We usually check the route of this bike race to see when it comes close to us. This year Stage 1 travelled from Glasgow to Castle Douglas and Stage 2 headed from Carlisle to Kendal. So plenty of possible locations to see the cavalcade pass by if the weather permitted.
We study the route to find somewhere where the bikes are likely to slow down, otherwise it is just a blur and a whoosh.
The forecast looked quite good for both days so we headed to St John's Town of Dalry in D&G which was the last sharp bend on narrow roads before the long sprint to Castle Douglas.
Away from the crowds outside the village pub, a few locals had gathered at the junction further up the village and we settled down on our folding chairs.
The outriders started to appear about ½ hour before the bikes were due. Firstly the organisers and media photographers in their cars. 
Closely followed by Police and Race Marshalls on their motor bikes who stop all the traffic.
Once the PA vehicle arrived with its loudspeakers arrived we were told there was a small breakaway group coming first with a 2 minute advantage over the main field. The action wasn't far behind now.
The helicopter could be heard in the sky and the breakaway group came through followed by a TV camera bike.
Then a short while later a second TV camera bike came through followed by the Peleton.
Then as they pass by it is a case of keeping the finger on the button of the camera (remember if you click on any photo you get a larger view and can see them as a slideshow)
We managed to spot Mark Cavendish mid-field.
And Sir Bradley near the back!
Then more of the Police, Marshalls and the team cars come rolling through.
On the Monday we headed to Cumwhinton which is a small village just outside Carlisle after the roll out has finished and race proper has started.
Again we were positioned on a sharp bend waiting for the Police outriders. We noted that the motorbikes were from many counties from around the country.
The riders had not yet formed a breakaway and came through bunched together.
Val took a video to give an idea of the speed and the number of support vehicles that follow the bikes. The video had to stop when someone walked in front of the camera!!
Once you click play you can change to a larger view by clicking the symbol (bottom right)
We then jumped in the car and made our way back around Carlisle and headed towards Bassenthwaite where we knew the route met various road junctions. Our first choice had no parking spaces available so we went further down the route and found a Narrow Bridge and sharp bend which they would have to negotiate (and we found somewhere to park up!).
This time our choice of location was also where one of the official media photographers had decided to take some low angle shots !!
The breakaway pass the bridge first with the race leader in yellow.
The Peleton were not far behind but it was more difficult to spot Mark Cavendish as they rushed passed.
But we knew where to find Sir Bradley Wiggins because he had admitted he was only along for the ride as a thank you to the public of Britain for their support.
The rain started as we drove home so we had been very lucky with our locations.
We will have to wait for next years route!!
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