a couple of years ago, christophe took a group of riders over to france for a week of riding some of the little climbs that they have over there. this was probably pre-spr days so many of you would not have been around then.
well he is looking at organising a trip again this year to provence and the cote d’azur in september. see the attached flyer here, but essentially all the rides are controlled by three experienced tour leaders and will be followed by a service vehicle. christophe is a native frenchman so you don’t even have to be able to speak a word of french. this is limited to 20 people only, so if you are interested, get in contact with him soon. he will be handing out flyers this saturday at the ride.
I (along with about 6 other current SPR people) went on Christophes last sojurn to southern France. Now they have some real hills there! If you want climbs that are 15- 20 km, long long sweeping descents, courteous drivers, roads much more scenic that welshpool or south street, and people to enjoy cycling with then I can highly recommend this. We had a great time; good cycling, good organisation, good companions, good food and accommodation. And Christophes cycling mates know the area so well and along with Christophe, really look after you. I still have heaps of the photos from the trip as my screensavers. Beer is cold and wine is cheap!
But a tip, I would say that good preparation increases the enjoyment and speeds the recovery from a days ride. Nothing like cycling in the hills to prepare you for the french hills (mountains really).