Chapeau Events - Part 2 Bordeaux to Bilbao

In 2017 Chapeau Events decided to lay on a new route from Bordeaux to Bilbao. 

When I first saw it I must admit I was a little surprised and wondered why?

It had never been on my cycling radar although I liked the idea of exploring new gems.

Not put off, I 'Googled' the route expecting some information about an historic byway used by the crusaders or some fictional character like Don Quixote.

I got nothing. Nothing apart from an assortment of various routes, methods of travel and differing fares.

I now know that by train it takes 21 hrs and 13 minutes and you can get a bus for as little as £8.

I knew that David Wright (Chapeau Events) was a smart man. 

But recognising his allegiance to the Blue side of Manchester, it was clear that his judgement could be questioned.

With my credit card still fixed in my wallet, I was forced to question him on his new venture.

After he had stopped laughing he hooked me in and ignited my appetite with a variety of cycling opportunities.

It was inspirational.

Although in essence it was Bordeaux to Bilbao it was so much more. 

Fast riding on the flat plains towards the Atlantic, Cap Ferret, miles of Forrest track, The Dunes of Sabloney near Archachon, The seaside and costal vistas along The Bay of Biscay, Biarritz, stunning San Sebastian, The mighty Jaizkibel, The Green mountains, Durango, and of course Bilbao itself.

By the time I finished my phone call I had signed up and paid for my second Chapeau Event. 

Chapeau Events collected all of the riders bikes from various locations in the UK and transported them down to Bordeaux - whilst their owners flew in ready to undertake this adventure.

Rather than fly out to Bordeaux I decided to drive their with a friend of mine taking the Ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. This gave me the option to explore the Pyrenees after we finished at Bilbao.
I had arranged with Chapeau Events to use my Club Van as an extra support vehicle.

The drive down to Bordeaux was simple and stress free. The roadsigns were easy to follow and the traffic relatively quiet.

I had never been to Bordeaux before and soon asked myself why.

It is a beautiful and stylish city providing a gastronomic paradise and wine fit for any cellar.

One of the great attractions of cycling for me is 'carbo loading' and 'calorie replacement'.

It can't be all stick..stick...stick. 

Sometimes you need a carrot or two to encourage you .........................................

Day 1 Bordeaux to Parentis

The route for the first day of 76 miles was kind - heading west towards the Atlantic Coast it follows flat plains punctuated by various vineyards. It was tempting to swap my Bidon with a nice Bordeaux, but my thumping headache reminded me of my previous nights wine tasting. 

As in all group rides you soon find your own pace group and I was joined by some 'interesting' characters. They all appeared to have a similar philosophy of 'work' and 'play' so we rode hard and punctuated our progress with a variety of cultural breaks.

Our last stop, less than ten miles from our destinations was sought amidst the heat of the afternoon, where no singular libation was ever going to be enough. We remained there until the course markers caught up with us and hurried us on. Seemingly we had made our own mark.

Day 2 Parentis to Biarritz

The second day brought much more variety in cycling terms where the route followed the coast south through forests and coastal cycle paths. In this 'carless Utopia' we passed miles of sun kissed sand dunes and unspoilt beaches. Like the swell coming in from the Atlantic the terrain had a rhythmic rolling quality which gently eased us into Biarritz. As we entered this vibrant French resort the gradients changed along with our heart rate. The foothills of the Pyrenees and the green Mountains could be seen in the distance reminding us that the hardest day would come with the next sunrise.

Day 3 Biarritz to Durango

Day 3 started with immediate climbing. With 94 miles and over 8,000 feet of climbing this was the 'Queens stage'. Continuing along the coast we drew breath descending into the beautiful Saint Jean de Luz before continuing to the Spanish border at Hondarribia.

From there you climb the Jaizkibel, famous for its inclusion in the San Sebastian Classic Cycle race.
As far as climbs go its 'no monster', but still a 'beast' of a climb rising up from sea level to 455 meters. With a varying gradient of between 5 -12% and 8 km there is no respite.
I opted to stop at a view point half way up, telling all I needed to take some pictures.
Writing a blog does have ready made excuses for stopping sometimes.

From this stunning vantage point we followed the mountain ridge before descending down into San Sebastian itself. Prior to this trip I had ashamedly never heard of San Sebastian and was immediately struck by its natural beauty, exuberance, cleanliness and climate.

If at that moment I had suffered an irreparable mechanical breakdown I would have not been that displeased. I made a mental note that I would have to return.

Although stunningly beautiful, the terrain continued to suck at the enthusiasm of the legs with a succession of brutal climbs.
These included one particular surprise on a back road up to Talai Mendi campsite.

On its approach I was curious as this rough narrow track weaved up the escarpment.
On rounding a corner I spotted the first glimpses of names daubed in paint on the surface.
That could only spell trouble I thought.
Closing my eyes momentarily I imagined the track lined with fanatical basque cycling fans screaming for their heroes as they watched them force their strained bike frames up this concrete wall.

We then followed the coast to Deba before turning inland to Durango. Away from the cooling effect of the Atlantic the last section was hot and sticky with no let up in challenges. Meandering close to the main road we followed a succession of assorted local roads to keep us away from traffic.

We had all been warned about 'The sting in the tail' close to the finish which was reflected by a spike on the route card. As we got closer the greater elevation of the surroundings threatened are dwindling sense of humour. Suddenly without warning our triangular route markers took us onto a forestry track made from ill fitting concrete slabs. The final climb hit us like some giant 'Pave' where every 20 meters was punctuated with expansion gaps in the road. At close to 10% gradient the climb bit in where the gaps created an addition burden to force the bike through, and acted as barriers to any rhythm. One of our group who I won't shame, took exception to the surface, dismounted and stamped 'her' feet whilst using rude words. I couldn't blame her.
Thankfully the climb was completed before the sun set which allowed a leisurely descent into the historic town of Durango.

Day 4 Durango to Bilbao

Although only 54 Miles the last day was no less daunting. Even before your breakfast had started to digest, we were climbing. Up the glorious Muniketa as the rising sun burned off the morning clouds behind us.

The road headed North towards Guernica and Bermeo climbing up the ridge towards Bakio and overlooking the Atlantic again.
At this point the visibility faded as we found ourselves cycling in low cloud. It was the first moment on the trip I looked to put a layer on rather than wanting to remove one.

We then headed south West to Bilbao and all rode in together

The trip was everything I expected it to be and more and it is my aim to return to the Basque region to further explore this secret gem of a cycling destination.

Chapeau Events are running the same Tour from the 11th -16th of September 2018
https://www.chapeauevents.co.uk/

Bike Basque

If you can't wait until September or the dates don't suit you, I personally can recommend that you still venture out to this part of Spain.
It does not have the same lure as Mallorca or Gran Canaria but having spent time at both of these I can say it's certainly not inferior.
Accommodation is cheaper and more varied, the roads are very quiet and you won't be swamped or intimidated by other cyclists.

As well as being an amazing cycling playground, it is rich, in culture, history and amazing cuisine.
There are a number of different destinations that you can use as a base and can readily hire bikes.

If you want to have a similar experience to myself I would urge you to consider Bike Basque.

It is run by Xavier Lopez who knows the British well having lived in London.
He has an intimate knowledge of the area both as a tour guide and as an ex-competitor on the continental circuit.
 His company provide a number of bespoke tours in and around the region and he would be happy to hear from you

x.lopez@bikebasque.co.uk

F***ing cyclist should not be on the road

This morning I was reading a posting on social Media about Cheshire Police successfully prosecuting drivers for dangerous driving in relation to cycles.
Whilst I applauded such action I was extremely troubled by some of the reactive comments from motorists to it.

Some were apoplectic, expressing such bile and vitriol that hinted at temporary pshycosis and clearly warranted some serious intervention.
It was certainly clear that they never went to Sunday school.
I usually avoid such debates as most of the commentators are so polarised that you are only inviting personal abuse.
The lack of reaction on my part, despite being angered took patience and consideration, qualities that are at the crux of these type of debates

Driving your car is not dissimilar to being in your lounge at home watching Television.
You are comfortably sat in your own private world.
You are cocooned and detached.
You can control your temperature and internal environment at the touch of a button.
You can make and receive calls anywhere in the world.
You can eat and drink and if you're really daring update your social media status or apply your lipstick.
You are in control
I repeat - you are in control
The steering wheel is like your TV remote.

Suddenly a driver cuts you up, the lights turn red or god forbid you are slowed down by a group of cyclists.

Metaphorically somebody has just snatched the TV remote from you.
They have taken away your control, invaded your life...........how dare they!!!!!!

You slam the wheel with your hands, sound the horn, rev your engine shout and swear.

All the things that you might do in the privacy of your own home if something moves or angers you.
Why shouldn't you?

Would you act like in your local, supermarket or workplace?

Continuing your journey there might be a small child playing by the kerbside.
It's the equivalent of the baby monitor going off.

Even the most cynical and irresponsible drivers would react, especially those with children themselves.
The paternal DNA within all of us naturally triggers an alarm inside us.
Without a thought we might change our speed or course until we have passed.

Once that child grows up, buys a bike and rides on the road the danger may be similar - but attitude is different.

Using a different scenario - Your daughter and her friends have gone out for a cycle ride and you are meeting her at a country pub for lunch. As you wind down the country roads you come across a group of cyclist ahead of you.
Suspecting or believing that it might be your daughter or one of her friends you instinctively slow down become patient and use consideration.
As you pass you realise its not your daughter but the group smile at your consideration and you exchange the wave of a hand.

Although we are still in our cocoon we have opened our window to the outside world.

We rarely know who that cyclists is ahead of us and may never know unless we knock them over, kill or injure them.
When we find out that they are our colleagues mother or daughters friend.
 They are no longer a faceless object by the side of the road who are trying to snatch your TV remote.

They are just wanting to ride home to get cosy in front of the TV

Chapeau Events - Cycle Tours Part 1 London to Paris

As snow and ice hinder any festive riding and the turbo trainer becomes as appetising as the Christmas leftovers, I am presently drawn to non physical cycling activities.

Planning rides, velo-reading and buying cycling related products feature quite prominently at this point.

As I do so I am struck by the variety of all things cycling.

It was not that long ago that if I did a search on the word 'Cycling' then I wold be directed to the nearest landfill site - Now the word is far too broad.

Fashion, gifts, technology, social media and even the arts have all become integrated into the cycling world, contained within the panniers and saddlebags of this evolving, revolving pastime.

It is not surprising to see this opportunity being embraced by Holiday and Tour operators looking to profit from our ambitions in finding new vistas, gradients and of course cake.

Holiday destinations throughout the world are seeking to achieve a cycling friendly appeal to attract a new type of greener tourist whose footprint is light and wallet often heavy. 

Majorca, Gran Canaria and Tenerife have previously monopolised those of us who seek more exotic destinations to change our punctures but there are now new kids on the block.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, and Nova Scotia are not obvious choices but are becoming increasingly popular with regular trips organised by a variety of companies.

One of the things that has always put me off touring is the restriction that you get when your having to carry extra things around with you.

Any climbing is challenging enough, but once over ladened even the most simple gradients turn into double chevroned beasts, where even a simple railway bridge can have you wincing.

Pushing a bike up a 20% gradient with four panniers attached is not exactly cycling, but more akin to a task that might be set out in the 'Ninja Warrior TV Show' 

.........And forget about the exhilaration of descending a mountain, rhythmically gliding from side to side like John Travolta in lycra. Think of Inertia then fear.

its similar to the experience you might find on a tired seaside rollercoaster where your not quite sure that you will be able to safely negotiate the next corner. If you do make it down with rubber still left in your brake blocks and still upright, you will end up using all of your water bottles to reduce the heat from your molten rims

I am a minimalist when it comes to cycling accompaniments; I carry enough weight around my midriff thank you very much. 
These restrictions usually push me towards cycling familiar routes with nearby taxi opportunities or single day events with adequate back up support.

I had though often about organised cycle tours where all your luggage is moved for you and your fully supported but I was always put off by a number of things?

• Expense

• Would the routes be safe

• What if I was too slow/fast for the group

• What if I wanted to do my own thing within the Tour framework 

 Back in 2015 I became involved in helping out a charity called 'Kidneys for life' whilst I was working in the North West and subsequently got roped into completing a 'London to Paris' bike ride with them.

Knowing that the trip was being arranged by a tour company I was already breaking down the costs in my head as I transferred the money over.

I was curious to know how it would compare to arranging it myself and what any profit margins might be.

The trip was arranged by Chapeau Events who are fronted by brothers David and Ian Wright. Both were cycling enthusiasts who had become 'accidental' tour operators.

David had cycle cafe 'Chapeau Cafe' and Farm shop, in Marton, Cheshire and was immersed within the local cycling scene.

With his wife having had a kidney transplant he took part in a number of charity cycling events with the 'Kidneys for life' Charity and other organisations.These were arranged and hosted by established cycle tour operators.

After sourcing and arranging the majority of the riders himself, David decided to try and host some events himself. This allowed any nominated charities to receive an increased amount of revenue.

Unlike the larger companies he wanted to abide by some enduring principles

•    To cycle every inch of any proposed route

•    To be safe

•    To secure good accommodation

•    To ensure good food

•    To make each event memorable and inclusive for each individual rider

  

Having previously arranged tours for my own club was aware of the logistical nightmare of having to cater for multiple needs, desires and abilities in an unknown environment, within defined time frames - To do all that whilst maintaining a smile and enjoying the trip yourself is almost impossible.

Chapeau Events allow you to use your own bike which they transport for you and return and provide comprehensive service and support throughout the tour.

They even have spare bikes in case of serious mechanical issues.

They also use their own Catering Facilities whilst riding offering hot and cold lunch choices and morning/afternoon refreshments. This provides the flexibility to ensure that the times and locations can be determined sympathetically to the riders needs at the time and in locations that deserve visual investment.

With the groups rarely bigger than 60 riders you can select your own pace and company with the routes marked clearly at each junction or periodically on long sections to provide reassurance.

So in July 2015 I set off from Blackheath in London to travel to Paris

Day 1 – London to Calais  Approximate cycling distance 165km (103 miles) 

The challenge starts as soon as you leave the hotel merging with the morning rush hour traffic. Thankfully they are heading in, as you head out of London following the Thames towards Dartford and the Medway villages. 
The terrain was mixed, being initially flat around the estuary and coast and then ramping up as soon as you head inland amongst the apple orchards and hop gardens. 
This does not let up until you reach Dover which you first spy from an elevated location.
On a clear day you can also see France.
Congregating at the ferry terminal and on the short Journey across the channel gives you the first opportunity to get to know some of your other riders after the kudos of gaining some miles in your legs - You soon realise - You are all in it together.

Once disembarked, there is a short ride to the hotel in the dark. 
It's was a long day and probably the toughest!

Day 2 – Calais to Arras
Approximate cycling distance 135km (84 miles)

Hearing the Gallic vernacular over the breakfast table brings a smile to your face as you contemplate the day ahead. It was clear through listening to the Anglo Saxon conversations that different riders had their own agendas. Some wanted to ride hard all day finishing earlier, others sought to take their time and absorb the experience, culture and various landmarks.
I elected for both - to ride hard but to stop at various places in between.
I had to protest with my fellow riders who disagreed with me that it was only 'bon chance' that each stop provided refreshment sourced from grapes.

After a delicious 'alfresco' lunch the mornings begnin terrain became more undulating and remote passing through quaint villages. These were punctuated by their customary squares where berret wearing pensioners played boules and smoked turkish tobacco.
The day ended  with a gentle decent into the medieval town of Arras.

Day 3 – Arras to Compiegne
Approximate cycling distance 126km (78 miles)

The third day we headed further south through the region of the Somme a sobering and tranquil place with regular monuments and memorials. 

This includes a water stop off at the Thiepval Memorial for the unfound

The terrain was undulating throughout the day not dissimilar to the Yorkshire Wolds.
We stayed in Compiegne that night, famous for being the start point of “Paris-Roubaix”

Day 4 – Compiegne to Paris
Approximate cycling distance 105km (65 miles)

Although this was the shortest days riding it was also probably the most diverse and beautiful. After leaving the hotel we rode through miles of Forrest with more significant elevation and a roller coaster terrain which added to the thrill.
We were instructed to wait at a holding point close to the centre of Paris and encouraged to absorb the atmosphere of the Parisian suburbs. I needed no invitation.

Being a regular commuter and used to urban cycling I knew the hazards and was initially concerned about how the crew were going to navigate a large group of cyclists into the Centre of Paris and line us up by the Eiffel Tower. 
My fears were soon abated with a reassuring safety briefing at the holding point.
With crew vehicles to the front and rear and accompanying members on cycles we were shepherded to our final destination like errant sheep in 'one man and his dog'

This was my first experience in using a cycle Touring Company where I like them became engaged by chance or fate - I was genuinely impressed and pleased that I had embraced it.

Framed by it's enduring principles Chapeau Events allows you to ride as an individual within a group and provides the flexibility to make it worthwhile.

The big question that might arise is whether its value for money?
In breaking each component cost down I could have done the same trip significantly cheaper.
However If you factor in the cost of your own time in preparation and planning, problem solving and ensuring reliable support then there is no question that this is the way to go.

There is also a bonus, a bit like a cash payback but far more valuable.
People who partake such adventures are often like minded and the sort of people you would choose as friends if you were to meet them socially. Since the trip in 2015 I have remained in contact with most of them and despite them being scattered across the country regular ride with a lot of them.

Last summer I joined up with Chapeau events once more to cycle their newest route from Bordeaux to Bilbao the journey of which I will feature on my next blog.

Details of future Chapeau events can be found using this link Chapeau Events .