FINAL THOUGHTS ON FRANCE

When I came to France 19 years ago, you had to speak French or you were simply ignored. The French government got the memo, ENGLISH IS SPOKEN AROUND THE WORLD! English is taught in all the schools now. I was never treated poorly for my inability to speak French, like I was before. I always found someone within shouting distance that spoke English. People would say BONJOUR I sometimes responded with good morning, and they responded back good morning , with a laugh, it was fun to be in France. I felt very welcome by everyone I met. Im very happy and I got share that with everyoneI I met. France was truly an awesome experience for me.

I`VE BEEN CALLED THE BIG LOUD AMERICAN, ME?
ALL the cyclist I met agree>French drivers are impatient, rude and aggressive. For them to have to wait 5 or 10 seconds is too much for them. Ive had drivers pass me and immediately turn in front me. Isn’t 10 seconds worth a life? When I did traffic control, by not allowing people to pass in dangerous situations, I usually got a friendly wave, thumbs up and maybe a toot of the horn.
I did have food thrown at me, and the same car was waving a knife at me too.. The police were always super friendly with me.

AT FIRST THEY SAID NO, THEN I SHOWED THEM MY OTHER POLICEMAN PICTURES AND THEY EAGERLY AGREED TO THE PHOTO

Hey France you host the worlds most popular and well known bike race in the world. When the race is over there is still work to be done for bicycles, connect the bike network that is in place. There were days when biking was the best I’ve ever ridden and other days where I feared for my life. I sat by the road several times contemplating whether to go on or just stay put. Ive never been so scared in my life. You could start with a national campaign to cut the curbs, EVERYWHERE. I would use the sidewalk as a bike lane if they were easily accessible. If your handicapped or in a wheel chair, your in for a life full of barriers. I would just stay home, think about it, you might be disabled sometime in your life. The handicapped in America should be so thankful for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

THIS IS A BIKE TUNNEL, ONE OF THE MANY GREAT EFFORTS TO MAKE BIKING SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING CAR DRIVERS.
The dirty secret of tourism, is the mountains of recyclable garbage. I have no idea what their doing with it all? France needs a comprehensive recyling education program and to implement it country wide.

THE STEALTH CAMPING I DID IN FRANCE WAS SUPER NICE
The French and other tourist would treat me to coffee or a snack. I was invited to several family dinners.

THEODORE, FABIEN AND AUDREY (LA WOMEN)

AUDREY TOLD ME ABOUT ST. TROPEZS SIGNATURE DESERT MADE FAMOUS BY BRIDGET BARDOT (very sweet,but good)
Everyone I met was very supportive of what I was doing. I was given free and/or discounted camping, I never asked once, French Hospitality was very top notch. Staying at Corey’s apartment in Antibes, was a lifesaver.
Seeing Neil Young at the Arena in Nimes was an experience ill never forget. The 1903 tradition of BOAT JOUSTING in Sete was quite entertaining.
I look forward to visiting France and exploring small towns like Tende and visiting the people I met, in the future.
So France, thanks for a great time hope we see each other again in the future.
RIDE ON,
JEFF
NEXT? WHY IM NOT BIKING IN ITALY