Izoard - the Lizard - is not talked about as much as the other climbs, but is listed seventh in the Alpes tour of the great climbs. Like all the big climbs, it goes on forever at a grade of seven percent or so. After Ventoux, howeve, it did not seem as tough, and if I were to decide to do a climb again based on sheer beauty, this would be the one.
With the handful of setbacks I have had, there have been many blessings as well. The weather has been just pefect: mid-sixties and not a cloud in the sky. And the other day I pulled an inch-long thorn out of my rear tire, but it had just knicked the rubber and had not punctured the tube. It was stuck there like a sewing needle. That is as close to a mechanical mishap as I have had so far.
Another note on being a cyclist in France: it is no big deal. I am given my right to the road and as fast as the cars whiz around here sometimes, I have never felt in danger. On the other hand, there is no deference given either. If I dawdle in an intersection I will hear someone's horn. If I'm taking up too much room I'll get crowded back. The approach is mature in that way, without the polarizing experiences of danger or near-obsequious deference as in Portland. As our city moves along, I expect we'll be more like over here in time.
