Tour de Washington: Local Tour De France Events

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BEING AT THE Tour de France would be money — if you had the funds to attend. Here's how to feel like you're in the presence of that yellow jersey without leaving town.

At Arlington's Rhodeside Grill (1836 Wilson Blvd.; 703- 243-0145) on Thursday (5-7 p.m.), it's $5 for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association happy hour, where you'll watch a video replay of the Tour's 12th stage on a dozen hi-def TVs. WABA members get drink discounts ($10 Miller Lite pitchers, $12 for Sierra Nevada). Join WABA on the spot and you'll get a free drink. Those who triumph in Tour trivia also get free WABA merch.

Area Revolution Cycles stores are hosting a free raffle July 17-26 that gives you a chance to win a Trek Madone 6.9 — the same wheels as Lance Armstrong. There's a limit of one ticket per customer a day, and cyclists can fill out a "virtual" ticket online at Revolutioncycles.com.

Or, you can always start training. Pedal over to Conte's Bethesda (7626 Old Georgetown Road; 301-312-6159) and schedule a session on one of the store's eight Computrainers ($10 a session, up to an hour). Video monitors in front of the stationary bikes simulate virtual courses — including those of the Tour de France. It's all the perks of the real ride. Well, minus the crashes and BO.

Photo by Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images