Electric Epic : Shooting with Yuba

The push-bicycle (and also, now, electric) offers us access to the quiet places from which cars and other motorised vehicles are excluded. Some of these places are breathtakingly beautiful and it is even more rewarding that reaching them is earned (perhaps) by propelling ourselves – that it takes special effort to get there.

On the French Riviera, between Cannes and Saint Raphaël, the orange rocks of the Massif de l'Estérel plunge into the blue water of the Mediterranean.

The Corniche here is a reference spot for cyclists in the area, but many will tell you that it is by taking the small roads, away from traffic and perched on the mountainside, that the spectacle becomes the most beautiful. The asphalt changes colour, from black to pink, and as the bikes rise over the rocks, silence washes over you as nature envelops and hypnotises every rider. Each turn of the wheel is a delight as an extraordinary, dizzying landscape unfolds before the eyes.

At the Café du Cycliste it is these extraordinary nearby places that we like to explore, privileged as we are to photograph seasonal collections in this proverbial paradise. Here, natural beauty must be respected, and a photo-shoot takes on the appearance of a somewhat special expedition, with clothing, accessories, crew and photographic equipment.

Yuba, a Californian manufacturer of cargo bikes, has been revolutionising the transport of people and equipment while respecting the environment for many years. The modularity of the bikes allows for the transport of heavier goods and also passengers, comfortably seated at the back of the bikes. It is natural that our two brands join forces to remix more conventional shooting techniques.

So we took the time to prepare everything and then we crossed the barriers that block motor vehicle access to these small secondary roads, to ride up to the peaceful altitude of the Massif de l’Esterel. Despite the steep slope, the power of the electric motors easily transports crews weighing more than 150 kilograms. The gear and clothing is loaded aboard a freighter bike while our photographer, installed on the back of another of these bikes, begins to give voice to direct the models. And then off we go… The speed that loaded freighters are capable of is more than enough to outrun the muscle bikes of our beautiful cyclists.

This January day is a godsend for photographing the spring-summer collection, commonplace in this part of France where we love to reside (we will never get tired of it). Mission accomplished, this afternoon we worked effectively. End of the day on the Estérel Massif, the sun sets over the sea, the red rocks offer a striking contrast. We leave this beautiful playground, promising to come back soon, certainly with magnificent bikes that will allow us to taste the joys of off-roading.

Exploring the Morvan

The Morvan isn’t easily explained. Travelling here is like taking a step back in time, and for those who love cycling, it’s a rich treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Tracks and Trails in the Ariège

Five friends explore routes shared with the incredibly diverse range of four legged and airborne residents of the Ariège by bike.

A Traverse Across the Pyrenees

Each summer, I set off on an adventurous trip with good friends who are up for a challenge. Last year, we bikepacked through the Alps and this year we tackled the Pyrenees.

Ride & Create: Rémi Clermont

Rémi Clermont is creative director of Café du Cycliste. Here he speaks about creativity, and the vital role his own cycling plays in the process.