These cuff-down socks have all that the Tour de France promises and more: cobblestones, winding roads, and a mountain peak inspired by the Alpe-d-Huez (The most famous climb in the world of cycling).

Seed stitch suggests the famous cobbles of Paris and cables act as a twisting road winding it’s way through the French countryside and up Alpe-d-Huez. It’s not the longest or the steepest mountain, but it sure takes it’s toll on a cyclist. It means something to make this journey, and in some ways it symbolizes the Tour de France itself. Cyclists know what it takes to survive the climb, and it bonds them in a unique way.

To me, that is the heart of knitting a fine pair of socks by hand. They aren’t the hardest to do, but they require time and effort. Pull on the maillot jaune and cast on now!

Pattern includes a bonus connect the dots puzzle created by Lee Meredith (aka Leethal) - many thanks!

Foot circumference:
7 (8, 9) inches 17.5 (20, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10) inches 20 (23, 25.5 cm).

This is the July installment of the Socks For All Seasons Pattern Club 2010. For more info on the club, go here.

Special thanks to: Lorna for test knitting and tech editing, Lee for the connect the dots puzzle, and Grant Law for the photos.