Monday, July 07, 2008

Monday in My Town

(The dirt road that leads along the crest of the hill - photo taken last year in October.)
Well, nothing much is going on here. The weather is awful - gray and rainy. Yesterday there was a spot of sun, and I went out for a bike ride with Auguste.
This is how we do it. I take a long leash.

Auguste gets very excited.

I go get my bike from the laundry room.

Auguste is whining and jumping up and down.

I put the leash on Auguste, who is, by now, trembling with joy.

I say, "Go slowly!"

He gallops out the gate and down the street, while I wobble and try to get my balance on the bike, and the neighbors say "Don't fall!"

Auguste tears around the corner, I just manage to keep my balance, and then we're flying down the alley, out to the road, down the street and to the long dirt road that runs along the crest of the hill across from the golf course. There, Auguste really gets into his stride, and he bounds down the road, me pedalling after him.
Here is the trick - to make sure he doesn't pull on the leash. (so I have to adjust my speed to fit his). He is a smart dog, and usually runs slightly to the side and ahead of the bike. He doesn't criss-cross in front of it. He will, however, lunge to the side of the road and stop to sniff (or pee) if something smells particularly interesting, so I have to stay alert, ready to brake at any moment.
My daughter usually ties Auguste to her skooter and off they go, Auguste leaping along, my daughter right behind him. They go around the village square, in front of the church, the restaurant, and our house. And right now, that's all the excitement in our village! But Bastille day is coming up!!

12 comments:

Bernita said...

All I can think of is: WHEEE!

debra said...

I cannot imagine taking our dogs along on a bike ride. It would be more like a bike drag!
Bastille Day is #1 daughter's birthday.

Travis Erwin said...

This all seems very quaint and very French to me. I can picture the scene of your bike ride perfectly.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Dog and Bike????? You are a brave soul and Auguste is an exceptional dog.

Have a wonderful Bastille Day!

Terrie

Charles Gramlich said...

I've seen folks letting their dogs pull them on scooters. My son used to do this a bit with our dog. Looks like fun.

pattinase (abbott) said...

What a delightful post!

Gabriele Campbell said...

Yes, that's your typical village life, not only in France.

It's amazing how much those small dogs move all day, isn't it?

Daisy Martin said...

What exactly is Bastille day? I am thinking an Independence day perhaps?

Jennifer Macaire said...

I'll post all about Bastille day with the pictures this weekend!

Sam

Barbara Martin said...

You are VERY brave to ride a bike while your dog runs. He sounds like a very good dog!

Bastille Day sounds exciting, and I anticipate seeing your photos.

Debbielou said...

What a darling little dog! Looks like great fun !!

John Nez said...

That's a gorgeous photo of that rural field and clouds.
Great character... so French!

I'd imagine such a place in the U.S. would have umpteen little mini-malls and parking lots to spoil the view.