Blog 5: Adventure Travellers in France

Jul 27th, 10

Blog #5:

By Karl Woolcott, Adventure Travel

David Millar warming up for the time trial ©Casey B Gibson / Garmin Transitions

We were simply in the right place at the right time and they just happened to be wearing Garmin clothes. Their photos tell the story and I'll post some on this website when I return to NZ in a week's time.

From Bordeaux we travelled at over 300km/hour on the TGV to Paris. It took 3 hours to cover the 750km. French trains fly.

The final day of the Tour de France was busy. We were up at the crack of dawn to cycle around Paris. Riding the Champs-Elysee was brilliant as at 7am it's cyclists only. It also gives you a true appreciation of how talented the TDF riders are. They ride at 60km/hour in the gutter which is about 50cm wide.

After the race had finished, we had our final dinner at one of Paris' top restaurants, Google Le Bleu Train.  You will see why it's so amazing - Ivan Basso and his team were at the next table.

Now that the two weeks are almost over, it's time to start thinking of the highlights.

For me it's the climbing. Getting to the top of some of the world's top cycling mountains in France is what every cyclist should dream about.

You don't need to be an A Grade rider to do this. Our trips cater to everyone. The fast, the young, the old, the slow and of course non-riding partners.

For the 2011 TDF we'll again have at least two vehicles travelling around France.

The first is a 20 seat bus and is ideally suited to a cycling club or group of friends. The 2nd trip is our coach trip which takes 36 people, both riders and partners.

2010 sold out a long time in advance. We're already taking refundable deposits for 2011. If you want to see my Tour de France photos then check out adventuretravel.co.nz for dates in the major cities.

Ride safe,

Cheers Karl

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