Classic Climbs of France, Day 0
This is part of a series of posts from my cycling trip to France to experience the “classic climbs” of the French Pyrénées, Alps, and Mont Ventoux.
Today’s ride was a warmup ride to test our our bikes, provided by Trek Travel. It was a short loop (24 miles) through the French countryside near Lourdes. Lourdes is known for two things: launching bicycle rides through the Pyrénées mountains and Catholic pilgrimages. There are at least a dozen Catholic churches here, including Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. There are many, many tour groups and individuals here on pilgrimages, and seeking healing from the Lourdes holy water. I’m told that this is the most important city for those of the Catholic faith, other than Vatican City, and that outside of Paris, it has the highest number of hotels and tourists in France.
The warmup ride was beautiful but we rode through quite a bit of rain. We also just missed a pretty severe thunder storm, arriving back at our hotel as it was rolling in.
A few thoughts from the day:
- Riding the French countryside is everything they say it is! Just beautiful, even in the rain.
- The Trek Domane (I am riding an SL-7) is a good bike. I was told by a mechanic friend of mine that it would feel like a mini-van compared to my BMC Road Machine. It is definitely comfortable but also feels quite nimble and has been a good hill climber.
- It has been pretty easy to get by with English in Lourdes.
- French pastry is indeed awesome. The coffee, not so much. (Editorial update: OK, that was really just the crappy machine at the hotel breakfast. I have indeed had some amazing French coffee since. My apologies to all French coffee aficionados everywhere.)
Today’s Ride
