Special rides and routes that just have to be ridden
There is one ride we do again and again, the only thing that alters is the way round we do it and where we have breakfast. It’s a ride that takes you to some of the prettiest villages in the area, pottering along the quiet back roads, with incredible views and lots of places to … More Beyond the Véloroute #15.. A ‘Welcome to the Valley’ ride
A few weeks ago, when I was back in the UK and Andy was in France he did a ride that he was particularly excited about. He told me about it and yes it sounded lovely, until he said it was about 110km and had nearly 1500 metres of climbing. At that point I was … More Beyond the Véloroute #14… Sault and back the long way round… On a bit of a mission
Last week Andy and I were sitting at Menerbes overlooking the view when two people on electric bikes pulled up beside us and were trying to identify the villages on the hills opposite. We got chatting and they explained that they had just hired the bikes and one said how wonderful it was and that … More Beyond the Veloroute #13 – Incredible Roads, 2 Cols and Wow just Wow!
It’s been a long time since I last posted about a cycle ride in the area, that’s not because we haven’t been cycling, in fact the opposite is true. This area is so good for cycling and even though we thought we had been along most of the main routes, we continue to find new … More Beyond the Veloroute #12 – Over the top to Cucuron
I can honestly say that cycling in Provence is always a delight, but sometimes we do a new ride that just makes my heart sing & leaves me feeling as if I’m grinning ‘from the inside out’ and that’s just how I felt after doing this route earlier this week. I never thought I’d hear myself saying this, especially … More Beyond the Veloroute #11 Mont Ventoux & the Gorges de la Nesque
I like Thursdays for many reasons – not only is it nearly the weekend, or a chance for yoga both in the U.K. and here in France, but there’s also a good handful of markets to choose from. There’s the lovely mid-week one at L’Isle Sur La Sorgue, slightly smaller than the Sunday event, but … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #10 – a couple of Thursday markets
What we’ve realised since we bought the house this time last year is that there is no really bad time to cycle in Provence. Yes Summer is hot, but speaking as a ‘mad dog’ I’m very happy to go out in the mid-day sun and to be honest it gives us a great excuse for … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #9 – Roussillon, Bonnieux & an Elephant!
When I packed my cycle kit to come over this time I put in enough layers to keep me warm in the expected arctic temperatures, hoping to snatch a few precious moments out on the bike before dashing home to thaw out in front of the fire. I think in hindsight I rather over-packed … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #8 – Through the Vineyards
As you will have realised by now we are really enjoying getting out on the bikes and exploring the area around our new home. Despite having visited the area for almost more years than I care to remember we are always finding new routes & villages to potter around. We’re really lucky as the Veloroute … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #7 – Reillanne, Vachères & views to the Alps
In a little over a week’s time my hubby & boys will set off from our home on Dartmoor to cycle through France, hopefully arriving safe and well after about 18 days in Sete. They’ll be cycling just over 1500km in that time, not quite the Tour de France, but a big ride whichever way … More Beyond the Veloroute – cycle #6 from Sade to Saignon
Vaucluse Dreamer 