This may sound twisted

[skanking biker]

I started getting into cycling about four years ago. The last two years all I do is think about bikes, ride bikes, and tinker with them. However, I never developed an interest in the Tour or competitive cycling.

I hate to say it, but I didn't even start watching the Tour this year until the doping scandals started to make news. However, having spent the last 3 days watching it before and after work, I am really into it and want to learn as much as I can.

I wonder how many people like me are out there?

[GV27]

Bad publicity's better than no publicity......

[VT Biker]

I really only started watching the tour last year once I started riding. It is addicting, especially once you get to know all about the strategy, the different jerseys which are up for grabs etc...

For example, even today, while no one big was in the lead group, the Green Jersey competition was still up for grabs. I am rooting for Robbie Hunter, and it gave some extra excitement to the race even though the winner of the stage was known 8 minutes earlier. A lot of people unfamiliar with racing do not understand this, and therefore, lose interest.

[VT Biker]

I started getting into cycling about four years ago. The last two years all I do is think about bikes, ride bikes, and tinker with them. However, I never developed an interest in the Tour or competitive cycling.

I hate to say it, but I didn't even start watching the Tour this year until the doping scandals started to make news. However, having spent the last 3 days watching it before and after work, I am really into it and want to learn as much as I can.

I wonder how many people like me are out there?

Well,

trust me. Stick with the race and try to catch the Vuelta if you can. Cycling is the best sporting event there is on so many levels. Once they clean this sport up, it will get even better.

[fixiechick]

Definitely check out the other tours and classics if you can - Vuelta, Tour de Suisse, etc. You can occasionally find them on clearance at WCP every now and then. Also worth looking into the DVD boxsets of past Tours. Addictive stuff, great way to spend rainy weekends vegging out. Oh man, do I miss the days when Tour coverage was no-frills. One or two commercials per hour, no lame special effects.

[richard_dupp]

Cylcing needs cleaned up, but compare it to pro football, basketball, baseball, insert here. At least cycling is working on it. What happens to a doper in these other sports? He is congratulated on breaking the Babe's record or Hank's record. Not to say that cycling is OK as is, it needs cleaned up, but it is miles ahead of other sports.

[FrankBattle]

Cylcing needs cleaned up, but compare it to pro football, basketball, baseball, insert here. At least cycling is working on it. What happens to a doper in these other sports? He is congratulated on breaking the Babe's record or Hank's record. Not to say that cycling is OK as is, it needs cleaned up, but it is miles ahead of other sports.

Yes, I agree.

Are you from the South? Just curious. I travel south for work and hear this grammatical construct often .. Just curious; not judging .. I don't even know if it's wrong or right.

[PatD]

My first tour really watching, but in the opposite way I've been into it until today. I'll watch next year. It is a terrific sport but jeez, clean it up before the tour. My lingering assumption is that given these guys KNEW they would be tested (even WHEN) and they apparently thought they could get away with it? Something doesn't jibe.

[skanking biker]

I just wish they would show more of the actual race. Its like on a repetitive loop: 45 sec. intro, 3-5 min. commentary; 4 min. of racing; 10 min of Saab commercials and cervelo commercials; rinse repeat

I have to watch about 10 minutes of BS for every 1 minute of racing

[tubescreamerx]

I just wish they would show more of the actual race. Its like on a repetitive loop: 45 sec. intro, 3-5 min. commentary; 4 min. of racing; 10 min of Saab commercials and cervelo commercials; rinse repeat

I have to watch about 10 minutes of BS for every 1 minute of racing

A DVR is your friend. However, I agree that I shouldn't have to spend 7 minutes fast-forwarding for a 3-hour broadcast.

[JohnKScott]

I just started cycling in April. Would have never thought of watching a TdF in the past. Now I am really diggin' it. In fact, my wife is starting to get a little irritated as I plant my shrinking butt on the couch to watch in the evening :D. I love the coverage. I'm not even put off by the doping stuff. It sucks, but hopefully they are culling them out. I don't fully understand team tactics yet. But it is intriguing to watch. Would like to learn more about tactics. I don't think I'll ever get into competitive racing myself. Heck, never even done a group ride yet. By the end of July I'll have put in 750 solo miles over 3 months. I know that's not a lot for some of you ;) :D. I'm starting out at 44 and really just starting to get into better shape now. But who knows. Maybe I'll find as I lose a bunch of weight (larger hills are a little tedious pulling 212 pounds up them :D) I have a hidden talent (at least for my age group). But for now, I'm intrigued to watch and learn.

I'm loving Le Tour!!

So I'm a newbie
So sue me

:D