I've been asked by several people, "Isn't riding an electric bike cheating?"
I say "No," because without the electric assistance, I probably wouldn't be out on a bike at all.
Here in France, the only type of electric bike allowed is one where you have to constantly pedal in order for the motor to engage. In America, one is allowed to have motorized bikes that have a throttle, hence no need to pedal.
So, having to pedal means I am getting exercise.
The country roads in central France are a joy to tour on a bike.
Threatening weather made me have to end this ride a little early.
Fall is the finest time to ride, when cooler temperatures and colorful foliage abound.
Many rides bring you past historic scenes. The water basin in the foreground was once used as a community site for washing clothes.
A quick stop at the historic hamlet of Clédat in the Corrèze department of France, where most of the structures in the hamlet have thatched roofs.
The region's ubiquitous Douglas fir trees reflect on a mirror smooth pond near Gourdon-Murat.
My favorite rides usually involve pedaling along dirt or gravel farm roads.
On most rides I encounter some sort of animal in a pen or field along my route. One particular favorite is the burro at left, which some of us have dubbed Big Ears. He generally gets a carrot when I stop by his field.