FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2025-194

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (November 20, 2025) – Today’s edition of Fun with Maps takes us on the roads and through the mountains of France and beyond on a bicycle.  

Bikes

Two French bicycle enthusiasts came up with the idea of a multileg and multiday bicycle race on November 20, 1902. 

The intent was to publicize the race and through that increase the circulation of their sport’s newspaper, L’Auto.

The first race was in the following year, 1903 in five stages, between July 1 and 19.  About 60 people entered the race, starting and finishing in Paris and covering mostly southern France.

The Tour de France has grown considerably since its beginning, in distance, duration and number of contestants.  It has ventured outside France many times and actually started outside of France in 27 annual races since 1954.

Teesdale’s map of France is presented here from 1831. 

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.