Just what you need on a sunny afternoon. We’re sure it’s just as good on a wet, rainy November day too, but this was ideal. It was July 5th 2014, the day of Le Grand Depart, as the TdF set off from Leeds towards Harrogate on the memorable first stage of Yorkshire’s splendid celebration. The crowds turned out in force to support the riders, with a glorious sunny day that made Yorkshire glow.

Little known fact: The Parisi tribe lived in East Yorkshire. They were a small, but distinctive group of people who farmed the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds between about 300 and 100BC. The Parisi share their name with the people who lived in France around what is today Paris. So, naturally, the TdF was welcomed with all the generosity, hospitality and enthusiasm that Yorkshire folk can manage [that’s enough…ed.]

Great beer, Pimms and restorative BBQ…especially the sausages.

Pub with garden The Mustard Pot

The Mustard Pot

Cote de Buttertubs, Yorkshire Dales

Official translations

Yorkshire sheep wear the Maillot jaune – yes they really were painted this colour…

Crowds gather on the route in Leeds, wearing the Flat Cap/Beret