La Fête du Tour
La Fête du Tour takes place on the weekend of Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June in 2014.
Traditionally, the French towns and villages along the route of the Tour celebrate la Fête du Tour on a weekend a few weeks in advance of the race. (In 2013, it was on 15th June). Ordinary cyclists, not champions, are the stars of la Fête du Tour.
Events include cycle rides along the route of the race, walks, and picnics. Some of the bike rides are sportives, but many are 10-15km non-competitive recreational rides.
Welcome to Yorkshire have this quote from Sir Rodney Walker, of TDF Hub 2014 Ltd: 'The Tour is not just about the three days of the race, but also the celebrations in the run up to it. The Fête is the perfect opportunity for people to engage with the event. And we're calling on them to play their part by getting together to plan a party or event to welcome this amazing spectacle.'
La Fête du Tour: Streetbikes Real Community Tour of Yorkshire
On Saturday 31st May, Streetbikes are organising a community bike ride for all abilities - the Real Community Tour of Yorkshire. Streetbikes is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to used cycling to enhance the health, education, and well-being of people in the Kirklees area. They can provide a bike to anyone who doesn't have one, in order to take part in the event.
There are three different routes, and 20 starting points, with everyone ending up in St George's Square, Huddersfield for a Festival. People can come in from Dewsbury, to the east, Slaithwaite to the west, or New Mill to the south.
La Fête du Tour: Le Petit Grand Départ, Skipton
Skipton Cycle Club and Craven District Council are organising a cyclo-sportive starting in Skipton, and taking in part of the route of Stage 1 of the Tour. The shorter 'recreational ride' is 33 miles from Skipton to Kettlewell and back, and the longer 'sportive ride' takes in Kidstones Pass, Hawes, Widdale, Ribblehead, and Settle. Read more about Le Petit Grand Départ.
La Fête du Tour: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
La Fête du Tour will be celebrated at the Olympic Park from 9.45am to 6pm on Saturday 31st May.
The programme sounds slightly underwhelming, and our impression is that it hasn't been heavily advertised. Anyway, there are led rides, bike tests, mountain bike displays, cycle training taster sessions, cycle security marking by the police, French food stalls, and TDF merchandise for sale.