Tour de France

Watching the Tour de France as it pursues its route through the UK, (a precursor for when we get swallowed up by Europe) its been marvellous to see, as the aerial shots of the race normally showing France at its best, its now the UKs turn to show the world what a pretty place we live in.
I can't believe the crowds, maybe the cynic in me feels its another indicator of our Benefit Culture when so many people can take time off work but their enthusiasm is unalloyed and  special as they cheer the riders every kilometre of the way, an incredible a sea of happy expectant faces lining the route. The enthusiasm is scary for a nation known for its reticence. People waiting for what is no more than a couple of minutes of the actual race, they have waited hours and, when its all done, one imagines them turning into a pub or two to chat about the day the race came by their front door.
The sunshine has been the match maker and we have been blessed both in Yorkshire  and now in the area in which I live. The sun has highlighted the colour and the contrasts, the yellow of the rapeseed crop, the green of the trees and hedgerows the Norman Castles and the dinky villages, all are on show and look a treat.
Yorkshire was lovely with its narrow roads, winding up and down  the hills, lined by famous dry stone walls over which the open fells makes the Dales as good as anywhere on a sunny day. The roads here in Essex are also lined with people. Its as if the Counties are competing with each other to show the best, most enthusiastic publicity face and, as a spectacle the race begins to take second place to the scenery as we make our way towards London.
The crowds have equalled anything seen in France or Italy the home of professional cycling and we have to reflect what the Europeans make of this and how an event like this can be worth millions in export value as we promote the country and its people.