100 years after the first Tour de france pioneers ....
In 1903, the big road bike race was held first in France, organized by a sports newspaper, which later became the famous L'Équipe. The conditions were adventurous, asked the driver largely on their own. But from these beginnings, the tour developed to a leading sports event in the world and the annual fixed point of cycling. 100 years after the first Tour de France, The cycling touring adventure went to the next longer round. Starting from Germany, the tour around France –privat organized- but following and crossing the most popular and famous passes of the 100 years “Tour de France”. Passes such as Col l’Iseran, Col de l’Izoire, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, Grand and Petit St Bernhard, Col du Vars, Col de la Cayole, Col du Tout Aures, Col d'Avens couldn’t stop me to pass the alps in a non-easy way, but for sure on the most beautiful mountain streets. With a total bicycle weight of about 50kg, without water and food, much heavier than the first riders, but with 15750hm meter of altitude and 4177km not easier. A great adventure; heading every single day up to the next pass, what will be the weather, how is the landscape, is the street to steep or simply not possible with the loaded bike? These were the main questions what you’re asking yourself, beside the easy one: do I have enough water, food and for sure beer in my panniers? Do I need to carry e.g. the beer 1500m uphill, no I’ll finish it this night, even if it slows because of the alcohol. Where I will stay the next overnight, is there a shower, I just hope.
Finally arriving in Alpes Maritimes, the huger mountains were passed. Now the coast to Perpignan (more flat area), where the daily distance went up to 200-250km/day. The next route followed to Toulouse, Bordeaux, reaching the Britanny and with the final goal Paris “Chance Elisee” and at least one round around the l’arc de triumph, whatever happened, however the traffic will be. I took the train to come back to Mainz in Germany.
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