"My 30th birthday isn't for another 6 years"


No offense but most people would consider this post odd.

Maybe if you can't afford a trip to Europe sooner than 6 years, you should plan something less expensive that that you could do in the next year. I have spent considerable time in France and it isn't that great. The main reason you are probably considering it is because you are familiar with the TDF.

You can have similiar and probably better riding experiences in the US and Canada. I would much rather ride for a couple weeks in Colorado or the Canadian Rockies than in France and it can be done pretty cheap.