SEO
I’ve tried to write posts in the past that catch the eye of almighty Google. But it seems that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is an ever-changing game . . . new algorithms (what is an algorithm?) and weird new names–stuff like Panda, and Penguin, and now Hummingbird.
Kick Ass Content
Bottom line is that a website or blog should contain “kick ass content” . . . that means that it’s not copied, is unique, and “contains no spin.” Perhaps that’s why past non-Bend Real Estate-related posts have been popular. You know, thrillers like:
Well, here’s some more “fresh content.”
Cycling Historic Dordogne
A dream was born when I deemed golf in the kingdom of Bend (the way I wanted to play) too expensive, and instead invested in a couple of high end carbon road bikes.
“How many people were on your tour?” . . . “Just the two of us.”
We touched down in Bordeaux
after a relatively easy 18 hour journey, punctuated by couple of layovers in Seattle and Paris. We spent the first day strolling the streets of Bordeaux and trying to get re-acclimated to the language (a reasonable foundation after working three seasons with Club Mediteranee).
A three hour train trip through the French countryside to Sarlat; then a taxi to our jumping off point of Souillac. Here we picked up our steeds . . . sturdy hybrids with flat handlebars.
Souillac to Rocamadour
The intrepid riders set off into the early morning rain–
closely following their comprehensive “riding instructions” (in too small font!):
Rocamadour
Despite the small print (it’s tough to ride with reading glasses on), the absence of signs, and the fact that we were “lost” most of the day, we successfully rolled into the citadel town of Rocamadour.
Also, what seemed like the duck capital of France (if not the world) and the home of “fois gras.”
We learned about “gravage.”
Sarlat
Setting out the next day, I noticed a bit of a problem with my “pneu.” Seemed to get soft every 15 minutes or so. Who knows where the nearest bike shop is?
Gently downhill for the first six miles, then a brief climb (brief climb, my ass!). Thankful for the hours spent in the saddle over the summer; 5 hours later, we rode victoriously into Sarlat. Happened by the only shop on our route . . . a quick pit stop; left with a new tube and tire.
Sunday, the day of rest. Instead Sandy made me ride 30 plus miles along the scenic Dordogne River Valley . . . just the way France is supposed to look. We paused along the river Verve for a romantic lunch.
Chateau de Milandes
Again wonderful countryside and many decisions–“a gauche ou a droite?”
We passed beneath Chateau de Milandes . . . the home of Josephine Baker.
Sarlat and Beyond
The days flew by . . . we passed through the medevil towns of of Les Eyzies, and Montignac . . . enjoyed (for a while) the ubiquitous “confit de canard,”
savored the fine Bordeaux reds, toured the caves at Lascaux (home of Cro Magnon man), before retunning to Souillac.
We rode for six days before bidding farewell to our faithful “ponies” and returning by train to Bordeaux.
To be continued . . . the Vineyards of Bordeaux.
