You lined Greg LeMond when he was a bike owner, however you additionally wrote your earlier e book, “Biking Atlas North America,” with him. How did that occur?
The writer, Rizzoli, requested me to do the e book “Biking Atlas North America.” I mentioned I do know some locations however I must have an American skilled. Greg was enthusiastic. So, after I referred to as again the writer, I mentioned, “I discovered somebody who is aware of North America. Possibly you don’t know him, however he was a bike owner a very long time in the past.” Once I mentioned it was Greg LeMond, they simply mentioned “Wow.” So, Greg and I wrote the “Atlas North America” collectively 40 years after our first assembly.
How has biking modified, particularly with journey, throughout your 4 a long time protecting the game?
All the pieces modified in biking — in the best way individuals have a look at bikes, have a look at cyclists, and we’re simply initially of a brand new period of journey, of bikepacking. It’s very new in France. We noticed it just a bit bit earlier than Covid. However with Covid, and after, there are lots of people who wish to spend some days on trip on their bike alone, with associates, with youngsters, for sport, and for tourism — alongside the Loire à Vélo, for instance, to see the castles and to style the most effective wine on the street. There are such a lot of completely different sorts of rides. However proper now, it’s biking time.
How do you’re feeling about e-bikes?
E-bikes are a implausible growth. I’m a terrific supporter of e-bikes as a result of I see them bringing individuals to journey who by no means cycled. I believe it helps people who find themselves not in good well being or too outdated to cycle. It’s a terrific growth right here in France.
How have communities and applied sciences like Strava modified the best way individuals discover the world on a bicycle?
Within the first years of Strava, it was thought of a strategy to evaluate your self with others. However individuals have found that you’ll find the most effective route with Strava instruments. It’s unimaginable as a result of Strava is a expertise, nevertheless it’s additionally a social media now. And, if you ask a query of three completely different individuals on Strava, two of them will reply — you might be certain of that — and sometimes all three.
How will this e book assist cyclists discover their subsequent epic rides?
You simply have to show the pages of the e book. I attempt to combine mountains with coasts, plains and a variety of low mountains. I used to be very shocked about all of the mountain ranges I didn’t know of earlier than in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Slovenia — there are a lot of landscapes to problem your self if you would like.
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