Amgen tour of California 2012

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Dreaming of the Champs Elysées

  • Alphonse N'Tcha M'Po - "The Lion of Parakou"

    Alphonse N'Tcha M'Po - "The Lion of Parakou"

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Batavus Champion - a fancy ride by Beninese standards

    Batavus Champion - a fancy ride by Beninese standards

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Rapid-fire MTB shifters are cleverly positioned on Alphonse's road rig.

    Rapid-fire MTB shifters are cleverly positioned on Alphonse's road rig.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Abou - your cheerful neighborhood bike mechanic.

    Abou - your cheerful neighborhood bike mechanic.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Shortly after this photo was taken, a freight train rumbled through the market, delivering granite for construction projects.

    Shortly after this photo was taken, a freight train rumbled through the market, delivering granite for construction projects.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Take your pick - Zongo offers hundreds of bikes, conveniently sorted by size.

    Take your pick - Zongo offers hundreds of bikes, conveniently sorted by size.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • The bicycle workshop at the Zongo Market.

    The bicycle workshop at the Zongo Market.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • The Zongo Market in Cotonou offers a wide selection of tires and tubes.

    The Zongo Market in Cotonou offers a wide selection of tires and tubes.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Batavus Champion - the perfect ride for a former pro turned hippy volunteer riding with African village racers.

    Batavus Champion - the perfect ride for a former pro turned hippy volunteer riding with African village racers.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • The Selle Royal has been reupholstered locally.

    The Selle Royal has been reupholstered locally.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • 42/52 tooth chain rings: just the right gearing for drafting cotton trucks.

    42/52 tooth chain rings: just the right gearing for drafting cotton trucks.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Chronic flat tires - one of the disadvantages of second-hand tubes.

    Chronic flat tires - one of the disadvantages of second-hand tubes.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Altenburger Concord brakes keep the speed under control.

    Altenburger Concord brakes keep the speed under control.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Friction shifters: infinitely adjustable.

    Friction shifters: infinitely adjustable.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Lightweight aluminum brake levers with vintage blue cable housing to match the Batavus paintjob. The external cable routing makes riding on the hoods a little tricky.

    Lightweight aluminum brake levers with vintage blue cable housing to match the Batavus paintjob. The external cable routing makes riding on the hoods a little tricky.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • A Sachs Huret derailleur shifts effortlessly over the 7-speed 12-23 cassette.

    A Sachs Huret derailleur shifts effortlessly over the 7-speed 12-23 cassette.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • The Batavus lions, and a creepy vagabond ogre?

    The Batavus lions, and a creepy vagabond ogre?

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby

  • Yes, that reads "semi-lightweight" frame and fork. A modest proclamation.

    Yes, that reads "semi-lightweight" frame and fork. A modest proclamation.

    Photo credit © Christoph Herby