If we do nothing, nothing will change

July 18 - Stage 14  / July 19 - Stage 15 / Rest Day / July 21 - Stage 16 / Tour Scenery / July 22 - Stage - 17

July 23 - Stage 18 / July 24 - Stage 19 / July 25 - Stage 20 / July 26 - Stage 21 / Photo Gallery

July 26 - stage 21 Last day, on the Champs!

We were up early, 4:45 am, to get to the Champs Elysees so we could pick our spot and get set up. We laid everything out last night so we could get up and make the short walk to Champs. We made it to our spot about 5:20. The street was still open and it was still dark. Because we had the big banner to hang, we had scouted the location yesterday. We just needed to make a final decision, based on where the turnaround point would be for the riders. We decided on a spot and set everything up. We had to wait a while before putting a few things up because the Tour sponsors would be by later to hang sponsor banners on the barricades. We set up our barricades around our area also. It gets a bit crowded later in the day and the barricades behind us keep people from climbing our backs as the riders pass by.

In Honor, In Memory & In Support of those affected by cancer

Soon after we had the banners up, some friends from previous Tours started showing up. We ended up with quite a worldwide mix - Austrailia (a couple that just got engaged), Asheville NC, Chicago IL, France (Gui, my RAGBRAI teammate from 2007), Sweden, Tampa FL, Virginia (5 year cancer 12 year old survivor Harrison), Denver CO (Cycling Combatting Cancer buddy Phyllis), Birmingham AL (riding friends from home), Tulsa OK (former Champs Elysees friends), Canada, London and whoever I'm now forgetting (sorry).  We took turns getting food & bathroom breaks and sharing stories about how or why we were involved with cancer. People were doing everything from playing cards to ping pong and quite a few toasts and celebrations, as well.

The riders didn't get to us until around 4:30 or 5:00. You can tell when they start getting close by the roar of the crowd moving up the Champs.

Lance was riding one of the specially designed bikes that would later be put in the Stages Art Show. Eight laps around the Champs from where we were meant we saw the riders every 8 minutes. The other advantage of setting up our barricades is that we have people rotate, front to back every couple of laps so everyone gets to take some pictures and see the riders as they fly by. About an hour after the race finishes and they complete the podium presentations, the riders and teams make a celebration lap and take pictures in front of the Arc. It's a great time for our group to take pictures and cheer the riders. Everyone is happy to have completed the race and the riders really appreciate all the cheers. Christian Vande Velde hopped the curb and rode past us slapping hands with the crowd. George Hincapie rode over to our group and signed a LiveStrong card for Vicky, our your new Canadian friend. We thought she was going to wet her pants, she was so excited!

Lance gave us a nod and waved as he passed the giant Hope Rides Again banner. It's really amazing that he was able to be away from the sport for 4 years and come back and make the podium. We got involved with Lance when we went to Austin many years ago and realized how important it is to make an effort against cancer. You don't have to be the top fundraiser or hold the biggest event to help. Sometimes just being willing to share you story can affect and inspire others to get involved. Sometimes you just need to do your part.

We hope you enjoyed the stories and pictures along our travels. It was fun, although stressful at times. Hard climbing mountains on a tandem, but worth it when we made new friends. And finally fun to know that we've help spread the LiveStrong message to others.

Best wishes and LiveStrong!

Jerry & Angie

P.S. - If you'd like to take two minutes to make a donation to help others and possibly yourself, follow this link