We all have our favorite rides. Mazeres is certainly one of mine. That's why its nickname is the "Bucket List 90," as it should be on every roadies bucket list of rides of a lifetime. After some serious climbs and runs along high ridges, you arrive at an old Roman bridge and a fancy restaurant. I almost always arrive just as the staff has finished setting the tables on the terrace overlooking the Old Mill. Together they are sharing an early lunch before opening at noon. When they see me roll in, the manager of the Auberge gives me a smile and goes back inside. By the time I find my place and carefully roll back the white linen cloth so as not to disturb their placements, she arrives with my coffee and a croissant. (The first few times I asked for coffee before they were open didn't go so well. But after many smiles and many visits, they've come to expect me and I them.) The other thing that makes this ride wonderful are memories of the cyclist I've shared it with over the years. Perhaps, one day, those memories will include you.

Below Are Photos And A Video Flyover With Profile of Mazeres Coffee

And a River Runs Through It.

What you should immediately notice about this shot is that there's a big difference between a guy who "rides a bike" for fun and a guy who "races a bike" for a living.

The Road Rolls Onward

Steele Von Hoff and I often argue about whose route on this ride is the best--he calls it his "Recovery." I like to stay up on the ridges for the view while Steele likes to fall off on long tree-lined descents to only climb back up again and again. Since I showed him the road, I'll stick with mine.

Jim Savoring the Moment

After savoring a hot cappuccino and a croissant-beurre on the terrace of the Auberge, Jim has no problem putting on a smile for the camera.