{"id":10783,"date":"2021-07-02T02:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-02T08:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=10783"},"modified":"2021-07-03T14:16:34","modified_gmt":"2021-07-03T20:16:34","slug":"my-mom-loved-watching-the-tour-de-france-the-racing-not-so-much-but-she-was-enthralled-with-all-the-beautiful-sights-of-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=10783","title":{"rendered":"MY MOM LOVED WATCHING THE TOUR DE FRANCE&#8230;THE RACING NOT SO MUCH, BUT SHE WAS ENTHRALLED WITH ALL THE BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS OF FRANCE!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The 108th edition of the Tour de France begins June 26 and ends in Paris on July 18. You can watch this incredible spectacle on NBC stations. Even if cycling is not your bag, if you love traveling (and especially if France is on your travel radar). watching the Tour is a great way to see many beautiful areas of the country. That is why my Mom used to watch it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"#TDF2021 - Teaser Tour de France 2021\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/a-IjTmyKJms?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>A great little video teaser about what to expect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"936\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2-11_72why1-2_result.jpg?resize=936%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2-11_72why1-2_result.jpg?w=936&amp;ssl=1 936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2-11_72why1-2_result.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2-11_72why1-2_result.jpg?resize=768%2C515&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Fabulous Carcassonne is featured in this year&#8217;s tour. Carcassonne, a hilltop town in southern France\u2019s Languedoc area, is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cit\u00e9, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications.&nbsp;I loved touring the castle on my last visit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3-tour-de-france-brittany_result.jpg?resize=1024%2C606\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3-tour-de-france-brittany_result.jpg?resize=1024%2C606&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3-tour-de-france-brittany_result.jpg?resize=300%2C177&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3-tour-de-france-brittany_result.jpg?resize=768%2C454&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3-tour-de-france-brittany_result.jpg?w=1062&amp;ssl=1 1062w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The tour will begin with 4 stages in the Brittany area. These men are waving a Brittany flag.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"837\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3a_result.jpg?resize=837%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3a_result.jpg?w=837&amp;ssl=1 837w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3a_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3a_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Many viewers of the Tour start planning their own visit to France after watching it on TV. I love all the enchanting small villages like Donne, pictured above, in the Dordogne region.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"818\" height=\"609\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSC02225_result-2.jpg?resize=818%2C609\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSC02225_result-2.jpg?w=818&amp;ssl=1 818w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSC02225_result-2.jpg?resize=300%2C223&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSC02225_result-2.jpg?resize=768%2C572&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>On a visit to Vail when the Twins were little, they saw the Tour de France on TV.<\/strong> <strong>They kept yelling &#8220;Go Papa&#8221; thinking I was on TV!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-Scan0018-3_result-1024x523_result-1024x523.jpg?resize=1024%2C523\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-Scan0018-3_result-1024x523_result.jpg?resize=1024%2C523&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-Scan0018-3_result-1024x523_result.jpg?resize=300%2C153&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-Scan0018-3_result-1024x523_result.jpg?resize=768%2C392&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-Scan0018-3_result-1024x523_result.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The first time riding as a spectator during the Tour de France<\/strong> <strong>was a huge thrill! This is up the steep Col de la Forclaz near Lac Annecy. This has been a Tour route many times over the years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5-11-1024x684_result_result.jpg?resize=940%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5-11-1024x684_result_result.jpg?w=940&amp;ssl=1 940w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5-11-1024x684_result_result.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5-11-1024x684_result_result.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong><br>I traveled with my son-in-law Stan on my first Tour de France cycling tour in 2002. We are riding around beautiful Lac Annecy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"946\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6-12-1024x680_result_result.jpg?resize=946%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6-12-1024x680_result_result.jpg?w=946&amp;ssl=1 946w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6-12-1024x680_result_result.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6-12-1024x680_result_result.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>My son-in-law Ray and I road on Trek Travel&#8217;s<\/strong> <strong>&#8220;Classic Climbs.&#8221; We experienced many of the iconic steep mountain routes made famous by the Tour de France.<\/strong> <strong>This was a road high above beautiful Lac Annecy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"871\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7-100_3676_result-2_result.jpg?resize=871%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7-100_3676_result-2_result.jpg?w=871&amp;ssl=1 871w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7-100_3676_result-2_result.jpg?resize=300%2C216&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7-100_3676_result-2_result.jpg?resize=768%2C554&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>My Mom loved the wonderful scenery and historic buildings shown on TV! We talked on the phone about the favorite things she saw each day.<\/strong> <strong>This is the picturesque Ch\u00e2teau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard near Lac Annecy above.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8-768x1024_result_result.jpg?resize=471%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8-768x1024_result_result.jpg?w=471&amp;ssl=1 471w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8-768x1024_result_result.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>I took this picture while riding through the small town of St. Jean-De -Fos in Southwestern France. You see monuments in almost every small town memorializing those who died during World War 1.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9-FARM-ART_result-1024x576_result-1024x576.jpg?resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9-FARM-ART_result-1024x576_result.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9-FARM-ART_result-1024x576_result.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9-FARM-ART_result-1024x576_result.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9-FARM-ART_result-1024x576_result.jpg?w=1116&amp;ssl=1 1116w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Mom particularly loved the French aerial views of \u201cfarm art.\u201d During the Tour many regions of rural France design intricate farm art, often with hundreds of people participating to advertise the unique aspects of their area, hoping the French TV helicopters show their creations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"418\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10-31-682x1024_result_result.jpg?resize=418%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10-31-682x1024_result_result.jpg?w=418&amp;ssl=1 418w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10-31-682x1024_result_result.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"426\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11Alpe-DHuez_result.jpg?resize=426%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11Alpe-DHuez_result.jpg?w=426&amp;ssl=1 426w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11Alpe-DHuez_result.jpg?resize=204%2C300&amp;ssl=1 204w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>I have summited Alpe d&#8217;Huez, <strong>cycling&#8217;s most famous mountain<\/strong><\/strong>, <strong>on three different bike tours. Each time I tried to improve my time. My best time was 1 hour and 20 minutes in 2007, not fabulous, but I was proud just to accomplish it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"419\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/12-Mountain-2_result_result.jpg?resize=419%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/12-Mountain-2_result_result.jpg?w=419&amp;ssl=1 419w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/12-Mountain-2_result_result.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Featured in the Tour many times, there are 21 &#8220;lacets&#8221;, or bends in the ride to the summit. Cycling Alpe d&#8217;Huez is to conquer cycling&#8217;s most famous mountain. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"837\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/13_result-2_result.jpg?resize=837%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/13_result-2_result.jpg?w=837&amp;ssl=1 837w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/13_result-2_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/13_result-2_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong><em>Col du Galibier<\/em>&nbsp;(2645m), one of the highest climbs of Tour de France. &#8220;<em>Hors cat\u00e9gorie<\/em>&#8221;&nbsp;(HC) is a French term used in stage bicycle races to designate a climb that is &#8220;beyond categorization.&#8221; I&#8217;ve summited on two different trips and find it the hardest day ever on the road. We start in the hot valley far below and each time it is nearly snowing at the top. Crazy weather!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/14-194011539-L-2-1024x1024-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/14-194011539-L-2-1024x1024-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/14-194011539-L-2-1024x1024-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/14-194011539-L-2-1024x1024-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/14-194011539-L-2-1024x1024-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>At the Col du Galibier<\/strong> <strong>summit<\/strong> <strong>with son-in-law Ray.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"837\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/15-DSCN1423-3_result_result.jpg?resize=837%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/15-DSCN1423-3_result_result.jpg?w=837&amp;ssl=1 837w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/15-DSCN1423-3_result_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/15-DSCN1423-3_result_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>There is something very special about cycling on small French roads.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"943\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/16_result-2.jpg?resize=943%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/16_result-2.jpg?w=943&amp;ssl=1 943w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/16_result-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/16_result-2.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>I love the excitement of the racers and all the crazy fans!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/17_result-3.jpg?resize=471%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/17_result-3.jpg?w=471&amp;ssl=1 471w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/17_result-3.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>A photo-op with the famous &#8220;Didi the Devil&#8221; years ago in Annecy Town. An interesting character, he showed up on the cycling routes during the TDF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/18_result-2.jpg?resize=427%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/18_result-2.jpg?w=427&amp;ssl=1 427w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/18_result-2.jpg?resize=204%2C300&amp;ssl=1 204w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Years ago I was fortunate to ride in Paris a few hours before the Tour pro riders entered the city on the final day. It was so exciting and a day I\u2019ll never forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"468\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/19-2002-paris-july-TDF_result.jpg?resize=468%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/19-2002-paris-july-TDF_result.jpg?w=468&amp;ssl=1 468w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/19-2002-paris-july-TDF_result.jpg?resize=224%2C300&amp;ssl=1 224w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>I&#8217;m raising my bike in front of the Arc de Triumph on my last day of a week riding the routes of the Tour de France before the pro riders.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"942\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/20_result.jpg?resize=942%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/20_result.jpg?w=942&amp;ssl=1 942w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/20_result.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/20_result.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 942px) 100vw, 942px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"943\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/21-Gino-Bartali_result_result.jpg?resize=943%2C628\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/21-Gino-Bartali_result_result.jpg?w=943&amp;ssl=1 943w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/21-Gino-Bartali_result_result.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/21-Gino-Bartali_result_result.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>These are old images of my favorite rider in the Tour de France history,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pri.org\/stories\/2017-05-26\/incredible-story-italian-cyclist-gino-bartali-who-risked-his-life-rescue-jews\">Gino Bartali<\/a>. Many of the roads in the Alps were dirt! He won the race in 1938 and in 1948. He is remembered for much more than being a champion cyclist as he risked his life helping to save almost 800 Jews during the war. Click on the link highlighted in blue above to read about his amazing story.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:23px\">Photos: Dick Gentry. #&#8217;s 6-11,13-18, 20-22. Not to be used without permission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 108th edition of the Tour de France begins June 26 and ends in Paris on July 18. You can watch this incredible spectacle on NBC stations. Even if cycling is not your bag, if you love traveling (and especially if France is on your travel radar). watching the Tour is a great way to see many beautiful areas of the country. That is why my Mom used to watch it! A great little video teaser about what to expect. Fabulous Carcassonne is featured in this year&#8217;s tour. Carcassonne, a hilltop town in southern France\u2019s Languedoc area, is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cit\u00e9, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications.&nbsp;I loved touring the castle on my last visit. The tour will begin with 4 stages in the Brittany area. These men are waving a Brittany flag. Many viewers of the Tour start planning their own visit to France after watching it on TV. I love all the enchanting small villages like Donne, pictured above, in the Dordogne region. On a visit to Vail when the Twins were little, they saw the Tour de France on TV. They kept yelling &#8220;Go Papa&#8221; thinking I was on TV! The first time riding as a spectator during the Tour de France was a huge thrill! This is up the steep Col de la Forclaz near Lac Annecy. This has been a Tour route many times over the years. I traveled with my son-in-law Stan on my first Tour de France cycling tour in 2002. We are riding around beautiful Lac Annecy. My son-in-law Ray and I road on Trek Travel&#8217;s &#8220;Classic Climbs.&#8221; We experienced many of the iconic steep mountain routes made famous by the Tour de France. This was a road high above beautiful Lac Annecy. My Mom loved the wonderful scenery and historic buildings shown on TV! We talked on the phone about the favorite things she saw each day. This is the picturesque Ch\u00e2teau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard near Lac Annecy above. I took this picture while riding through the small town of St. Jean-De -Fos in Southwestern France. You see monuments in almost every small town memorializing those who died during World War 1. Mom particularly loved the French aerial views of \u201cfarm art.\u201d During the Tour many regions of rural France design intricate farm art, often with hundreds of people participating to advertise the unique aspects of their area, hoping the French TV helicopters show their creations. I have summited Alpe d&#8217;Huez, cycling&#8217;s most famous mountain, on three different bike tours. Each time I tried to improve my time. My best time was 1 hour and 20 minutes in 2007, not fabulous, but I was proud just to accomplish it! Featured in the Tour many times, there are 21 &#8220;lacets&#8221;, or bends in the ride to the summit. Cycling Alpe d&#8217;Huez is to conquer cycling&#8217;s most famous mountain. Col du Galibier&nbsp;(2645m), one of the highest climbs of Tour de France. &#8220;Hors cat\u00e9gorie&#8221;&nbsp;(HC) is a French term used in stage bicycle races to designate a climb that is &#8220;beyond categorization.&#8221; I&#8217;ve summited on two different trips and find it the hardest day ever on the road. We start in the hot valley far below and each time it is nearly snowing at the top. Crazy weather! At the Col du Galibier summit with son-in-law Ray. There is something very special about cycling on small French roads. I love the excitement of the racers and all the crazy fans! A photo-op with the famous &#8220;Didi the Devil&#8221; years ago in Annecy Town. An interesting character, he showed up on the cycling routes during the TDF. Years ago I was fortunate to ride in Paris a few hours before the Tour pro riders entered the city on the final day. It was so exciting and a day I\u2019ll never forget! I&#8217;m raising my bike in front of the Arc de Triumph on my last day of a week riding the routes of the Tour de France before the pro riders. These are old images of my favorite rider in the Tour de France history,&nbsp;Gino Bartali. Many of the roads in the Alps were dirt! He won the race in 1938 and in 1948. He is remembered for much more than being a champion cyclist as he risked his life helping to save almost 800 Jews during the war. Click on the link highlighted in blue above to read about his amazing story. Photos: Dick Gentry. #&#8217;s 6-11,13-18, 20-22. Not to be used without permission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[391,479,309,421,438],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventures","category-competition","category-cycling","category-france-travel","category-tour-de-france"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1-4144e75a66_result.jpg?fit=621%2C628&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10783"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10826,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10783\/revisions\/10826"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}