Biking in Provence - question
 

We are biking there in a month, I have been training for it all summer. We are going through a company called Trek Tours. It is a 6 day trip. There are SAG wagons.

I am mostly curious about the grade and elevation. I have asked the co but they have not responded.

The route is roughly :

Mazan - - Sault -- Gordes.

Has anyone biked this route and if so what is your experience with the hills.

Thank you

Look at a 1:200000 Michelin map for the area as it indicates climbs on roads with one, two or three (steepest) arrows.

Stick the three in google maps and turn on the terrain, ... knees quake, but seen worse, if you've worn your bottom in you should be ok, taking your own saddle?

Area around Mazan is flat farmland; Gorge de la Nesque to Sault is a great cycle - canyonesque; Gordes and surroundings
are v. hilly.

Have a wonderful time! I would never be able to bike it, but you go girl and rock it!

I am bringing my own saddle. The trip is through Trek Travel and they are providing us with their top of the line bike so I may try their saddle as well. My bum never gets sore! My legs do!!!

I panic at the thought of steep grades that go on and on....

We biked yesterday for about 40 miles with gentle low rolling hills and was fine but legs still sore. I was going about 21 MPH though which is very fast for me.

immmini - Gordes is at the end of the trip... hopeful biking there from Sault wont be unbearable.... hoping!!

Thanks for the replies

Road bike, no bags 21 mph, fast for many people where you sharing the front or were you the front? The danger to your knees will come from droping your reps too much, that can put extra pressure on your knees. I aim to hit 60 reps but maybe your trainer can advise better

Sorry
Road bike, no bags 21 mph, fast for many people were you sharing the front or were you the front? The danger to your knees will come from droping your reps too much, that can put extra pressure on your knees. I aim to hit 60 reps but maybe your trainer can advise better

I was front - no drafting. Believe me, when I say 21 mph , that was very fast for me. I don't plan doing that on upcoming trip.

Thanks for the info about the knees. My knees were very sore earlier this summer. I think I came out of the gate too fast and hard.

Yes - I need to inquire about best amount of reps for me.

Any other tips are much appreciated should you think of any!

I can't help you, but it sounds like a wonderful trip. Have fun!

I was front - no drafting. Believe me, when I say 21 mph , that was very fast for me.

Fast for me too for 40 miles. Are you under 30?

No I am not under 30.... several years older than that. What saved me on this ride was hardly any hills. Add in hills and I ride like a granny. That is why I am making inquiries to the hills in Provence! :)

Also a positive for me is that the rides start at 10 am each day. If it were any earlier I would be so stiff for the ride. by mid morning I am feeling pretty energetic for the day!

I find after a good ride I need an extra sleep; 5pm to 8pm does for me :-)

Can I just say this was the hardest ride of my life!!

There were some rides with an 8 percent grade for a few km... I loved it but it is not a "relaxing" vacay by any means!!

there's a poster here who gives bike tours, maybe he will see this.