Bike riding tours

Alternatively, anyone know of bike shops who fit and rent bikes and have route information for a self-guided tour?

Brad -
If you're talking about a self-guided tour, take a look at www.discoverfrance.com.
I've done their tours in Provence, Loire Valley, and Burgundy and would recommend them highly.
It's not cheap, but included are three and four star hotels, transfer of luggage, maps/ directions, some meals, and high quality bikes.
Average rides are 30-50K.
Larry

Thanks Larry,

I looked at a few of theirs. Something along the 7 Day Dordogne trip looks pretty good.

Since I don't care about 3 or 4 star lodging, I might go for self guided, rent my own bike, find my own lodging and meals and save some money. I normally travel very light so a van to move my luggage isn't a huge deal. I'll see how my friend feels about it. He did similar in Ireland by himself, stopping at B&B's along the way.

We did Blue Marble's Champagne Pedal tour in 1999 and have also stayed in one of their funky Paris apartments in 2008. They're a bit quirky and have their own way of doing things, but they provide routes (including some options to "sag" on a train if you don't pedal every kilometer), arrange lodging and gear transfers, provide good, maintained road bicycles, arrange some group meals, provide suggestions for free time exploring on your own, and also a guide/translator. Website is http://bluemarble.org/

A classic USA tour, by the way, is RAGBRAI in Iowa. Iowa is not flat, can be stiflingly hot (with accompanying humidity), can have severe thunderstorms, and a lot of the more obnoxious/hazardous participants, unfortunately, treat the weeklong ride as a big drinking party that happens to include some element of bicycles, rather than a bike tour that might happen to include a lot of good times. Blue Marble's tours involve several thousand fewer people, and are worth a look.

Ziploc bags and/or waterproof panniers are good to have on any bike tour.

At http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sightseeing/biking, Rick mentions tours by REI and general info and links from Europe Bicycle Touring. If you use the search box above for the term "biking France" you will find some similar threads; even if the recommendations are a couple of years old, the tour companies probably haven't changed their specialties.

Brad, in my experience many if not most companies that rent bikes will also provide a menu of services that you can use to put together a self-guided tour.

I've rented bikes twice in Burgundy. Both operators offered (for a fee) to book meals and lodging, to transport bags, and to plan an itinerary based on our interests and level of bicycle buffness. Both were fine when we declined most of these services. Both were excellent sources of on-the-ground information, gratis, that let us plan the trips we wanted. Very professional, friendly, and helpful.

You may have trouble however locating road bikes. The VTTs (souped-up hybrids) are much more common. I was very concerned about this but ultimately settled for the VTTs and discovered that they were in many ways better suited for towpaths and cobbles than a road bike would have been. I do not believe I rode more than 35 miles in any one day however.

You can contact French Mystique (an American expat I guess), who is mostly active on the Thorn Tree Forum of Lonely Planet and organizes bike tours around Paris. Even if you don´t book a tour I think he always wants to give some advice. See: www.frenchmystiquetours.com

Thanks for the replies. I'll check the links provided.

Anyone have preferences on where to ride and/or what time of year is best? I like the medieval villages and chateau in the Dordogne area. Is that a decent area for riding?

Re. hybrid bikes: Yes, I noticed a lot of these on websites, which made me think about the types of roads and/or trails to ride on. I'm thinking 50 miles on decent roads with an efficient road bike in a day isn't bad at all (I'd consider moderate effort). I'm not sure how to translate that into miles off good roads with something other than an efficient road bike.

I did 70 miles during a long weekend in West Virginia on mountain bikes/camping. It seemed fine to me (again no more than moderate effort) but my teenage kids were complaining about the work. I know my friend rides regularly and has ridden tours, but I've never ridden with him long distance so not sure what his daily limit would be off-road.

Brad, I believe the Loire has good biking trails - look at Loire a Velo, www.cycling-loire.com. That site has lots of useful links to maps, package tours, bike rentals, etc.

We spent about 10 days in the Loire valley last October, renting a gite for one week and staying in B&Bs the rest of the time. We had a fair amount of rain during the first two weeks in October, but if you are prepared that's not a problem. I'm not sure about weather in Sept. or May. We were not biking on this trip, but my sister and brother-in-law [who are serious cyclists] got very enthusiastic about returning with their cycling gear sometime to enjoy the area in a different way.

You might also think about renting a gite somewhere as a home base, and doing trips from there to explore the countryside. You might be able to take the train to different parts of the Loire, as well.

Have a great trip!

Hi Brad- Kathleen's recommendation of the Loire is good. We rented bikes in Amboise and did a chateaux tour one day in May, and the riding was enjoyable with light traffic and few hills. If you're up for some climbing and gear shifting, I believe the Dordogne will offer a bit more riding challenge.

You may have all this already from mountain biking, but never discount the value of a clean pair or proper bike shorts each day, plus chamois cream for sensitive body parts. The more miles and/or consecutive days of riding, the more important it is to prevent saddle sores or irritation from forming.

Thanks,

After looking at some alternatives I think the Loire may be the best option.

The idea that's looking good is to go in September. Start in Paris, train to Rouen, rent car, drive to Honfleur, Bayeaux, Mont st. Michel, and Saint Nazaire. Drop the car, rent bikes and ride roughly along the Loire to Nantes, Angers, Tours, Blois and Orleans with some detours for great sights. Turn in the bikes and train back to Paris.

My friend and I work together in the Air National Guard. I know he wants to see Normandie (WWII is far from my favorite history), this itinerary would probably be a better one for him. He had mentioned biking Normandie, but I've watched the Tour de France and they seem to ride in a really strong crosswind through here (at least in July). I think we'd be better off driving this then biking from the ocean to Orleans.

Anyone have favorite sights along this circle that I should try not to miss?

Self-guided bicycle trips are part of our trips to Europe in recent years. Self-guided in this sense is a booked trip whereby the firm provide suitable European style touring bicycles (more akin to a hybrid in North America...quite heavy, fatter tires than road bikes, with good locks, one or more panniers, sometimes lights, patch/tool kit), route maps, reserved accommodations, transport of luggage daily and emergency assistance if required. You travel at your own pace and can enjoy side trips to your daily destinations. A delightful way to see a country at a slower pace. If wishing to craft your own trip, then you'll need a bike and probably a planned route before arriving. Taking your own bicycle is expensive given baggage fees. I would suggest just arranging a bicycle rental in advance. One source of information is EuroVelo. Also, I would look at routes for tours offered by Bike Tours Direct, REI and other agencies. Absent clearly established/marked bicycle routes, you should have quality bike-related maps in hand to find your way on quiet country roads, dirt or gravel roads at times, as well as dedicated bike paths.

EDIT: Friends were planning an independent bicycle trip within Germany, but after considering all costs/benefits decided to book a self-guided trip. They were very pleased with their decision.

Thanks Bruce,

I'll check out the EuroVelo site and Bike Tours Direct sites. Next time I'm in REI, I'll ask what they have. I really don't think I'd bring one of my bikes. It's expensive and risks damaging or losing the bike - in which case I'd still have to rent something.

I was kind of put off by the prices when I checked some of the more formal bike tours. Many were in the $5,000 range for a six day tour. I saw some for about $1,000 plus bike rental (included lodging, chase van, and some other services). They were a better class of lodging than I usually get and I'm used to doing things independently - so I'm leaning toward arranging a bike rental around Saint Nazaire and, hopefully, paying a little extra to simply drop the bike in Orleans so I don't have to back track. I'll make my own list of lodging and book as I go. Probably only reserve ahead for the days in Paris.

Hi Brad

Given the time of year I would suggest you stay south, so if its September your idea of the Dordogne rather than the Loire. I say that because of the weather.

If you go for May I would go even further south to the Mediterranean.

I've never been on an organised tour but I do cycle a lot in the Alpes Maritimes and in May I find the coastal roads are fine during the week and the views are fantastic. In the mountains here its steep but the scenery is outstanding. Above all you can rely on the weather.

A good search feature is found at the Bike Tours Direct website under the "more search options" such as region within country, price, length of trip, month, difficulty and price. For May, I found some 5-6 days self-guided tours under €500 per person. That would give you some idea when comparing such to an independent trip. Keep those wheels turning!

Until a couple of years ago, British Airways carried bicycles for free from the USA! Then, as now, a bike had to be partially disassembled, and a potential drawback of bringing one's own bike is having to reassemble it once you arrive (imagine laying out your wrenches and straightening out the handlebars, installing pedals, positioning the seat, etc. in the airport, a train station, or your hotel room), and finding a way to stow your bike shipping case (unless it's a simple bag or cardboard container) until you're ready to come home. Even if you rent, if you want to use your own pedals with cleated shoes, you'll have to bring them, install them, and maybe tote the rental bike's pedals around with you until the bike's turned back in. You may or may not have an opportunity to have a computer/odometer on your rental bike.

An advantage of having your own bike (or even just its pedals) on a tour, of course, is that it's suited to you and you're familiar with all its controls.

Brad,
I've not personally taken one (I'm in good shape, but not THAT good....well, maybe, but I would try it in the US first), but Backroads offers some really nice bike trips (and non-bike journeys). I receive their catalogs, and they offer two different levels of hotels (very nice and exceptionally nice). Friends have gone on their journeys and speak highly of the company.....excellent equipment, guides, support teams, hotels, food, etc.

I see renting a bike there as the better option. It's easy, not that expensive, and eliminates logistical planning. Packing your bike is expensive, forces you to collect baggage (when you normally only use a carry-on), and risks damage or loss.

Originally, I thought a good road bike made the most sense but my friend has rented the hybrid bikes (in Ireland) and was happy with them. He also said he got regular peddles for the rental so he could bring a regular pair of running shoes rather than a specialized bike shoe plus other shoes - which sounds like a good choice. As we get closer to the trip, I'll consult him more about the right mix of riding/rain gear to pack.

Even though I'd probably prefer the Dordogne. The Loire makes more sense for this trip. My friend is really interested in WWII history, so Normandie is a natural fit. The Loire also makes a handy circular route for flying in and out of CDG conveniently. I'll have to think more on how much time to spend in Paris and whether to spend most of it before or after the rest of the trip? The nice thing is Paris can add flexibility, we don't have to fly there or home together but can join up there for the rest of the trip - or have extra days there if one has to go home earlier.

I've also had interest from other friends about going, so I may end up organizing for a bigger group. I don't mind as long as people can keep up and don't complain (I do plan on limiting to about 40k a day, or less, of riding so it will be relatively easy). I'll probably commit to a solo trip, in case everyone bails out but build in flexibility for whatever size group it turns into. I haven't traveled with any of these people before so that, in itself, is an adventure. They're all outdoorsy hikers, bikers and campers so hopefully my itinerary will be a good fit.

So the rough itinerary as it's taking shape is Paris, Rouen by train, pick up rental car, Bayeux, Mt.St.Michel, Rennes, Saint Nazaire pick up bikes, then something along the general route of Nantes, Angers, Tours, Blois, and Orleans, drop bikes, train to Chartres for a day stop then back into Paris.

I need a lot of fine tuning on the bike part of the trip along the Loire. If anyone has sights, lodging, dining, or even entertainment venues they really enjoyed in the area please post them.

Thanks,

Brad

Bruce,

I'll check out the "more search options".

Thanks,

Brad-another thing worth mentioning, and you may have already sorted this out in all your travels, is hydration while cycling. If you opt for water bottles rather than a Camelbak or other hydration method, your rental bike may come with fewer bottle cages than you'd prefer. You'd also need to bring your own supply of bottles from home, or buy them there for a few Euros. Your rental may or may not include a handlebar bag, but one is handy for stashing ready-access items, and might have a map sleeve on the top, which is handy as well -- just don't fill it too full, as weight will affect steering and handling. Some people swear by the occasional Coca-cola, for its boost of sugar and caffeine

How many days are you planning on?

Thanks for the idea on water bottles. I was planning to keep the riding fairly light and make frequent stops for refreshments (and make it easier for everyone to keep up). If stores aren't readily available, however, I'll have to think about having adequate water.

The trip will be in the neighborhood of two to two and a half weeks.

Something like 2-3 nights Paris, 1 night Rouen, 2 nights Bayeax, Mt. St-Michel as a daystop then (only an approximate time frame and place. I prefer to stay flexible so we can throw in an extra night when we want or alter the route to catch certain must-see sights) 1 night each in Rennes, St. Nazaire, Nantes, Angers, Tours, Bloise, and Orleans. One consideration is to bypass St. Nazaire, Nantes and possibly Rennes, go straight to Angers, pick up bikes and plan regular two night stays with day rides to different chateaux.

After Orleans, I'd like to train to Chartres for a day stop then into Paris until the flight home (hopefully a few more nights for me, not sure about the others).

I've also had interest from other friends about going, so I may end up
organizing for a bigger group. I don't mind as long as people can keep
up and don't complain (I do plan on limiting to about 40k a day, or
less, of riding so it will be relatively easy). I'll probably commit
to a solo trip, in case everyone bails out but build in flexibility
for whatever size group it turns into. I haven't traveled with any of
these people before so that, in itself, is an adventure. They're all
outdoorsy hikers, bikers and campers so hopefully my itinerary will be
a good fit.

A little late to the party here, but a couple of things I'll throw out. 1) are there any recreational bike clubs in your area? If you enjoy riding its a good way to learn more routes, and more importantly you may be able to meet up with people that have done something similar to what you are thinking and get their suggestions/advice.

2) a cyclist out in CA has written a book about advice for cycle touring. See http://touring.piaw.net/

3) if you get 6-10 or so people together as you alluded to above, then you can do a self-supported tour. We did this in France a few years back. Rent a van and one person takes a turn each day driving it along with all your bags to the next stop. Once parked they can go out for their own ride, or relax in town. Everyone else is out riding the way you do at home, no need to carry all your luggage on the bike. These days with cell phone rates so cheap the driver could even be available for SAG. carrying some extra tires & tubes. And if the weather is really bad you can skip a riding day and use the van to move the bikes.

Good point John,

There are tons of bike clubs here, and two main bike shops I know of. Most of the people I know frequent one of the shops. Great ideas for where to get advice/ideas.

The van idea might be good. I won't count on anyone going until they've booked their flight. From then on, I'll consider them in. If I get a decent group, the van could be both a great way to move stuff (and allow people who can't pack ultra light to travel conveniently) as well as an alternative for anyone with an injury, blisters, etc. that needs to take it easy.