Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 29, 1995 TAG: 9505020032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: NEWPORT LENGTH: Medium
It's not their imagination that a small bit of the course will be familiar. The riders will speed through the village of Newport twice.
Mindful of this distinction, most residents interviewed plan to watch the blurred spectacle of shiny spokes, brightly colored uniforms, and furiously pumping legs both times they have the opportunity.
Billy and Virginia McWhorter propose to do more than merely view the event from their Newport home, Willow Springs. With another couple, they will celebrate the race with a party, a sort of ``Tailgate Tour DuPont Deux,'' in the front yard which faces Virginia 42.
Last year, in honor of the occasion, the McWhorters held the first impromptu Tailgate Tour DuPont, featuring both couples' British sports cars, since neither owns a French automobile, and the consumption of French fare.
This year's menu, which isn't final, boasts an elegant repast: asparagus, French bread, glazed pork DuPont, layer cake, fresh strawberries and the ever-popular cold cuts. And, of course, champagne to toast the event in genteel style.
In keeping with the French theme, both couples will jokingly inform onlookers that they are wearing haute couture, the best J.C. Penney (Pennay) has to offer. To while away the hours before the riders appear, the couples will engage in a little repartee and croquet on the lawn in front of the gazebo, adjacent to the house.
The tailgaters also will attempt to resurrect their high school French to challenge each other with their repertoire of French words and phrases. And if a French flag can be borrowed along with a copy of the ``Marseillaise,'' the ambience will be even better, Virginia McWhorter said.
The Francophiles' party will kick off several hours before the premier ETA of the racing pack, and will conclude after the second passing of the riders who will no longer be bunched ensemble, she noted.
``The sun sparkling on the spokes and the brilliant colors of their
costumes would bring tears to one's eyes. [The Tour DuPont] shows the beauty that can happen in the small towns of America,'' McWhorter said, whimsically, recalling last year's vibrant scene.
Across the road from the McWhorters, Eloise Rader mused on her memories of the 1994 race. ``They just came flying by the first time,'' which she barely caught a glimpse of. But the second time, after the grueling climb up Salt Pond Mountain, the racers will be easier to see, because that section takes its toll.
Excited about this year's race, she expects to see both trips the cyclists will make by her house. ``Last year, I enjoyed it a lot. It was the first time I'd ever seen anything like it,'' Rader said.
Several houses closer to the village, Fern Echols said she would not be at home to watch the riders lean into the curve below her house. She'll be at her brother's home near New Castle celebrating his retirement. But she won't miss the race - his house is right beside Virginia 42.
Other residents expect family and friends to join them as they hold cookouts and other outdoor activities in conjunction with the race. Most, however, will rely on the day's weather to dictate whether outdoor events will be held.
by CNB