Cycling UK Forum

Hi

I'm after suggestions and recommendations for cycle routes in the Bedoin/Ventoux/Luberon area. We will be staying for a week at a campsite close to Bedoin in September, and once we've hauled ourselves up Ventoux, would like to explore the area around. I would think the maximum distance for my wife and myself with our touring bikes would be around 60-70 miles, though shorter rides would also suit us.

thanks

Rusty

On looking through the information, it would seem that some days you have to ride many kilometres there and back to actually get to the start of the ride. Do most folk take their own vehicles - we were thinking of the Bike Bus, but some of the rides may be a bit long if we have to post 60kms plus to get us to/from the rides.

In terms of camping, do the sites offer static caravans for hire, or is it a case of a pitch only for your own tent or camper van? If so, roughly how much should we budget for?

Any help/info. would be greatly appreciated

Love the username Mr. Copy!

Thanks for that really useful information, I feel a bit more assured now - just need to make sure that we keep reasonably fit and..*cough*...keep the weight down and we should be okay. It seems that the ones who suffer on d'Huez are those who try to break the 60 minute barrier - or those who try to rival Coppi's or Pantani's feats!

By the way, have you ever gone up Mont Ventoux? (22 km climb as I understand it)

thanks also for the other suggestions, may well try them...

Rusty

I understand the reason for buying these in that they are puncture resistant. However, I have found recently that they are very difficult to prise off the rim when they do puncture - in one case, impossible without cutting the tyre off! Is there an easy way or handy tip to perform this operation? A friend also has great difficulty with them. I have been thinking that an easier option would be to get a conventional tyre and maybe a 'self repairing' inner tube (I believe these inner tubes are heavier) or just go for a combo that means more puncture repairs, but ones that are easier.

Just for info. I had little problem with the Marathon Plus on my compact folder (Tikit) - it seems to be with the larger wheels of my tourer with Mavic rims.

thanks

Help and advice needed please.

Next year, as part of marking my half century birthday (early September), I'd like to have a go at riding up Alpe d'Huez along with my wife. We will, of course, take our time, no attempt at all to break the 60 minute barrier

If anyone on here has done this ride, what are the gradients like (i.e. anything steeper than, say, a 1 in 6 or 1 in 5 slope?). I understand that the first 3km are the worst. Is it feasible for two reasonably fit folk who are recreational/moderate tour cyclists who itend finding a low gear, high cadence, and toughing it out with odd stops along the 14km route to take photos, catch our breath and take on board water!

We would also like, if we can, to ride one or two other climbs, such as the Col du Galibier?

doesn't surprise me either

cost of fuel and other bills - folk are looking at cheaper ways of getting around, and a compact folder fits the bill nicely for lots of people! I'm getting mine soon, a Bike Friday Tikit BTO as I'm very tall.

many of the relentlessly straight roads across the middle of North Norfolk - what a Cambridge based colleague of mine once referred to as MAMBA country....... 'Mile After Mile of B***er All' - and after my visit, I knew what he meant - for the record, I affectionately referred to it as 'the Cabbage Patch'

thanks Cunobelin

where can I contact Steve Parry?

thanks for your comments

I have lower back trouble, so also need to have handlebar height higher than my saddle. I'm interested in the sound of the Birdy with the after market handlebar post extension Si - where did you get this, and how much extra height/adjustment has this given you? Can something similar be purchased for Bromptons or Dahons?

cheers

Rusty

what works for me is to have both at the same level, or for extra comfort, to have the handlebars a few inches higher - better for my lower back, hands and neck. Hope this helps.

for what it's worth, I tried the G.I. diet (stands for Glycaemic Index), never went hungry, and lost over 2 stone in 3 months, and it has stayed off as well for about 2 years now - excepting the odd blip for Xmas etc. In essence, cut down on, or even cut out sugar and replace with some protein, along with veg etc. I was sceptical, but not anymore! My weight is lower now than it was 20 years ago. It is also important to get some exercise as well. In terms of cycling, you may be better pedalling quicker and going slower, so that it produces less muscle bulk and burns more calories.

Hi

am considering getting a folding bike to add to my collection but I'm struggling size wise. Having done some research, I note that Brompton provide a telescopic seat post but not an extending handlepost. The issue is I need a reasonably upright riding position for comfort (history of acute lower back pain I'm afraid!). I have seen a couple of tall riders on folders - one of them on a new Birdy and one I think on a Brompton. I've tried a Birdy but I could have done with a bit more height in both seat and handlebar post. Dahon do, as I understand, have a telescopic handlepost, but not a seatpost (unless the Brompton telescopic seatpost would fit it). Any help would be most appreciated.

thanks

R

Hi Tim

I live in York and commute on either a Dutch sit up and beg Gazelle bike - which is supremely comfortable but very heavy - however, I need a fairly upright riding position due to a history of acute lower back pain. Gazelle bikes are imported from Holland by a small number of retailers - ours is Cycle Heaven in York. They also do a 'Lite' range, which aren't so heavy. Don't know about Claud Butler, but I know that Cannondale do a good range of urban bikes - Street I think the range is - might stretch your budget, but well worth a look. Also, you can change the handlebar and stem to have a more upright riding position if desired - I had this done on my old tourer, which is my other commuting bike!

In terms of panniers, I use Ortlieb - expensive but they do what they say - very robust and have stood up to the terrible downpours we've had here over the past few days - need I say more? Good luck with whatever you purchase.