Stage 2 is going a few hundred meters from my house which means the A59 is going to be even more mental than usual but I'd say even for non cyclists its an excuse to get out into some excellent countryside.

Plus the amount of £££ its bringing in to small businesses en route that plan for it shouldnt be sniffed at. Like the Bakers I saw for the Tour De France that rented a catering kettle and was doing tea and bacon butties for £1.50 - massive queue that they wouldnt normally have had

I live in Bradford, so am used to people on drugs passing me at speed. However, surely this is like anything else you haven't tried, if you haven't tried it, don't knock it.

I can see how watching elite athletes do their thing in the flesh might be enjoyable' its like what we all do going to rugby isn't it? Those not particularly interested in the sport might nevertheless make a very good day out out of it, if you pick the right spot. Those interested won't just watch the cyclists whiz by, they will have access to radio and in many cases video of the event and watching them go past just adds to that. I'm sure there'll be places with big screens here and there too.

Someone mentioned horseracing, but if you want to, you can make a potted summary of most any sport or pastime sound absurd, but as a frequent attender of race meeting, in reality it isn't remotely like that, it is a fantastic day out, and that's why thousands of people are attracted to it, especially the major events.

Millions watched the Tour de Yorkshire last time and it was a boon for businesses on the route. Each to their own, but I certainly aren't going to knock something that millions in Yorkshire clearly actively support.

I'm with Jimmy on this one.
I used to be proud to say I was born in God's own county
THen they closed the road so that bicycles could go faster
No wonder Lancs lot think we're a load of softies.

As for the old "Don't knock it unless you've tried it" chestnut - there are things I saw on the inside that I would never try cos its just sick but if that floats your boat FA

It is true that Yorkshire folk are miserable then?

If you come down by morning and in the unlikely event that makes any sense to you, be sure to tell us wtf you're talking about

Ok laughing boy I'll tell you.

You said


I've not tried gang rape because I think its abhorrent; it's sick, and the rapists are low-life bullies
So I'm knocking something that I have not tried.

According to you -

So what's your stance on gang rape FA - have you tried it? -and if not, according to you there's nothing wrong with it.

Really?

So basically the phrase is b@llocks FA

Do you need any further examples or has the penny dropped now

How is that an appropriate response to a light hearted thread about cycling?

Moderators?

Aw come on - Micky had originally only alluded to it;
It was FA who called him out by asking him to explain himself - so he did.

I think Micky was just trying to explain that the phrase "Dont knock it till you try it" is garbage - there are numerous examples where it doesnt fit - as FA pointed out in another thread about "living within your means" or something.

Although I take your point - cycling is not as bad as the example Mickey gave

I'm not interested in cycling, but I am interested in where I live, which is Yorkshire. If it puts us on the map, not that we need it and brings money and entertainment to Yorkshire families then I'm all for it.

Yes, the penny has dropped: you're an objectionable moron.

This thread is discussing the Tour de Yorkshire and specifically whether to watch it or not. More generally, I mentioned other sporting events to watch or not, e.g. horseracing.

It is true that in the case of any spectator sport, if you haven't tried watching it, you can't say for sure you might not like it, and that is the point in this discussion.

It takes a special kind of stupid to think that introducing the old adage into the discussion means I can't "knock" gang rape if I haven't tried it, and if you really did make that connection and aren't just on the wind, (on which my jury is out) then you're a pretty odious individual.

The phrase, in context, is excellent advice. Especially when it comes to spectator sports.

Now crawl back under your bridge.