View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Month: July 2010
Postcards from Pays Basque II
My beloved and I have been spending a few days in the Basque countryside. He was in charge of this leg of our vacation and he outdid himself. We’re staying in a delightful, small, family run hotel, south-east of San Sebastian which has an… Continue Reading “Postcards from Pays Basque II”
Postcards from Pays Basque I
This morning we set off 50km south-west of where we’re staying in Oiartzun in order to watch the LXXXVII edition of the Ordiziako Klasika. A 165,7km circuit on the UCI Europe Tour, around the town of Ordizia, which takes in 5 ascents of the Alto de Abaltzisketa and 2 of… Continue Reading “Postcards from Pays Basque I”
Easy, easy, easy
I don’t know about the UCI checking out Cancellara’s bike for an engine, they should check Cavendish’s for an extra gear. He won yesterday with ease, even having time to check behind him twice. He truly is the world’s fastest sprinter and has already exceeded… Continue Reading “Easy, easy, easy”
Double or quits
We had to abandon our plans to cycle up the Tourmalet to watch yesterday’s Queen stage on account of the thunderstorms. Instead, we settled for watching it from the foot of the Tourmalet. We arrived early to secure a parking place beside the road and… Continue Reading “Double or quits”
Surprising result
The alarm went off at 06:00 this morning. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was not. My beloved turned off the alarm and went back to sleep. I, on the other hand, never even heard it. We awoke two hours later, too late… Continue Reading “Surprising result”
13, not unlucky for everyone
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. This could be Alexandre Vinokourov’s leitmotif. After the disappointment of yesterday’s 3rd place, Vino seized his chance again today and was deservedly rewarded. Today’s 196km stage from Rodez to Revel was probably the last opportunity for… Continue Reading “13, not unlucky for everyone”
Hot and steamy
The current weather is putting me very much in mind of an old film noire by Laurence Kasdan. Called Body Heat, it was set in a sultry Miami and featured Kathleen Turner and William Hurt. I distinctly recall one scene where, thanks to ever-soaring mercury, they both got… Continue Reading “Hot and steamy”
Pyrotechnics
On the eve of Bastille Day many towns, including mine, host a spectacular fireworks display. In fact, sitting on my balcony with a view of the coast from Cap Ferrat to Cap d’Antibes, I can witness two concurrent displays. The hot and heavy weather is… Continue Reading “Pyrotechnics”
Day off
Like the boys in the Tour de France, today’s a rest day in my training programme. Though while they’ll be going for a gentle spin to keep the legs tuned, I’ll be wading through loads of administrative stuff which I need to clear before… Continue Reading “Day off”
View from the Back 