Penitentiary Tour de France

The 15 stage Penitentiary Tour de France finishes this Friday in Paris, France. Some 200 French prisoners (of whom only a few are attempting the complete Tour), closely accompanied by more than 100 cycling guards, prison sports instructors and magistrates have set off on their own Tour de France.



Unlike the usual snarky coverage seen here and elsewhere, NPR does a pretty good job discussing the whys and wherefores of this cycling event for convicts. Listen at NPR Morning Edition.

Remember, the Tour de France 2009 begins in just two and half weeks with a 15 km individual time trial in Monaco.

More bicycle news...

URBAN VELO: Specialized Globe launches as a brand separate from Specialized. More yummy photos at Bike Hugger.

WIRED: Scary concept bicycle

MAKE: Portable tallbike.

BICYCLE DESIGN: Bicycles from the Embacher Collection.

COFFEE: Laceration hazard!

Travel tips: I just learned the U.S. Transportation Security Adminstration (they're the people who handle security at airports) has a blog. It's even enjoyable to read. Via Schneier on Security.

Humor: Mansoap. I use Ajax for my personal hygiene.