It would make my initial few days a hell of a lot easier if I found someone going directly there!

Thanks for any help

Simon, London

carnocs3m5

I take this as a no .... no worries, I leave 2moro or wednesday
If anyone sees a dirt blonde haired teenager waving a GB flag, who hasn't washed for 2 weeks, and whose Team Sky jersey is now caked in mud, offer him a lift

Paul_iow

I am heading down on friday, im getting the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk first thing in the morning and can give you a lift nearly all the way to The Vendee if it helps. PM if you want to arrange something

takethehighroad

http://www.itv.com/tourdefrance/2011/news/hitchhiker-follows-tour-around-france/

Fame and fortune favours the brave! Hat to you Simon.

cogidubnus

Brillant, cracking stuff Simon! I can see a book in this

inkyfingers

Excellent stuff, that's an experience he'll never forget!

Paul_iow

Glad you made to stage 4, good luck for the rest. Could have mentioned me on TV though

alan_a

Good luck to you Simon. I'm very jealous. Last year I followed the whole thing in a campervan. That was hard work, however what you are doing sounds much tougher... but much more exciting.

Chapeau.

alan_a

Simon got breakfast on the Team Sky bus this morning

http://www.facebook.com/TeamSky

cogidubnus

I spotted you on the Tourmelet today Simon as G went past on the TV

guinea

If you see a guy in a kilt say hi!

CyclingBantam

Cogidubnus wrote:

I spotted you on the Tourmelet today Simon as G went past on the TV

I thought that was him. Sky top, UnionJack, trotted after the riders breifly just as they were coming in to the town?

Hope you are having a great time Simon. I am over for the Alp d'huez and Galibier stages so will look out for you.

takethehighroad

Update from Simon - He's our version of Thomas Voeckler, struggling through adversity to succeed

http://www.itv.com/tourdefrance/2011/news/the-hitchikers-guide-to-the-tour-part-ii/

cogidubnus

The lad is doing well. Wish I had done it at his age

stokepa31

top lad. wish id had the kahoonas to do something like that at his age

davelakers

Every credit lad. Best of luck

graeme_s-2

Seems he made it all the way to Paris, having seen every stage, got into the Sky post-Tour party and has now hitched home. What an amazing trip!

http://twitter.com/#!/simoncarno

CyclingBantam

I saw Simon on both the Galibier and on the Alp. I would have come over to say hello Simon but it was through a crowd etc. Great stuff doing it and I expect it is a trip you will never forget.

You need to give that Sky jersey a good wash though!!!

Le Commentateur

Excellent!