À vélo à travers la Provence

Cycling through Provence, France (or Fronce as my husband would say) was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Well... ok, we didn't so much cycle "through" Provence as we did cycle around a few small villages, in a tiny area of Provence, but that counts, right?

Anyway, we'd leave our Cyclist Hotel bright and early in the morning and off we'd go. We'd follow an itinerary based on how strong we felt how far we wanted to go and what we wanted to see on that particular day. Day 1 - We were strong and energetic and we rode about 38 miles. We visited the Lavender Museum. Day 2 - Nauseous and-exhausted and can't walk let alone cycle. We rode about 10 - 12 miles with frequent stops for coffee, croissants, water, lunch, water, water and more water. ("Oh God, Are we near the the hotel yet?")

One thing I did notice was that the drivers in France treat cyclist much differently then American drivers treat them. Here, I think the DMV must give out extra credit if you scare the shit out of a cyclist. I'm convinced they reduce your insurance rates if you actually hit one! French drivers slow down, give you the right away and hand you a loaf of French Bread as they pass. American drivers throw their beer cans at you... and if your lucky they only throw the empties!

Cycling in France makes you feel totally hip and cool, no matter how old or out of shape you are. It's the whole Tour De France thing... like who knows, I could be a good friend of Lance Armstrong. Although, on second thought I doubt Lance's friends would cycle through Provence with a big saddle in-between their handlebars on a bike that has definitely see some better days, but you never know.

I'd love to go back someday.... but maybe next time I could just sit by the side of a quiet back country road, sipping on some lovely French wine while passing out loaves of French bread to the out of shape, tired, hungry American cyclists. au revoir.