Postcard From Tour de France

Leeds, England to Paris, France

Cyclist and travel journalist Ryan Van Duzer hosts the Travel Channel web series, Bike Tour of California Wineries, which chronicles his journey visiting wineries and tasting the local cuisine in Sonoma and Napa Valley’s wine region.

The best way to travel here is: In an RV like thousands of other crazed race fans from around the world. 

I stayed at: Every day I stayed in a new city while chasing each stage of the tour. My advice is to stay at a centrally located hotel near all the fun bars and restaurants. 

When it comes to packing: I pack as little as possible because I don't like being weighed down. That being said, I have a bike so that I can get exercise and experience riding the same roads as the racers.   

I traveled here with: People For Bikes, a non-profit aimed at making cycling better for all riders. 

The best thing I ate was: I'm a simple guy, a little cheese on a fresh croissant makes me a happy dude. 

I wish I hadn't: Had 3 shots of Chartreuse in Grenoble. The next day was painful.   

Don't miss: The sweet-mannered locals. French people have a bad rap for being unfriendly, but I've been blown away be their hospitality. 

Next time I will definitely: Learn more French, my limited vocab makes for many goofy misunderstandings. 

My favorite part of the trip was: Experiencing the Alps, I had no idea they were so huge and majestic.

My advice would be: If you want to watch Le Tour, map out the mountain stages. You can get right next to the racers and make friends from all over the world with fellow spectators.