Pick n Mix: Euro Edition

This week, Rob Bennett, Pete Kettle, Laurent Deleu and David Linkous bring us this fun collection of routes that offer a little bit of something for everyone.

This week’s route to highlight is The Village in the Sky from Laurent Deleu,  this is a beautiful ride through the Provençal countryside and features endless clear skies, warm French sun and while there a few little pinches, there’s nothing too brutal to ride up so you can enjoy the stunning views on the rolling descents.

You can find these rides under NEW in FulGaz or by searching the contributor’s name.

VAL D'ORCIA

Val d’Orcia is a vast undulating valley south of Siena located between the beautiful hilltop towns of Pienza to the east and Montalcino to the west. Pienza is famous for its Pecorino cheese and Montalcino for its exquisite wines. A seabed millions of years ago, the valley has been an important agricultural area since the Etruscan era before the Roman Empire. The lime content of the soil is a key component for growing the variety of Sangiovese grapes used for the famous Brunello di Montalcini wines. The ride starts in Pienza, descends into the bowl, passes by San Quirico d’Orcia, and then climbs out of the valley to end in the hilltop town of Montalcino.

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24.81km
DISTANCE
01:04:33
DURATION
458m
ELEVATION

THE VILLAGE IN THE SKY

This easy ride offers you a slice of Provence on a summer afternoon. Starting from Aups you slowly climb in the middle of truffle oaks, pine trees and vineyards. You will reach Tourtour, one of the most beautiful « village de France ». Perched on top of a hill 635 metres above sea level, it received the name of Village in the Sky, mostly for the exceptional panoramic view from the Maures mountains to the Mont Ventoux, including the Sainte Victoire and the Bessillons. The road is very quiet and you can realise why the panorama inspired Paul Cézanne and Jean Giono. Unfortunately, Tourtour is only pedestrian during the summer and you will have to come back to visit it.

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24.07km
DISTANCE
00:59:18
DURATION
364m
ELEVATION

GORGES DE L'HéRAULT

The ride leaves the market town of Gignac, through the ancient village of St Jean de Fos before entering the Gorge de L’Hérault. The Plus Beaux Village of Saint Guilhem-le-Désert is one of France’s best. The ride continues along the gorge and ends soon after we turn north to begin the long climb to Causse-de-la-Selle.

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20.091km
DISTANCE
0:53:22
DURATION
232m
ELEVATION

THE LOIRE VALLEY TOUR PART 1

This shorter part of the tour concentrates on the flatter roads of the Loire valley with views from the riverbank as it passes by villages and open countryside. It sets off from the Ponts de Ce Chateaux and ends with views across the Loire towards the town of St Mathurin sur Loire. Part 2 continues a loop around the hills above the Loire back to Les Ponts de Ce.

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17.149km
DISTANCE
0:35:42
DURATION
26m
ELEVATION

THE LOIRE VALLEY TOUR PART 2

This second, longer stage sets out from the banks of the Loire and we soon ride through our first village of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne. Enjoy the rolling green countryside and wonderful small ancient villages and towns; Blaison-Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire are typical of the area. The gentle terrain and views make for an interesting and varied ride back to Les Ponts-de-Cé, the start point of Part 1.

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29km
DISTANCE
1:09:14
DURATION
251m
ELEVATION

PENN WOOD

A loop around Penn Wood, one of the largest ancient woodlands in the Chilterns. Although not visible on this ride, a herd of cows graze in this wood and can often be spotted together with muntjac deer and other woodland creatures. On one walk, many years ago, my kids found a grass snake eating a frog in one of the puddles. The short, steep climb at 2Km approx touches 14%.

More Info
7.172km
DISTANCE
0:27:26
DURATION
89m
ELEVATION