Two years ago I chased the Tour de France for twenty stages. You followed.
Last year, I witnessed seventeen stages from the side of the road, biked my way up Alpe d’Huez, Tourmalet and various sectors in Roubaix including the velodrome. You followed.
This year my trip was shorter but still packed with experiences I’ll never forget. The Chapel on the Muur in Geraardsbergen, Belgium. A day in Ghent, and some amazing mussels. Brussels for the Grand Depart over two days, and seeing the great Eddy Merckx with my own eyeballs. Reims, FR and of course a couple of days in my favorite place, Paris. You followed.
In total I’ve been to forty-one stages of the Tour de France. You followed.
As the TdF continues to play out over the next two weeks I’ll continue to draw and post artwork for sale similar to what I’ve always done. And I truly appreciate all of your support and encouragement.
I’ve been to many of the places coming up in the Tour. So I’ll have no problem drawing from my past experiences, the internet and of course the great live coverage on NBC.
Traveling to Australia this year for the Tour Down Under allowed me to see how dramatically different it is in overall feeling from the TdF. Riding in Italy, The Stelvio, Sella Ronda, Mortirolo and watching the Giro d’Italia live in person – all adds to my creative experiences to look back on as I continue to design and draw new Cycling Art.
Later this year I’ll be in New Forest, UK for the Shut Up Legs, Charity Ride. Jens Voigt is a host so I’m sure it will inspire an image or two.
Next summer plans are already being made for another trip back to the Tour de France. How long, who knows. But I do know be it a day, a week or a month drawing live on location has fueled my passion for cycling and insights from a fans perspective in a way just watching on the telly never could.
So for the moment the suitcase is out of sight, but it’s never out of mind.
Thank you for following.