Three Parish Closes and A Bus Ride to the Coast

A change in plans. Two days in a row. Weather related. Yesterday the plan was to ride an approximately 35- to 40-mile loop that would include the three most famous cathedral “parish closes” of Brittany. I’ll explain what a close is soon (I didn’t know until yesterday), but first … It rained all morning yesterday … Continue reading Three Parish Closes and A Bus Ride to the Coast

My Favorite Rides (#3): The Loire’s Azay & Villandry Castle, Apple Loop

The Loire holds a special place in my cycling heart – and history. It was here, in 1985, that I first hopped on a (rented) bike, promptly fell over, and quickly got hooked on cyclotourisme, learned how to read a Michelin map and appreciate a croissant sandwich. That very first ride, from Blois to Chambord … Continue reading My Favorite Rides (#3): The Loire’s Azay & Villandry Castle, Apple Loop

Technology Has Totally Changed Traveling: Remember Traveler’s Checks, Kodachrome & Cyber Cafes?

It began in 1981.  I was just a kid, 22, covering the Paris Air Show for an aviation magazine. I had traveler’s checks, a Walkman with cassettes, and bought several little pieces of paper that had color photos of famous sites on one side - the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame - and room to write … Continue reading Technology Has Totally Changed Traveling: Remember Traveler’s Checks, Kodachrome & Cyber Cafes?

The Perils of “Climat” Change & the Horrors of Tete de Veau on a French Bike Trip

As you know, getting the wifi code when you check into your hotel is one of, if not the most important aspects of a French cycling trip. Especially if you're the founding cyclist of the Biking France blog ... and also need to do a WhatsApp chat with your wife back home. But not in … Continue reading The Perils of “Climat” Change & the Horrors of Tete de Veau on a French Bike Trip