Using the map trick again, I plastered it to the window and said:

“Arc de Triomphe, si’l vous plaît.”

I rode the hot, crowded train by myself, determined to see this landmark. Climbing out of the tunnel into the bright sunlight and stifling heat, I was shocked by the throngs of people I ran into. I had no idea why there were so many people around the behemoth stone structure and along the Champs-Élysées. I weaved in and out of the crowds and finally found a stone pedestal I was able to climb onto for a better view.

Not long after I found my perch, I heard excited roars in the distance and felt the rumble as it grew, cascaded over me, and continued down the street. A cyclist streaked past in a blur of colors, riding the wave of cheers. Immediately, there was another, then a few more, then larger clusters of bikers.

Holy crap!

I had stumbled onto the 1986 Tour de France! I held my breath and gaped in amazement! Even now my heart is racing as I recall the thrill of seeing this firsthand and completely by accident!

Check out the 80’s garb!

[End of Part 4 of 7]