13 Rider goes to France 🇨🇵
Apologies for the lastness of the report it's a week since I've been back but waited until all photos were available
So on Sat 16th I flew into Marseille airport to be picked up by my chosen tour company Marmot Tours who I would fully recommend to anyone considering doing something similar .A short drive to the 1st nights hotel Near Aix en Provence where I was introduced to the other riders and my trusty steed for the week "Tim the Titanium"
After a relaxing evening we had the ride briefing and the next days ride may have some complications.Within a few miles our route crossed the course of the world series Triathlon and road closures were in place and the guides had little confirmed info regarding crossing the course
Day 1 of riding ,after breakfast we rolled out as a group at the civilised time of 9.30 . After 3 miles we came across the road closure , thankfully within our group we had some fluent French speakers . After a discussion with the Gendarme we were told we couldn't cross here but he directed along the footpath (walking) about 1/3 of a mile in an attempt to get around the course .At this point the between the French speakers talking to local cyclists and a guy who was a keen bike packer finding a route on his Garmin after a few minutes watching the Triathletes hooning down a descent on TT bikes we were soon back on our way . Keeping the group together riding steady we found a crossing point and got across when directed by the Gendarme and we were soon back on the proper route and the ride could begin properly . After 20 miles we had the 1st van stop which became a lovely feature of the rides during the week ,plenty of snacks and water and access to your support bags
At this point the group began splitting into smaller groups as everyone found there own pace and we all regrouped at lunch .
Not a bad spot for lunch . After lunch there was a choice of route longer hillier or shorter less hilly which was the case on everyday . I choose the shorter one and found myself in the company of 3 Ladies (the group had 8 Ladies and 7 men) and we rode together most of the way . I was stronger on the climbs and would slow over the top until they got back on .We had a section of very gradual uphill which was boarded on both sides by lavender fields which unfortunately wasn't in bloom as it would have been stunning
However the poppies were in flower
A typical French road . After the last climb I pressed on alone to the hotel in Moustiers Sainte Marie to be 1st to arrive (not that it's a race 😁) Day 1 done 75.74 miles ,5630ft of uppness 5.5hrs in the saddle
Day 2 was a circular round from the hotel around the Les Gorge du Verdon. This day can only be described as absolutely stunning the scenery was amazing and photos don't really do it justice . Another civilised start of 9.30 and were off after 10 miles we hit the 1st big climb of the week Strava segment Vaumale par illoire 7.56 miles long with 2464ft of elevation . At the van stop 2/3 of the way up I had already beaten my biggest single climb on a bike which was Snaefell on the Isle of Man a mere 1480ft of elevation . This ride justified lots of photo stops
Days 2 stats 55 miles ,6421ft of elevation 4hrs 20 min in the saddle ,Like I didd everyday I did the shorter less hilly route
To be continued