More Pictures from the Tourmalet

Images from climbing the West side of the Col du Tourmalet

The start of the climb from the town of Luz Saint Sauveur on the west side of the Col du Tourmalet

The town of Bareges (the road to the Tourmalet gets steep around this town)
On the climb up 

The station at the top it just visible in the top center

At the summit of the Col du Tourmalet

The souvenir shop at the top of the Col du Tourmalet is across from the restaurant and sells cow bells and cycling jerseys

The restaurant at the top of the Tourmalet

the view looking west from the top

this is about all the room there is at the top of the Tourmalet

the view looking east to the the ski station of La Mongie

the famous statue at the top of the Col du Tourmalet

that's me

Read an earlier post with more images and a story of riding up the Col du Tourmalet titled Today I saw the Tourmalet bring a man to tears.

There is a souvenir shop at the top of the Col du Tourmalet that sells bike jerseys, cow bells, hats, trinkets. But you have to carry whatever you buy, down in your jersey pocket.  Be sure to stop and have a drink in (or on the patio!) of the restaurant at the top of the pass. If the weather is good, the scenery and atmosphere of cyclists coming and going is great. Also there is a great collection of cycling memorabilia inside the restaurant.

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Quote of the Day - Micahel Barry

Cycling is not only about the victory but also about the journey. The more challenging the journey is, the more fulfilling the achievement. ... Michael Barry (Team Sky)

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Upsetting the Apple Cart

I like tradition in cycling

I allowed myself to settle on the idea that my favorite riders were all on the same pro cycling team. It wasn't necessarily my favorite team, but the team had my favorite riders. Times are changing for those riders. Jens Voigt, Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Stuart O'Grady, Jakob Fuglsang, Richi Porte, Matti Breschel - remember what a great combination of riders Saxo Bank was? Now what?

At the 2010 Tour de France I heard that Alberto Contador wanted 5 million to transfer to Saxo Bank. I was told, "he is worth two Schleck's". Well not in my mind. In the end Bjarne Riis brought Alberto Contador over from Astana to Saxo-Bank (which is officially going by the new team name SunGard-Saxo Bank) for 4.5 million euros. Contador walked in one door and my favorite riders are walking out the other door.

The forever likable Andy and Frank Schleck announced their departure from Bjarne Riis's Saxo Bank team a week ago. They plan to be part of a new Luxembourg-based team in 2011. Jens Voigt, Stuart O'Grady, Jakob Fuglsang, and Matti Breschel are clearing out as well. If all Americans got to know the character and determination of Jens Voigt, we would have millions more cycling fans in this country. [Jens Voigt: pronounced like Yense Voked].

Jens Voigt on the yellow bike he jumped on during the 2010 Tour de France after crashing on his own bike. Determined to make it to the final day in Paris, he was not going to give up without a fight, even if it meant riding a Juniors bike with toe clips. Read the full story at: VeloNation Jens Voigt avoids abandoning Tour de France with help from kid's bike  Photo by: Robin Wilmott/Bicycling.com

Also watch the video of the post race interview with Jens: Jens Voigt: I borrowed a children's bike to drive down. To read about the man who handed Jens this fine yellow bike read Word of the day at the TDF: voiture balai

Jens Voigt is one of a kind. I haven't heard where he is headed after seven years with Saxo Bank. It is possible that Voigt, Fuglsang, and O’Grady will follow Andy and Frank Schleck to their new team.

Matti Breschel announced today that after six-years with Saxo Bank he is moving to Rabobank for a 450,000 euro salary with a focus on the spring Classics. It has not yet been announced whether Fabian Cancellara will remain with Saxo-Bank to complete the last year of his contract, or whether he will be moving to BMC or to the new Luxembourg-based team with the Schlecks.

Now that Alberto Contador has won three Tour de France titles, people are willing to reorganize entire teams around the man, they seem to do so every year. Contador wants to bring his choice of men to Sungard-Saxo Bank. He has suggested his fellow Spainairds Benjamín Noval, Jesús Hernández and Daniel Navarro. Tasmanian Richie Porte may also remain on the team as the second GC man.

Out with the old, in with the new. Forget about the Saxo Bank team, I am following my favorite riders instead. Wherever Jens, Cancellara, and the Schlecks go - I will follow.

Copper Triangle and Bannock Street Crit

A weekend of bike events in Colorado

Now that was a full weekend of looking at really hot bikes! Yesterday I rode the Copper Triangle event ride, today I spectated at the Bannock Street Crit in Denver. These two events mean the cycling season in Colorado is winding down. We saved the best for last.

The Copper Triangle was lots of fun. My friend Christy and I drove up to Summit County the night before to have dinner and relax and acclimate (a bit). Christy forgot her registration packet in Boulder so we headed over to the Village at Copper Mountain to pick up a new number for her. It took all of 2 minutes because they were really well organized. We enjoyed a drink, dinner, and scenery at an outside patio. We ran into some old, new and good friends and shared laughs and a beer.

I admit I rode maybe too hard in the beginning of the ride the next morning. I was certainly feeling the altitude after being in France for 5 weeks. But since Christy was doing "efforts" on the climbs, I figured I should at least give more. The weather was beautiful, the aid stations just right, the volunteers super nice. It took us about 5 hours. I was tuckered, and walked unbelievably slow over to a neighborhood barbecue party later that night. I'll do the Copper Triangle again next year, it was fantastic.

Another rider's full blog account with good pictures of the ride at: http://jeff-road.blogspot.com/2009/08/copper-triangle.html

Today's fun started around 7:30am when I showed up to watch a friend race at the Mike Nield's Memorial Bannock Street Criterium. We had planned to go for breakfast after the race to celebrate Sue's birthday, instead we spent the morning and afternoon in the emergency room after Sue had a bad fall. She is fine, and I realized the joy of good friends is that no matter where we are together, what matters is that we are together. I wouldn't say it was fantastic, although it is fantastic Sue is okay, it certainly was memorable. 

Christienne and Sue this morning.

Sue bounced back and felt well enough to go down and watch her sons race in the late afternoon and be greeted warmly by all of her friends. It is really cool to be a part of the cycling community in Denver, it is a great place to race and ride a bike.

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Colorado Copper Triangle

Favorite ride of the year is this Weekend

Recommended Ride - Copper Triangle (!):

For any cyclist coming to this area with a road bike, there is a fantastic 82-mile loop ride in this area called the Copper Triangle. You will need to combine road and bike path riding to complete the loop, but it is worth it. This is one of my favorite bicycle rides in all of Colorado! The scenery and challenge is just perfect. Another good bike ride in the area is from Frisco or the (ski) village of Keystone up Loveland Pass and back Recommended Ride: Loveland Pass . Or another is from Frisco to Vail and back (on the bike path) Photo of the Day: Riding Vail Pass .

3000 riders converge on Copper Mountain every year in Colorado for the annual Copper Triangle Event Ride. Every state in the USA is represented as well as participants from Asia and Europe. The course is a 78 mile loop route over 3 mountain passes, Fremont Pass (elevation 11,318’), Tennessee Pass (elevation 10,424’) and Vail Pass (elevation 10,666’). The total elevation gain for the course is 5,981 ft.

This is a great route to ride, made much easier by having aid stations, and much nicer by having a celebration village and lunch at the end of the ride. There will also be a concert, happy hour, and showing of the old movie American Flyer the night before the event at the ski Village of Copper Mountain. The event has traditionally been a fundraiser for the Davis Phinney Foundation. Davis Phinney usually rides and will be on hand to show support.

Word began to spread in the spring that registration for the ride was selling out quickly for 2010. After the other popular Colorado ride, the Triple Bypass sold out in less than 45 minutes in January. The Copper Triangle is completely sold out, it is a very popular ride here in Colorado, combining a great loop route, good weather in August, nice volunteers & organization, and a festive atmosphere after the race.

I'll be riding the with my good friend Christy this weekend. I can't wait.

Quiznos Pro Challenge

It's official there will be a Tour of Colorado

The Route was announced read the route here on my recent post today 11/4/10, 10:45am

Update August 2011: The race name has been changed to USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Please read information for fans provide by PedalDancer.com at USA Pro Cycling Challenge Fan Page or specific Details at: Fan information for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

A new UCI Pro Tour race is coming to Colorado, the route has not yet been announced, but the Tour's official name will be Quiznos Pro Challenge, after it's main sponsor Quinzos. Quiznos is an international sandwich company. The first ever Quiznos sandwich shop is located just blocks from our state capital in Denver, Colorado. The Quizno Pro Challenge race dates will be August 22-28, 2011, 7 days of racing.

This morning a good-size group of cyclists and supporters gathered outside the state capital building in downtown Denver. The crowd listened (well, some of them could hear) to Governor Bill Ritter and Lance Armstrong announce that a pro race will indeed be held in August 2011 in Colorado. 

This is exciting news. There has been much talk, and hope, but the race is now a reality. Thank you Quiznos! It has been sad to see the Tour of Georgia and the Tour of Missouri fade away in this past year.  Cycling fans now have a new race to look forward to, and right here in Colorado. Plus August is the best time of year to ride a bike in Colorado and to be a tourist. 

I listened as Armstrong said he felt certain that the European riders would look forward to coming here to Colorado to ride. "You have good hotels," he said, to laugher. We also have an active population, good roads, great towns, and enthusiastic fans. I am proud to have some of the best cyclists in the world heading to Colorado. 

For me, it was totally cool having the event and Lance Armstrong cruising through my neighborhood park this morning in Denver. Surreal really. I certainly didn't chase Lance Armstrong all over France while I was there just weeks ago, but he just rode through my hood this morning!

Of course I have pictures to share, and I'm naming names:  All Photos by PedalDancer.com

The mood today at the Capital in Denver: 

All kinds of bikes were out today:

The announcement of the Quiznos Pro Challenge race by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. 

Lance Armstrong addressing the crowd, with Governor Ritter and Quiznos Pro Challenge General Manager Joe Moller:

this is Connie Carpenter (mother of Taylor Phinney, wife of Davis Phinney) a former competitor in the women's Coors Classic race, present for support. They are considering a women's race in 2012:

this is Paul Balaguer (the man behind the good years of Ride the Rockies, a great guy, if he is involved - it will be a great event):

The relaxed crowd waiting to begin the Denver Twitter Ride this morning in downtown Denver, Colorado:

this is Ron Keifel (former 7-Eleven team rider and US National Road and Time Trial Champion) cruising through Washington Park in front of me, pulling his child in the trailer. As Phil Liggett would put it - many of the Heads of State (in Colorado cycling) turned out today in support of the race.

this is Lance Armstrong in Washington Park in Denver on his announced Twitter ride:

this is Governor Bill Ritter riding by:

this is Davis Phinney cruising along, a former 7-Eleven teammate, a National Champion, the most decorated American Cyclist, and the last winner of the Coors Classic (the last big pro race held in Colorado). He looks great, an amazingly handsome and in shape man at age 51:

this is Paul Balaguer again (and Paul, you are handsome too!)

That was fun!
*you may click on any of the pictures to enlarge

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Tour of Colorado

Will the Tour of Colorado be a reality?

Please please, I want a Tour of Colorado. All I know is I am going to show up for the announcement tomorrow in Denver ... and the ride!

from: @lancearmstrong
Denver! Join me & Gov Ritter @ the Capitol 4 an exciting announcement Wed @ 10am. Bring ur bike because we're ALL going for a ride after..

Quiznos Pro Challenge to be Colorado's top-level pro stage race

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The Valleys of the Pyrenees

Where are the best bike rides in France?

Alright I now feel like I have scouted the area of the Pyrenees in France well enough to offer an organizational summary of cycling in the French Pyrenees. If you are interested in going to France to ride your bike, you probably already have an idea of which climbs you have always wanted to ride. Below I offer a quick summary of where the climbs are located and the nearby towns to search for accommodations.

The cycling climbs in the Pyrenees are long, steep, challenging, and extremely rewarding. If you tackle one of the major cols you will have lots of fellow cyclists on the road with you. If you tackle one of the lesser traveled cols, you might only see 4 other cyclists in the day (on a non-TDF day).  I have * my favorite climbs. If you are the kind of traveler who enjoys finding a base for 4-7 days and riding in a different direction day after day - the Pyrenees are for you. You have lots to choose from.

The Pyrenees Mountains run west to east along the length of the border between Spain and France, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the border are the highest peaks, then an area of foothills unfolds before the rolling hills and plains begin to stretch north through France. Running north and south into the range are a series of consecutive valleys. If you base yourself in a valley you will be able to complete the climbs on the south, east or west sides of your location.

This is pretty much how the Pyrenees works for cycling - you need to know your valley. Choose your valley, consider the nearby airport, find your accommodation, mark your rides on a good detailed map, and go. My favorite valley is the Vallee d'Ossau and then the Vallee d'Arrens - they are breathtakingly beautiful. Also the small roads in the foothills are really nice to ride, so don't miss out on those.

Here is a quick summary of the cycling in the Pyrenees, organized by valley, plus some other information you will need about the area to plan (or dream about) your trip: Bonne Journee!

*Post post: For a pictorial journey from west to east through the French Pyrenees, please visit the PedalDancer.com blog post from October 3, 2010 Valleys of  Pyrenees in Pictures

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Description: Coastal West, Basque Country, and the Haute Soule

Valley: Valley du Petit Nive [Pays Basque and Bearn]

Region: Aquitane

Department: Navarra & Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Main Towns: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Oloron-Ste-Marie, (Pau)

Cols: Col Bagarqui, Pic des Escaliers, Col d’ Arnosteguy, Pic de Guilhers, Col Hourcere, Col de la Pierre St Martin, Col Erroymendi, Col de Ignace, Col d' Ispeguy, Col d’ Haltza, Col du Landerre, Puerto (Port) de Larrau, Lescun/L’Aberouat, Col de Soudet

Airport: Biarrtiz, Bilbao, Bayonne, Dax, Pau

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Description: Central Pyrenees and Wine Country

Valley: Vallee d’Aspe & Vallee d’Ossau

Region: Aquitane

Department: Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Main Towns: Gan, Oloron-Ste-Marie, Arudy, Bielle, Laruns, (Pau)

Cols: Col d’Ichere, *Col de Marie Blanc, *Col d’Aubisque, *Col du Soulor, Col de Couraduque, Col de Spandelles, Col de Burdincurutcheta, Col d’Irau

Airport: Biarrtiz, Bilbao, Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Toulouse

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Description: Heart of the Pyrenees and the Cols of the Tour de France

Valley: Vallee d’Arrens & Vallee Lavanden

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Department: Hautes-Pyrenees

Main Towns: Lourdes, Argeles-Gazost, Saint Savin, Arrens-Marsous, Cautarets, Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Cols: *Col d’Aubisque, *Col du Soulor, *Hautacam, Col de Tramassel, Cauterets, Luz Ardiden, *Col du Tourmalet, Col de Palomieres, Col des Borderas, Spandelles, Col de Coupe, Pont d’Espagne,

Airport: Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Toulouse

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Description: Road to the Tourmalet

Valley: Vallee Adour & Campan Valley

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Department: Hautes-Pyrenees

Main Towns: Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Marie-de-Campan, (Tarbes)

Cols: *Col du Tourmalet, *Col d’Aspin, *Horquette d’Ancizan, Pont d’Espagne, *Hautacam, Cauterets, Luz Ardiden, *Col du Soulor, Spandelles

Airport: Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Toulouse

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Description: Central Mountains and the Cols of the Tour de France

Valley: Vallee d’Aure

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Department: Hautes-Pyrénées

Main Towns: Arreau, St-Lary-Soulan

Cols: *Col d’Aspin, *Horquette d’ Ancizan, Col de Peyresourde, Col de Portet, Le Pla d'Adet

Airport: Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Toulouse, Narbonne, Perpignan

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Description: Eastern Mountains

Valley: Vallee Barrouse & Vallee Luchon

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Department: Haute-Garonne & Cataluna

Main Towns: Bagneres-de-Luchon, (Saint Gaudens)

Cols: Superbagneres, Col du Portillon, Port de Bales, Col d’Azet/Col de Val Louron-Azet, Col de Portet d’Aspet, Col de Mente

Airport: Toulouse, Narbonne, Perpignan

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Description: Steep Green Hills, Eastern Wine Country, Castles to the Mediterranean

Valley: [Couserans & Sabarthes]

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Department: Ariege

Main Towns: St-Girons, Foix, Massat, Tarascon-s-Ariege, Ax-les-Thermes, (Toulouse)

Cols: Port de Pailheres, Plateau de Bonascre, Plateau de Beille, Ax-3-Domains, Col de la Core, Col de Port

Airport: Toulouse, Narbonne, Perpignan

I just found this other site's map and explanation. I am not the only one who thinks of the Pyrenees in terms of valleys: touradour.com

Communications in France

How I tried to communicate in France

Tip #1: find a donkey

I wish I was joking, but at one of the accommodations where I stayed in the Barousse Valley of the Pyrenees (I would never stay there again), I had to stand out in the field near the donkey to get phone or 3G reception. It became a running joke among the guests. Coverage of phone and 3G can be spotty in France just as it is in many countries, so I thought I'd share what I learned.

Tip #2: go for the combo

I was often asked during my travels how I managed to communicate while on my vacation in France. The truth is I used a combination of laptop, iPhone, and an International cell phone. (If car GPS counts as communication, then I relied upon that heavily as well). Basically this is how communications worked for me while traveling in France:

• Laptop: Internet connection (wi-fi), email, blogging, Skype (for very cheap phone calls), photo download and archive, mapping, route planning, hotel reservations.
• iPhone: Texting. Very brief 3G internet connect to check wifi trak to see if any free wi-fi networks were within range (SFR, neuf, and most free-wifi spots are not actually accessible even though they do not appear to be locked). Again with 3G on, I used the JiWire global wifi finder app to look for free wi-fi locations near my present location or in nearby towns. I would drive to the location and connect my devices. I also used iPhone for Emergency GPS, and quick download of email if my laptop was not available for use. iPhone also has a Skype app, for very cheap phone calls home to the USA (if I was connected to wi-fi). Data sim cards! try 3G Internet by iphonetrip  http://www.iphonetrip.com/ 
• International phone with a French phone number: Local calls in France, texts, calls to the USA (about a third of the cost of calling on my AT&T iphone plan, but not as cheap as Skype which requires internet access). It was also nice to have a local phone number to give to my B&Bs or hotels, and to call friends in France.

Tip #3: bring all you got

For some reason at certain locations, I would be able to connect to the internet with my laptop, but not my iPhone. Or I could only use my iPhone, but not my laptop. Someone can explain this to me, all I know is it was good to have all three types of devices listed above, because I used all of them at different times. In 5 weeks, I had perhaps 2 days where I felt disconnected. Which is not a good feeling.

Tip #4: the hotel matters

These days it is absolutely possible to have good communications, so choose hotels that have wi-fi at no additional charge. In France wi-fi is pronounced "wee-fee". The hotel should display a wi-fi symbol on their website, but be sure to ask as well. Also if you are an Apple user (like me), specifically ask if their clients can easily connect with an iPhone and laptop. With all the choices available today, you shouldn't need to go without. If they mention a donkey in the field, look elsewhere for accommodations!

Tip #5: the plans

In advance of my travel dates I purchased both an international data roaming plan from my phone carrier (AT&T), and an international text plan. Within the 5 weeks I was able to use my limit of 50MG/month on an AT&T iphone international data-plan by using the 3G as little as possible. Also anytime I did get wi-fi connection I would download all emails so they would not download later while I was on 3G. I also purchased a 50 text plan/month from AT&T, that enabled me to send text messages from France. This plan is not listed on the AT&T website, you will need to call up an AT&T International Representative to ask for this plan. The plan that does show on their website is the plan for sending texts from the USA to Europe. Sort of confusing. Also be sure to keep data roaming turned off until you need it (read some other tips for traveling with your iphone). My family owns and shares an international phone that may be activated whenever we all travel, it is a CallinEurope.com plan.

Tip #6: the files

I am a mobileme user as well. Mobileme is online file sharing. That way no matter what hardware I use, or if I end up in a good old-fashioned cyber-cafe in Europe, I can always access my files. I have a private and a public (with approved access) mobileme account. I can leave my travel documents and information online so my family always knows where I am at, and can help if needed. I can easily access logos, photos, and documents.

Tip #7: have a teammate at home

Even with all my gadgets, I still needed a human on the other end. It is indispensable to have a friend or family member at home who will answer your calls if you need assistance. When my accommodations did not work out (three times in the 5 weeks) I called home to my brother twice. He was able to locate a hotel for the night(s). He also confirmed a flight for me. Trying to do this on my own would have been stressful and easily absorbed 15-20MG of my data-plan and lots of time. I instead was able to spend the time driving to my next location. It is smart to have a contact at home and leave them your flight information (booking ID and passwords) and credit card payment information just in case you need help while on the go.

Tip #8: tis a gift to be simple

One of the joys of traveling is realizing that I really need very little stuff in life. I never felt without during my 5 weeks in France. I had my bike, one suitcase, a picnic/food bag (with a wine opener!), a bag with my cycling helmet, cycling shoes, cycling supplies, and all my gadgets. As long as I could communicate, had gas in the car, had my bike and good maps, I was perfectly content with very little. And yet so much.

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More images of the Tour de France

Here are a few more rider pictures 

From the 2010 Tour de France at the start of Stage #18 in Salies-de-Bearn. I hadn't included these before. The Pays Basque region (the area around Salies-de-Bearn) is a wonderful part of the Pyrenees.

Fabian Wegmann

Andreas Kloden and George Hincapie

 Jergen Van den Broeck

David Millar

Kanstantsin Sivtsov

 Egoi Martinez

 and I couldn't tell who this was:

Images from the Pays Basque region:

Tour de France 2010 recaps and summaries: 
A look back at the Tour de France 2010. Versus Video Summary

A collection of lots of video clips from the 2010 TDF: Tour de France Videos

Pez Cycling: Tour de Pez

Steephill.TV final Tour de France page with all things Tour de France stage by stage

Another blog writer's recap from 2010 worth a browse: CyclingTips: Tour de France Recap

The Flying Fosters Tours recap of their Tour de France Experience

CyclingNews.com: Where the Tour was won 

VeloPeloton: Paddy's Blog (some great pictures!)

Tour de France Tips at tdftips.com

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The Baguette

The perfect baguette is a glorious thing

The baguette seems to be a daily part of life in France. As a visitor, I began to watch, learn, taste, and come to love the baguette.

Delicious plays a big part in describing a baguette. Other than riding my bike and enjoying the incredible scenery of France, one of my fondest memories over the past 5 weeks traveling in France, came at an unexpected yet simple moment. I had returned to Pau, it was 6:04pm. I remember the time because I later thought I need to remember this time. I noticed a long line of people at my favorite bakery in Gan. I opened the door and was greeted by the most wonderful smell of fresh warm bread.

For many weeks I had subconsciously wondered how the French appeared to show such restraint in not immediately devouring their bakery treats. I would watch them walk down the streets with their baguettes in hand, intact, just as I had seen the Great Pyrenees dog walking steadily up the road to the Col du Soulor on July 4th with his baguette still intact. How can they do it? Why don't I see them walking and eating, or eating in their car? How can they restrain themselves? Would I myself be offensive if I started munching away on my chocolat croissant - in public!

Then I experienced the moment. A young man stepped up to his turn in line at that bakery in Gan at 6:06 pm, he bought his baguette and within 2 steps he turned toward the door and took one huge bite from the top of his warm baguette. I couldn't believe what I had finally witnessed! A huge grin spread across his face and his eyes sparkled. This was pure joy. He smiled at the line of people waiting, and we all instinctively smiled back.

I saw it again, that same reckless abandon a few minutes later as another man walked to his car, smiling as he took bite after bite of his bread. He looked directly at me with a broad grin, seeing that I too was doing the same exact thing. I had walked the entire length back to my car across the street closely inhaling the fresh smell of my baguette, clutching it in my hands. It was fresh and warm, hot to hold, and almost too hot to eat. It was heaven.

The memory of this simple communal experience, one day in France, collecting a warm fresh baguette will stay with me for a lifetime. It is odd the things we remember from our travels. I remember a warm baguette as a glorious thing!

I remember coming across this bread delivery bag hanging from the house door outside of the town of Arette, during one of my many bike rides:

Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

I remember bringing my baguette home one night:

Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

I remember the Great Pyrenees dog walking up the road, all on his own, with his big baguette still intact:

Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

I remember every time I saw a Depot of Pain (bread stop) sign in France while out riding my bike, smirking on the meaning in English. I remember almost daily having a baguette, with breakfast, with lunch, with dinner, with joy.

I will miss the French baguette. I live in Denver and am very fortunate to have a French Bakery called Trompeau Bakery (the real thing) just blocks away, tomorrow morning I might just ride my bike over for a baguette.

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