First thing is to make sure the viewing facilities are in tiptop shape. I'm fortunate enough to own a digital TV, so I've double-checked that the signal strength I'm getting on SBS is nice & strong. Last year - when the Tour was broadcast on SBS2 - I was getting terrible picture quality. I ended up heading out to Dick Smith Electronics, and for $20 I bought a digital signal amplifier. It just plugged into the wall, and my antenna lead went into it. Made a HUGE difference to picture quality...
Next is my late-night snacking protocol. Sometimes you need something crunchy to keep you going through the stage... Sweet snacks (like snakes or jelly-babies) have turned out badly for me in the past - way to cloying a taste for every night. Similarly, too-salty is dangerous - you end up way too thirsty and drink too much water. And when you are already sleep-deprived with the Tour viewing, 4am toilet runs just add to the difficulty!! For me - Grain Waves are my snack of choice (nice & crunchy, not very salty), with Pringles as my occasional alternate...
Of course, with snacking comes drinks!! Over the years, I've learned that water is my friend. As my general Tour drink, a big cup of water sitting nest to me on the couch is perfect. But for one or two Tour stages, the big guns come out - exotic imported beers... I'll usually go for something that is local to the region the Tour is in that night - some research is required!! The fallback beverage is a strong Belgian Trappiste beer - with my favourite one of the Chimay beers. Guaranteed to keep you warm (and a bit squiffy)...
Finally - make sure the couch is in good working order!! If you are using a recliner, lube & oil the mechanism so you don't wake the house with squeaks & squeals every time you get up to recharge your drink. And ensure you have a nice cosy Onkaparinga wool blanket in case the temperatures drop in the middle of the night. The blanket is especially handy if you doze off and wake up at 7am the next morning...
Good luck with your Tour watching!! A bit of planning and prep will only enhance the experience... :)
My dear friend, the correct food for tour consumption is cheese with fresh French bread and the accompanying beverage is wine.
ReplyDeleteI've never considered a wedge of brie with some baguette, but I like the way you are thinking...
ReplyDeleteCouldn't do the red wine though - I'd be snoring on the couch before I finished the first glass!!
So drink some champagne, daaaahhhling...
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