Photo illustration by Susan Cunningham It's Valentine’s Day, so let’s wander through the pages of history and see how the wheeled Cupid has brought people together … and torn them apart. A skirt too short Let's begin with a cautionary tale, a lesson from yesteryear that holds true today: Never criticize the cycling attire of … Continue reading Bicycle History: Valentine’s Day … A Crime of Passion, the Tandem’s Aphrodisiac Effect & A Barrier-Breaking Bike Marriage
Bicycle History: The International Crime & Punishment Episode
It seems bicycles and crime go together, all around the world. I found lots of fascinating stories from back in the day, so, court's in session … Smuggling on the French-Belgian border, 1897 The duty on pepper was crazy high back then. So darn high that “poor people have almost ceased to know what pepper … Continue reading Bicycle History: The International Crime & Punishment Episode
My Favorite French Rides (#7): The Beynac Loop … with Josephine Baker, Medieval Castles, Domme & Quiet Roads
The view as you approach Castelnaud I often imagine living in the Dordogne. Sarlat would be nice, but no … let’s make it Beynac. I love this little town on the river; the imposing chateau way, way up on top of the cliffs with the amazing views. We’d have a small place made of stone, nothing too … Continue reading My Favorite French Rides (#7): The Beynac Loop … with Josephine Baker, Medieval Castles, Domme & Quiet Roads
Bicycle History: Lions & Tigers & Bears … and Bikes!
Beasts and bicycles, just think of all the fascinating possibilities. Here are three of the stories I found in old newspapers that leapt off the faded pages and bit me ... The Bear, the Bicycle, and the Bloomers Bruin was a performer, a dancing bear who lived with his “master” somewhere in London. Apparently this … Continue reading Bicycle History: Lions & Tigers & Bears … and Bikes!
My Favorite Rides (#6): The Bordeaux Sauternes Loop …Vineyards, Noble Rot, Castles, Cathedrals & A Crazy Statue
It was important to get off to a good start on my biking-Bordeaux adventure. OK, “important” might be a bit of an overstatement. It’s helpful, a good omen … and much better than the alternative. “This bridge is shit,” said the guy from O2Cycles. “Don’t take it.” We were at the designated meet-up spot in … Continue reading My Favorite Rides (#6): The Bordeaux Sauternes Loop …Vineyards, Noble Rot, Castles, Cathedrals & A Crazy Statue
The Biking France Blog 