I love cycling and July is a special month for cyclists because it means that it’s time for the Tour de France. Both men’s and women’s races take place during the month, although with staggered starting dates and for different durations. The racing looks beautiful with the backdrop of different French regions and mountain ranges. There’s also the human drama with stories of champions, underdogs, legends, and legends in the making. If you’re curious to learn more and experience some of the thrills there is a wonderful documentary series available on Netflix called “Tour de France: Unchained” (crudely translated from the French title “Tour de France: Au Coeur du Peloton” or In the Heart of the Peloton).

My wife and I had the privilege of taking a self-guided bicycle tour of France several years ago. The luxurious fabled time before children. Unfortunately, it was not during July so seeing le Tour first hand wasn’t possible. However, we did get to ride some of the classic terrain that the race visits often. Afterwards we came home and collaborated on a series of art prints based on what we saw and experienced. I made some translations of these pieces as looping animations. Here’s one of those pieces inspired by riding through fields of lavender. I can still remember how it smells.