Cycling & Exploring Weekend
Come and ride the roads of Provence/Gard and explore the local vineyards, fromageries and markets. A unique experience for the seasoned cyclist and a sensory treat for the culture vulture
OVERVIEW
This weekend mixes elements from the Taste of Provence experience to complement some amazing cycling routes that this area of Provence/Gard has to offer. We visit the towns of Uzès and Chateauneuf du Pape and ride past the famous Pont du Gard.
Providing something for both cyclists and non-cyclists. We explore the local culture with markets, vineyard visits and places of local interest .This breathtaking part of France has so much to offer and this is a great introduction to Provence/Gard, its culture, food and landscapes.
DAY 1
A welcome tour of the Chateau.
A short t-shirt ride to stretch your legs or a walk to the top of the hill to see the castle ruins or relax and settle in.
In the evening we have social drinks and meet and greet everyone on the north terrace. A run through of the weekend and a time for some Q&A’s.
THE CHATEAU AND SAINT VICTOR LA COSTE CASTLE RUINS
DAY 2
Ride option - The morning ride will be out to the historical town of Uzès, past the cathedral and then heading down to the Pont du Gard in a loop that incorporates some stunning scenery and little villages.
Approx 4hr / 46 miles / 14mph with some coffee/croissant breaks.
Explore option - In the morning we will head off to discover a beautiful local food market to taste some culinary delights!
Both groups will meet back at the chateau for lunch before heading off to a special vineyard for some wine tasting together.
DAY 3
Ride option - Today cyclist’s will be driven over to Mont Ventoux for a morning of climbing on this iconic mountain or you can join the others at the antique market. We will ride the famous route from Bédoin to the summit.
Ascent approx 3hrs / 13 miles / 8.7mph. We will stop half way up at Chalet Reynard for refreshments.
After lunch we head over to the famous town of Chateauneuf du Pape. We will be in the shadow of Mont ventoux as we loop around passing the old Castle ruins. The ride is a fairly flat and an easy end to the day.
Approx 3hr / 30 miles / 12mph with some stop offs.
Explore option - Head over into town and rummage through an old antique market and find a real treasure to take home. Head back to the Chateau for a loverly lunch with the cyclist’s. We will then head over to a wonderful olive oil plantation to meet the owners and discover their production process. You will have the opportunity to buy some olive oil direct form the source!
DAY 4
Any early starters can join for a short ride, walk up to the castle ruins or relax by the pool.
A beautiful breakfast on the north terrace.
Time to pack the bikes up, collect your antique goodies you bought at the market and au revoir!
There will be one transfer to marseilles airport.
DATES
27th - 30th May 2021
22nd - 25th July 2021
Sept 2021 TBC
7th - 10th October
Travel
The Chateau is situated just outside of Avignon.
30 min drive Avignon TGV Train Station
50 min drive from Nimes Airport
70 min drive Montpellier Airport.
90 min drive from Marseilles Airport
We can offer to transfer you and your luggage to and from the Chateau via Marseilles airport. There will be one transfer on the Thursday and one on the Sunday. This is included in the cost. We will do our best to be flexible so please contact us with your travel arrangements to finalise.
You must also let us know if you will be bringing your bike, shipping your bike ahead or hiring a bike. If you are shipping I can build the bike up for you on its arrival.
Insurance
Safety is priority at all times on this weekend. This is not a race but a challenge to yourself to be shared with others. Be respectful to us and to your fellow team mates. If you want to stomp ahead on the climbs no problem but we will always regroup at the top but why not come back down and give the others some encouragement!!
Please make sure you have adequate bike and personal liability insurance. You will need to provide us with documents to show you are covered for the whole trip. We are not liable if you decide to fall off the mountain or someone decides to push you off!
FAQ
What happens if the weather is bad?
Will we do our best to make alternative arrangements either on or off the bike.
Will I get to see the Sunflower and Lavender fields?
Lavender will be around in the July weekend and Sunflowers can be around until October!
Sometimes they close Mont Ventoux because of high wind.
If the weather is good but too windy to climb to the top we can go as far as possible or use one of the many other amazing routes this area has to offer.
My flight is delayed!
We will do our best to collect you on time
Le Tour de France 2019
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Stages 16 and 17 of the Tour De France 2019.
I was able to be in France to see stages 16 and 17 of the TDF. Stage 16 started and finished in Niemes.
My plan was to head them off at the Pont du Gard then cycle down back towards Niemes to see them again. It was going to be a super hot day and I did a recce the day before but there was not much in the way of shade on the route.I found my soot they gave me a view of them approaching the Pont Du Gard and then a view of them as they crossed over it. The actual viaduct was closed off to spectators.I imagined it to be super busy with people on the day so arrived very early and to my surprise the place was pretty empty. I cycled over from Saint Victor le cost partly on some of the route passing fans in mobile homes getting their banners and bbq’s ready.
I had chosen my spot I was happy with where I was. I them decided to have a look from the other side just to make sure. As I was on the other side confirming I had initiualy made the right decision they closed off going back to the other side as the peleton was approaching. I was stuck. I was too close to the riders for a good shot and now too far away from the shot I wanted on the Pont Du Gard. Lesson learnt!
Caleb Ewan sprints to victory, Alaphilippe keeps yellow. The 16th stage of the Tour was a predominantly flat out-and-back race in Nîmes.
Matteo Trentin deservedly won a relatively mundane stage 17 as Julian Alaphilippe retained the yellow jersey, with the leaders keeping their powder dry.
Itinerary
I travelled from London Gatwick to Nîmes on RyanAir with my Bike Box Alan. I stayed in St Victor la Coste near Avignon at an Airbnb. This was close to the Pont du Gard for stage 17 and a 40km ride into Nîmes for stage 16 start and finish.
RyanAir charge £60 each way for a bike box at a weight of 30kg. The cost is £75 if booked on the phone or at the airport. You are not supposed to pack anything other than the bike within the box but I add shoes, tools and my helmet. More info here
You could also get a Eurostar to Avignon. Taking a bike box on the Eurostar brings it’s own difficulties as there are size restrictions to the bike box you can take. To travel with your bike, you need to book a space separately to your train ticket. To make sure it travels on the same train as you, book in advance from £30. More info here.
From Marseilles I rented a car with Europcar. They are a little more expensive but it is worth the extra for the ease of pick up and no hidden charges. Always look out for deals and sometimes you can get a discount booking with the airline. EasyJet offer this . NEVER book with GOLDCAR!
Airbnb was at Chateau St Victor La Coste. There are a number of rooms to choose from here and they have a pool and local amenities.
Les Cycles D’uzes bike shop in Uzes caters for all needs including energy bars and a workshop.
The Pyrenees
The Pyrenees mountain range separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe, stretching more than 430km between Spain and France and rising higher than 3,400m in elevation. Hiking trails traverse the entire length of the range and national parks offer shorter trails, while dozens of ski resorts can be found on both sides of the Pyrenees. Andorra is a tiny sovereign state in the heart of the chain.
Made famous at the Tour de France and with over 500 passes at over 1000m there is a lot to choose from in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are one of the world’s best cycling destinations. They’ve got huge cycling heritage, with legendary climbs that have been lighting up the Tour de France since 1910 and wild, untouched landscapes that won’t fail to leave their mark on you. The one thing I noticed the most from the region I was cycling in is that is was super quiet. Hardly any road users apart from cows and other cyclists. Many of the passes are routes that have been used by shepherds, traders and livestock for thousands of years, the stereotypical goat tracks covered by tarmac. Often cutting through dense, deciduous woodland, there is something other-worldly about them.
The start of Col du Pradel
I have yet to ride the classic climbs but this part of the pyrenees was quiet with some great climbs to be had.
Misty on the Col de Pailleres
I wasn’t so lucky with the weather and the top of the climbs were pretty foggy. Always be prepared for a quick change of climate and temperature when in the mountains. When it was clear there were some stunning views and from the top of col du Pradel was one of the longest descent I have done! Over 10 miles with a little kick in the middle back down to Puivert near were we were staying.
Here is a link to my Strava ride.
The Pyrenees has a lot to offer and I intend to go back as much as possible and discover these famous roads.
Overview
The main airport which serves the central Pyrenees is Toulouse. The budget airlines such as Easyjet, RyanAir and also British Airways have regular year round flights into Toulouse from airports all over the UK.
Although getting to the Pyrenees by train is a long journey (between 11 and 12 hours fron London) it is the most environmentally friendly option. It’s also the most relaxing way to travel. You can just kick back and relax as the train takes the strain. The modern trains in France have excellent facilities including quiet coaches in which mobile phones are banned and free WiFi throughout. The food on board is varied and surprisingly good value too
We stayed in an Airbnb just outside Puivert there are plenty to choose from here.
There are some great walks here also including up to Puivert Castle.
An interesting Afghan restaurant was in town with some interesting dishes which also serves Pizza!! here
There is also B D Q / Taproom & Kitchen which served up some good quality strong cycling inspired beer here.
Make sure you have good fitness and some climbing legs before you go as the climbs are tough.
Always double check the weather with a good app like Dark Sky or WeatherPro
Make sure you have the right spares and tools as you may be a long way from help.
Take warm and waterproof clothing with you. The weather can turn!
Komoot is a great app to help you plan rides and see where people have been.
Mont Ventoux
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CHALLENGE: MONT VENTOUX 3 ASCENTS
DATE: 25 AUGUST 2018
DISTANCE: 84.54m
MOVING TIME: 7:43:10
ELAPSED TIME: 9:44:05
ELEVATION: 14,629ft
AVERAGE SPEED: 11mi/hr
I had ridden Mont Ventoux a few times before I found out about the Club de Cingles. This involves ascending 3 times in one day. It is a long slog to the top and the weather can change pretty quick but I thought I could do it. On long distance challenges like this I prefer riding on my own for pace and not having to wait for people to pee. I read a few articles on the challenge, a good one in the now defucnt Cycling Active magazine. September Issue 2016. share advice
You can ascend from 3 sides. Bedoin being the most famous and arguably the hardest. 8% over 20 km. Then Malaucene being the second hardest 7% over 21 km. Finally the assent from Salut. A steady 5% for the first half until you join the last 6 km of the Bedoin side. An early breakfast of a croissant, of course! to start the climb. Collecting my stamp from the Tabac next door. It was colder than I anticipated and wish the I had brought my toe thingy's but I pushed on through he lush green forest that sits at the bottom of the climb until you reach the lunar landscape near the tip and get your first glimpse of the summit tower. This never seems to get any closer as you twist up the mountain. The gradient seems to be slightly less in this part as through the forest 6% seemd like a rest period to the near 11% stretches.
There is a left hand bend at the top befor the last stretch will remind you why they called it the windy mountain. This and the very last and very steep right hand corner to the summit. It is windy and instantly cold at the the top as I pose for my first photograph. Straight on with the gillet and a descend to Malaucéne. The view from this side is also stunning. Not so luna but just as impressive.
The first few km were pretty sketchy and I descended with caution as the wind was catching my wheels. It was approaching mid morning and the road was getting busier with cyclists grimacing on their way up to the summit. You can get up to some pretty good speeds with some long stretches and sweeping bends. Arriving in Malaucéne I stopped at the nearest cafe to refuel and collect my second stamp. I had 2 coffee's and 3 pastries. In hindsight I eat too much too quickly and on my ascent was feeling rather bloated and uncomfortable. I didn't take my own advice which is to always eat and drink little and often!!
The ascent is well protected by the winds and has some tough sections at 12%. But there is also some respite after the cafe nearing the top where I even shifted into the big ring for a little while. It is now getting very windy at the top as I had my second photograph taken by a fellow climber. Straight on with the gillett wishing I had brought a jacket! (I recommend this whatever the forecast!) Again caution on the decent with the wind gusting quite high now. Onto Salut! I was cold, my teeth were chattering i could barely feel my fingers and toes. The decent was fast and flowing eventually opening out to lavender fields i passed only to find a little kicker of a climb into Salut. I was a bit behind on my timing so a quick stop with a coke and a Mars bar before the last climb.
The lower part to the final ascent is a nice low gradient passing through the open fields up into the woods again. My legs were feeling good and i was making good progress. I passed Chalet Reynard I could see the clouds closing in and feel the wind starting to pick up. It started to rain the head wind was strong with powerful gusts. I was so close but yet very far from the top. I pushed through to the top quickly found someone willing to take my last photograph put on my gilet and descended for the last time. My whole bike shaking from my shivering body as the winds wiped my face. Half way down i could not feel my hands or feet which made this very unenjoyable last descent. I finally reached the bottom and began to feel warm again. A well deserved beer and a long look at my fully stamped card made it all worth while!
I had done it and it was hard. Would I do it again> probably.!
I highly recommend you do this challenge!
Itinerary
Accommodation
I stayed close by in Paradou (great place for groups to stay and some good rides from here that I have featured on the site) then drove to Bedoine and stayed at an airbnb here. If you do stay in this Airbnb, which was fine for the night, the place is on the right as you approach Bedoine, opposite the large carpark. The GPS will take you into town on narrow lanes to a dead end!
Travel
I flew EasyJet to Marseilles. I take my own bike using a Bike Box Alan. It cost £35 each way when booked online. Info here. BA offer you to take the BikeBox as normal hold luggage which for a short trip you can your add some other items in. I hired a car from Europe car. Hire in advance as much as possible. Going for the cheaper companies always works out more expensive!! Do not use Goldcar!!
DO’S AND DONT’S
.
Start early
Take a jacket
Use sunscreen
Eat little and often
Do some long hill climbing training
Apply early for your stamp card from