The Tour de France is back again this year running from July 2nd to 24th.  Lance is re-retired but there are still a good number of americans and american pro teams to root for if that's your thing.  Follow Garmin Cervelo with Tyler Farrar who just won his first tour sprint stage in stage 3 and Christian Van de Velde going for the GC.  BMC with big George Hincapie riding in his record 16th Tour.  And Radio Shack with it's 4 GC contenders including Leipheimer and Horner.  There's also the duel between Contador and the Schleck brothers.  And don't forget fan favorite Jens Voigt - Shut up Legs!  

There are a number of opportunities to watch the tour with other cycling fans.  If you don't want to sit at home or don't get versus here are a few possibilities for watching some stages.

Ashmont Cycles and Dot Bike are having a stage 12 -
Cugnou to Luz-Ardiden -viewing night on Bastille Day, July 14th starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dot2Dot cafe.  This is the first mountain top finish of the race and will likely shake out the pretenders from the real GC contenders.  There will be trivia, food and beer while it lasts.  So come on down for a fun evening of racing fun.

If you're heading out toward Somerville that same morning you can go to one of two of Red Bones BBQ tour breakfasts.

Tour de France Breakfasts & Broadcast at Red Bones

Thurs, July 14 @ 9 am • Stage 12 - Cugnou to Luz-Ardiden

Thurs, July 21 @ 9 am • Stage 18 - Climb to Galibier

This year the Galibier will be climbed twice, to mark the 100th anniversary of the first climb in 1911. The finish of the 18th stage, & the 2nd climb, will be judged at the summit - the highest finish in the Tour's history, an altitude of 2,645 meters.

Ride by solo or with a group, watch the day's stage & cycle thru a breakfast buffet of eggs, sausage, fruit, yogurt, juice, & coffee.

$8.00 pp for breakfast, broadcast & Bicycle Valet Parking

And on Two Fridays July 15th and July 22nd Ferris Wheels and Jeannie Johnston Pub have TdF party nights starting at 8 p.m.

Jeanie Johnston Pub is Tour de France 2011 headquarters! Every night through July 24 you can watch the Tour there, from 8-11pm. In addition, Ferris Wheels hosts two special party nights at Jeanie Johnston to watch grueling high mountain stages of the 21-day race on Friday, July 15 and Friday, July 22, 8-11 pm. Party nights feature: + Trivia contests for seasoned Tour fans + "Tour de France 101" - how to watch the Tour, the teams, the strategy + Raffles, Jeanie Johnston Pub food & beverage, and FUN! For more information, call Ferris Wheels Bike Shop at 617-524-BIKE.