That Time I Covered the Tour de France, Interviewed Davis Phinney and Watched the 7-11 Boys Eat

August 28, 2020November 22, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ Leave a comment

It's was 1988, and I was in Nice. The sports editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer finally decided, after weeks of hemming and hawing, that he wanted me to cover a few days of the Tour de France. Starting in Bordeaux. Where the day's race would end. Editors! I don't think he understood Nice and Bordeaux where … Continue reading That Time I Covered the Tour de France, Interviewed Davis Phinney and Watched the 7-11 Boys Eat

Do You Know the Story of Paul de Vivie (1853 – 1930), the Inventor of Cyclotourisme?

August 25, 2020April 2, 2021 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 7 Comments

Sometimes fate – and a Michelin map - lead you and your bike exactly where you were meant to be. In this case, it was the outskirts of Pernes-les-Fontaines in Provence, where I saw this statue … “Wow, this guy must really like cycling,” I thought, as I stopped and took a couple photos. It … Continue reading Do You Know the Story of Paul de Vivie (1853 – 1930), the Inventor of Cyclotourisme?

My First Mont Ventoux Attempt (1995)

August 21, 2020November 22, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 4 Comments

“It is like the moon,” Remy said of the top of the nearby Mont Ventoux, which he and his wife, Evelyn, had visited earlier in the day. In their car. It was July 29, 1995 (25 years ago! how is this possible) and we were in the little hilltop village of Seguret in Provence. And, … Continue reading My First Mont Ventoux Attempt (1995)

Bike Bashing In Blois (BBIB)

August 19, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 1 Comment

“This is not possible,” I mumbled in desperation. “This can't possibly be happening. It just can't." Oh, but it was ... and I blame my sister because, well, it was totally her fault. It was 2013: The start of our Loire bike trip. We had spent a few days in Paris, then it was on … Continue reading Bike Bashing In Blois (BBIB)

The Great Guepe Attack of Maussane

August 18, 2020October 9, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 1 Comment

Maussane: At first, it felt like a tickle. On my left eye. And then, like a bolt of lightning was shooting through my eyeball and straight into my brain. Followed by another bolt of lightning. And another. “What the hell?” I swiped at my sunglasses, knocking them off my face and onto the side of … Continue reading The Great Guepe Attack of Maussane