So many things have been cancelled or postponed. Some sporting events are squeaking out games now, typical with no fans, but it at least gives some substance to my hourly ritual of pulling up ESPN on my phone. For months I kept pulling it up, and there was rarely anything to read about.

That’s why I was so sad that the Tour de France was cancelled this year, as I’ve grown accustomed to following it every summer. From the excitement of the picturesque images of France as the cyclists zip by, to the unfolding drama of amongst the teams in the fight for yellow.

I was extremely happy yesterday to find out that I was wrong. It wasn’t cancelled this year, it was only postponed and started yesterday. I get to see those images of the huge lavender fields and giant sunflowers. I get to hear the commentary on the history of this French Chateau or that French village. It’s a history lesson wrapped up in an amazing bike race.

The athletes are ridiculously fantastic. By the end of the tour, you learn who are the heros and villains. You learn more about unwritten rules of cycling, such as situations that are considered no-no’s on when you can attack. You see horrific crashes that make you scratch your head how someone can survive them. Side note… always, always, always wear a helmet.

Each year I watch it, I feel thats it’s becoming less likely that I’ll ever compete in one. I would likely need to become a professional cyclist first. And likely would need to become just a regular cyclist before becoming a professional cyclist. So I’m thinking it’s not going to happen. I would love to at least get to watch it from the roadside some day. To be one of those that camp out on the side of the road to catch a glimpse of the peloton flying by. I don’t think I’ll ever be one of the crazies that run along the side of them in a Speedo and my country’s flag worn as a cape. I’ll leave that to those that have the confidence of Speedo-wearing that far from water.

If you’ve never watched, try to tune in over the next month. An amazing sporting event.