Kurt's Bike Trip in France - Part IX: In closing, Merci and Au Revoir

Well, I’m sitting here on the TGV making my way from Avignon to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, typing up this postscript and getting glimpses of the French countryside as it whizzes by.

Less there be any doubt, this was a week I will always remember. Though I fashion myself a cyclist, I never, ever thought I’d be pedaling my way up climbs with names like Alpe d’Huez, Lautaret, Galibier, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Ventoux. Never. And for that I must say Merci/Thank You to my lovely wife, Peggy… you are the best. It’s because of you (and your being tired of hearing me pine for a road bike and forcing me to go and get the damn thing!) that I became the cycling enthusiast that I am. And it is also because of you (and your GREAT knack for gift giving) that I did this tour. I know this wasn’t an easy time for you for me to be away, with a new job and all and keeping Chloe busy. So, Peggy, from the bottom of my heart, “Merci” for such a wonderful gift and experience.

And to my tour mates Dave, Fernando and Luis, guides Julien and Patrick, and the “epic climbs” with whom I spent a most enjoyable week, I say Au Revoir. If you are ever in Colorado…