2024 - Arizona: This was a quick trip to Arizona to deliver a new tandem to a couple in Tucson and to pick up a used tandem to sell, from a couple located near Tucson. Even though primarily a work trip, we did manage to sneak in a few days of riding in the Tucson area, riding some on the famous Tucson Loop and also in Saguaro National Park.
This trip began with a few days sightseeing in Paris (and recovering from jet lag). Then it was on to the Loire Valley for a number of cycling days, getting our fill of chateaus and beautiful scenery. After the Loire Valley it was off to Brittany; we rode from Brittany, along the Normandy Coast to Honfleur, continuing along the Seine as far as Giverny. After taking in the beauty of Monet's house and gardens in Giverny we returned to Paris for the flight home.
Of course, a visit to Le Mont Saint-Michel is a must for any bike tour in Brittany!
We visited all the Normandy D-Day landing beaches as well as many inland sites related to the Battle of Normandy. This was especially sobering on the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Europe by the Allies.
And we enjoyed the beauty of blooming almond trees for quite a distance in California.
Days riding: 3
Miles ridden: 39.9
Elevation gained: 1180'
Every time we tour in France we are impressed by the excellent roads for cycling. Good scenery, low traffic, good surfaces. We really enjoy cycling here.
TANDEM Diversity
We also visited Joshua Tree National Park on the way to Arizona.
Midwest Tandem Rally: This year the Midwest Tandem Rally was held in Ankeny, Iowa, hosted by the PIGS (Paired Iowans Going Somewhere). We had our vendor booth, gave a couple of seminars, and enjoyed excellent rides, not to mention fun company. Thank you PIGS, for such a great time!
Of course, one feature of the rides was the iconic High Trestle Bridge, both during the day and lit up at night.
Days riding: 3
Miles ridden: 113.6
Elevation gained: 1897'
2024 Tours
And we encountered a bit of wintry weather on the way.
2024 - France: Interestingly, in looking back over our touring experiences I see we have toured more often in France than in any country, other than our own. I guess we must like touring in France! It is a country possessing excellent scenery and food, fascinating history, and lots of quiet small roads that are perfect for cycling. No wonder we like it!
GAP/C&O: After the tandem rally, we drove to Pittsburgh, parked the car in the 1st Avenue Garage, and rode the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) and C&O Canal Towpath from Pittsburgh to Georgetown, DC. This was a tour we had wanted to do for a long time, and it proved well worth the wait. Especially the GAP was fun; the surface was mostly crushed limestone in good shape, and there was tons of interesting stuff to see and learn about along the way.
The C&O Towpath was a bit less interesting and the surface was much less friendly, but we are glad we rode it nonetheless.
I think if we were to do it again, we would probably only ride the GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, and then turn around to ride back to Pittsburgh.
We did take advantage of being in DC; took a day for a long walk around the Mall, visiting several memorials and the capitol.
Afterward we rented a car and drove out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to look at some of the Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad history there.
And speaking of Civil War times, the tour included cycling two important battlefields, Antietam and Gettysburg.
Finally, on the drive back to Pittsburgh in the rented car, we stopped off to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial. This was a very somber, emotional visit. I am in awe of the on-the-spot bravery of the passengers and crew on that flight.
Days riding: 9
Miles ridden: 366.1
Elevation gained: 5293' (flat ride!!)
I should also mention that, during our overnight stay in Ohiopyle, we hired a shuttle to take us up to Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water for a tour there. Well worthwhile!
These are a random selection of photos from the experience, in no particular order, to give you a feel for what the tour was like.
And here is a link to some memories from the tour.
Finishing it all off with the iconic water lily pond in Monet's Garden in Giverny.
Days riding: 18
Miles ridden: 624.8
Elevation gained: 19,737'
And we also made a video reliving the rides.