When packing a bag for a trip to Paris it’s difficult to decide what to take. This year the task has been made a little simpler with a clear colour range of red, white, blue and yellow. I’ve taken the theme one extra step with a homage to Bradley. Thanks to Primark and some Asda transfer paper Michael, Aileen, Michael (M) and I shall be wearing a very exclusive little number. There are literally 4 of these bespoke shirts in the whole world and they’ll all be on the Champs Élysées tomorrow – with luck they’ll be enough to attract the attention the man himself.

After the dreary summer we’ve had in the UK, being in Paris feel positively tropical. Being able to go out without a coat (let along waterproof trousers and an umbrella) is just wonderful. On our way to dinner this evening we walked along the Seine on the opposite bank people were enjoying the Paris Plague – the temporary beach erected each summer. The sun was glistening on the water and it just felt a world away from our record-breaking wet summer. Hopefully it will hold on for tomorrow so that the sun shines on Mr Wiggins glorious achievements (and us as we wait to cheer him on).

The poles in question are the tent poles. They wouldn’t fit in the case, so are wrapped in a Wyken Parish Church cloth bag sticking out of my shoulder bag. They did raise an eyebrow at security – but a short explanation of their importance in our patriotic excursion and they were through the x-ray machine with no more questions asked. We’re now in the airport Starbuck’s waiting for the flight to board. Despite remembering the poles and gaffa tape I’ve realised I’ve forgotten the string and cable-ties. I wonder if they’ll sell any in Claire’s Accesories, WH Smith’s or the Duty Free shop?

The race in question is not whether Bradley Wiggins will win the yellow jersey, (it seems that only a catastrophe can shatter that dream now), but rather whether me and Mike can get to the airport to catch our flight. Despite me being up at 6am packed and ready to go, we still managed to miss the intended airport bus from Asda Bedminster. Thankfully, I always build in slippage time into my journey planning so we should be ok and, with a fair wind, in Paris for lunch. The only other uncertainty is whether our tent poles, (the impromptu flag pole for our union flag) will get past the airport security. If they don’t, there will be a mad dash around Paris later to find a suitable alternative – is there a Taunton Leisure in Paris?

Despite being addicted to social media it’s clear that my grasp of these new technologies does not extend to knowing how to set the ‘public’ option (as opposed to private) on our You Tube videos. Sorry if you were unable to watch any of these (if indeed you wanted to), this omnibus video blog post is for those who do!

Floriade Venlo Video
Maastricht Town Hall chimes
The Tour de France prologue Lèige
Stage 1: Liège – Seraing
Stage 3: Departure from Orchies