SARAH BACHER My mom was a snowboard teacher and in winter I was always snowboarding with my friends. It just always felt like it was the thing I wanted to do. I started in snowboard cross but my body wasn't built for that discipline. Too light, too many injuries, it was a tough time physically and mentally. Then I found snowboard free ride. In free ride it is like someone ripped up the rules. You can almost do what you want, perform the tricks you like, takes the lines you like. As long as you stay in the corridor the rest is up to you. It's liberating and each run is different. It suits me. I’m currently one level down from the Freeride World Tour, which is the same as the World Cup in alpine skiing. Of course my goal is to make it to the Tour but each year only one girl gets to join. The competition for ranking points is tough but that's challange. To improve, to get better, to realise my ambitions. I've always ridden, for pleasure and for training but it used to be a lot of MTB. Now I've switched more to road and for the endurance I need in winter, I enjoy it much more than running. You can go further, you can see more, you can discover endless new places. Like with snowboard, for me riding is more about the feeling I get than the effort itself. The excitement of being outside, the risks in a descent, the decisions I have to take and the sense of ' légèreté', that lightness of spirit when everything is working together perfectly. On a bike or a board, the mountains are always different. There’s always another way you can do things. In snowboarding and in cycling you can always pick another line. instagram @sarah_bacher_ strava @Sarah Bacher “ Where I ride Normally I ride at home in lower Austria or in Innsbruck. It always depends on what training I want to do. So for basic endurance I cycle by the river Danube and for more exhausting training I go into the mountains and try to get as much altitude meters as I can get. ” “ What I ride Anything and almost everything. Roads close to home, sweeps along the river, MTB in Schaldming or intervals as part of my endurance training regime. ” “ Why I ride In snowboarding and in cycling you go with the flow, you go wherever you want. I ride because I can pause and I don’t think about other things. ” Related Stories Tackling Kühtai, a Tyrolian wonder. Snow has just started to whiten the top of Kühtai - a mountain which holds a special place in my heart and the perfect location for a pre-ski season climb. READ MORE THE WHITE VENTOUX Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. READ MORE BIKE TO SKI At 1600m up, deep within the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the pick-up truck is being loaded two by two. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

Étienne Hubert I should thank my parents. They took me hiking from a very young age and gave me a love of the outdoors. And they put me in a kayak for the first time. My first memory is of just going around in circles. The sport is very technical, much like swimming, and it takes years to ingrain good habits on the water. I've been a junior and senior world champion and finished seventh at the Olympic Games but I'm still learning all of the time. Like any elite sport, there are good things and bad things along the way. You have to be very selfish sometimes and it is easy to find yourself cut off from real life, in a 'bubble' which is only about one thing. But I love the challenge of the journey, looking ahead to the next goal and wondering how and if I'll get there. Any victories along the way are always nice as well, of course. Cycling is a key part of my training routine but it has always been more than that. Sometimes I have to ride alone but if possible I like to ride in a group, it's a great contrast to my day job which can be very individualistic. When I was younger, I would spend time exploring by kayak and by bike with a group of close friends. This gave us all a taste for adventure and it is still there now. I've ridden across amazing landscapes in Patagonia, gone from Eindhoven to `Sedan on an old 'dutch style' bike and crossed through Andorra in the deep winter with plastic bags over my shoes. The next trip, by bike or kayak, is always the best. twitter @hubertetienne1 instagram @tonton_hub “ Where I Ride Around Paris I've discovered some amazing gravel routes. Often I ride with relatives in the Ardennes and I keep a mountain bike at my sister's in the Ardèche. ” “ What I Ride Maybe I'm not really a pure cyclist if I don't love the road. But I love dirt roads. I love rough tracks and out of the way places. ” “ Why I Ride Kayaking is an aerobic sport, you need a big VO2 max and training on a bike helps. Really though it is for the discovery, the little adventure of going from point A to point B. ” Related Stories A Mont-Blanc Gravel Tour After the last few months of training and the Olympics in Japan, I find myself constantly craving nature. I’ve thought about doing this tour for a while so this seemed like the perfect time. READ MORE Lake Émosson The professional canoeist and Caravan athlete, Étienne Hubert, is preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he lives. Part of his process is to take himself away from the metropolis, just him, a tent, his bike and of course, his kayak. READ MORE Paris by Night Adventure is around every corner on a bike, even in Paris in winter. Olympic canoeist and Caravan member, Étienne Hubert, takes two kayaking veterans on a twilight tour of Paris. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

Alexia Barrier When I was less than 6 years old, my parents moved to Nice and bought a 6m sailboat. I can still feel the sensation of the helm of that boat in my hand and, even though I had blisters, I knew I didn't want to let go. Offshore racing requires a huge amount of versatility that is not found in many sports. You have to be competent in many areas like navigation and technology so you can be as efficient as possible. It is often incredibly rewarding but also requires immense mental strength at points. The scariest moment of my life was during the Vendée Globe race, on December 25 2020. I was in the South Pacific and my mast bending in half because of a broken cable. Theoretically, it had to break, which would have meant the end of the race for me, but it held. Even as one of the best female sailors in the world, you always have to question yourself. You are completely at the mercy of the elements and it never goes the way you have planned. I love the extreme side of sailing but also the freedom of just being out in nature, which is also what I enjoy about cycling. Cycling is a big part of my training. It's endurance, cardio and great mental preparation as well. The stamina needed in those last pedal strokes of a Col help me a lot when I am struggling on the boat. The Alpes- Maritimes is definitely my favourite place to ride - panoramic views and lots of Cols which is great as I appreciate the challenge of a big climb. I also love riding around Barcelonnette, Col de la Bonnette and, of course, the legendary Mont Ventoux but my dream would be to go to Japan for 6 months and ride there. Being outdoors for me is a way to relax; it is the only place where I can chill out and reflect on things. instagram @alexiasailingteam twitter @alexia_barrier strava @alexia barrier “ Where I ride The Alpes-Maritimes, where I live, there is everything here! Although I love the challenge of Mont Ventoux or Col de la Bonette. ” “ What I ride I prefer the road, mainly climbing Cols. I don’t trust myself to explore gravel routes, I have no sense of direction on land. ” “ Why I ride I like to do all my training outdoors so cycling is perfect. Its good endurance preparation and can also be mentally tough, which is important for me. ” Related Stories I am not number Alexia is the 10th woman in the world to have finished the Vendée Globe race without stopping and without assistance. Cycling is her other passion. READ MORE The Highest Crit In The World Redline racing at 2,802m on the lunar landscape and steep slopes of the Cime de la Bonette. READ MORE ABOVE THE CLOUDS – Fuji’s B-Side Climbing through Fuji's forests away from the crowds for a view above the clouds. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER #7 : LA CLUE DE LA CERISE I still haven’t seen any of summer. I’ve spent the past few weeks on the European circuit, where I did manage to pick up a few nice wins. The feeling of returning home knowing you’ve accomplished your goal is a beautiful one. Coming back to my house, my family, my mountains, the sunshine, is a pleasure that I always savour. Today’s ride is a celebration of these things. The plan? Head inland, hop on my mountain bike and explore new routes, hurtle down new paths, soak up the sun, the sensations and new adventures. I know these parts well - my long hours of training often brought me here. The winding roads of Bouyon and Coursegoules aren’t a secret to me anymore. I come here to find peace – there are hardly any cars. Many riders neglect these roads in favour of the more well-known cols overlooking Nice, but they are wrong to do so. I promised myself to come back to La Clue de la Cerise on a machine equipped with suspension and big tyres. It’s 11 in the morning and swimmers have flocked here early to get the best spots. It’s an extraordinary place, nestled in a valley. The water is heated upstream as its snakes over boiling limestone rock, and it offers an ideal temperature to those who brave the 1-hour walk down. I sped down its bumpy valley side in just a few minutes. For sure, I’ll swim on the way back. But right now, I’ve got to tackle the sloping path which isn’t very wheel-friendly. It’s dotted with big rocks which forces me to use my arms and push myself back up constantly. My aim is to reach Les Ferres, 600 metres higher up, before midday. I am literally soaked in sweat when I come out on the little tarmac road that leads up to the village, with two kilometres to go. Climbing the steep alleyways which lead to the village square, I can’t escape the thought that, in centuries before, my peers knew how to tame the climate – it’s noticeably cooler along these stone walls. I plunge my head into the fountain: ecstasy. My body cools to a more acceptable temperature. Now, for the rocky summit which towers over the village. A local recommends that I take a break at the little church en route, to catch a glimpse of the view over the village: it’s superb. The rocky cliff I ride along is as hot as an oven, it hasn’t rained here for days and choking dust blows up at me. I change path, heading towards a shadier northern slope which, to my surprise, runs through a forest of chestnut trees. Again, the path gets tricky, it’s punctuated with steps, which proves demanding on the arms. As soon as I reach the bottom of the valley, the heat is stifling. My face is covered in dust and trickles with sweat. I’ve lost my way. I have to carry my bike to reach the riverbed, climbing down a slope and holding onto the tree roots that poke out. I need to find a way out to get back onto the road where I left my car. But that’s a problem for later. For now, this deserted corner of the river, and the cool of its sparkling blue water, is waiting for me. Mount Tanneron Hidden wild swimming spots offer perfect relief as the mercury rises. Tanneron is home to one of the River Siagne's best kept secrets. VIEW MORE Gordolasque High summer means high heat means the search for high roads and high mountain river swimming. Go to Gordolasque. VIEW MORE Col St Roch Halfway up Col St Roch lies a hidden treasure known only to a few. The perfect place to take a minute and unwind. VIEW MORE Rochetta Nervina Across the border, up the valley and through the olive groves. The latest ‘Take Me To The River’ takes us into Italy for a dip and a doppio. VIEW MORE Ruisseau de Redebraus We reveal yet another secret of the Col de Braus. Discover wild swimming paradise just a few hundred metres below some of the most perfect switchbacks in the Alpes-Maritimes. VIEW MORE Les Gorges Du Loup When the heat gets too much, escape to l’arrière-pays for some fresh water wild swimming. Introducing a new series of riding to rivers, starting with Les Gorges du Loup. VIEW MORE

Nissa La Bella Strolling the iconic Promenade des Anglais, wandering the bustling streets of the Old Town or simply sitting and gazing out to sea. Whichever way you look, Nissa La Bella is mesmerising in summer. The Eglantine jersey is badged in honour of our hometown and available for both men and women. 1. Promenade des Anglais 2. Vieux Nice, Place Sainte-Claire 3. Marché du Cours Saleya 4. Cours Saleya 5. Promenade des Anglais 6. Negresco 7. Promenade des Anglais 8. Promenade des Anglais 9. Rue Rossetti 10. Pointe de Rauba Capeu 12. Rue Sainte-Claire 11. Vieux Nice, Place Sainte Claire. 13. Sentier du Littoral

Badges for Cols Some climbs are greater than others. Not for the road itself but for the history that hangs heavy over each inch of the tarmac. They are about triumph, tragedy and true achievement. Our collection of badges is a celebration of cols near and far, the local routes we ride and the landscapes we enjoy stand alongside some of the most iconic climbs in the world. Claim those you've ridden for free and start planning your next adventure. If you've climbed a classic, claim your badge. Claim your badge following five simple steps: 1. Create/log in to your Café du Cycliste account 2. Select 'Badges' from the account menu 3. Connect your komoot account (or create one) 4. Choose badge(s) from those you've unlocked and add to basket 5. Follow the checkout process as usual Badges of Honour Free for a Good Climb All badges are free. The first one can be shipped without charge, subsequent badges can be added to any normal purchase (one per order).  All you have to do is ride. FAQs Don't have a komoot account? Not sure how to import rides you've already completed? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW FAQs Montagnes à la Carte We've created a badge for each our local climbs, the places we ride and the landscapes we enjoy. Simply conquer the col and then claim the badge. VIEW MORE Montagnes du Monde Our badge series has gone global, including some of the most iconic climbs in the world. Simply conquer the col and then claim the badge. VIEW MORE COL DE TURINI VIEW MORE L'ALPE D'HUEZ VIEW MORE COL DE LA MADONE VIEW MORE SA CALOBRA VIEW MORE MONT VENTOUX VIEW MORE MOUNT FUJI VIEW MORE

High Five When first presented with this challenge, I must confess that whilst I thought it was totally crazy, I was a little intrigued. Climbing five local cols in one ride would require a total distance of more than 200km and over 5000m of elevation…even reading it made me tired. But who doesn’t love a challenge? Start time: 7am. I depart from the Café and ride along the peaceful beaches adjacent to Nice harbour, joined only by some of the early morning swimmers dotting the Mediterranean. The first climb on the list is something of a formality for any Nice cyclist; Col d’Eze. It rises to 507m of elevation and means a short, quite intense workout which is probably why it’s a favourite for a lunchtime hour ride. It is also famous as the time-trial stage of the Paris-Nice race and offers breathtaking panoramic views from the sea in the south to the Alps in the north. Not bad for 45 minutes of riding, and one badge already claimed! Next up is col de la Madone so I descend to la Turbie and into Menton. The Madone starts on the Route des Serres, a hidden road allowing you to get some altitude quickly, each turn giving you a better view of the town above the sea. This climb was made infamous by Lance Armstrong who chose it as his testing ground before the start of each Tour de France. The Trek brand even went as far as to name its premier bike model after the climb and every other model name forms an anagram of Madone. The climb is a highlight of any ride on the French Riviera, not because of its altitude, its gradient, its views or even its switchbacks, but because of the special feeling that comes from riding through the little village of Sainte Agnès as you climb, which cannot be replicated by any of its neighbours. It’s 9.15am by the time I reach the top and I’ve already climbed 1500m in only 45km. My attention turns to col de Braus and I ride into the little town of l’Escarène before taking a right turn. The climb may only be 11km but with some sections where the gradient is over 12% it’s no picnic. It is famous for its switchbacks that start a few kilometres from the top and I allow myself a second to look behind and enjoy the view, the road meandering down below me; a classic. My bike computer reads 70km and over 2300m of climbing but I know that the serious matters are about to start. Col de Turini. 1300m of elevation to reach the top. My route takes me via Sospel where I allow myself a pit stop and a bite to eat. It’s just after 11am and a Pan Bagna provides the perfect combination of energy and comfort food before heading out on the Route de Moulinet, the intermediate stage of the longest climb of the day. I’m very lucky, the weather is mild for June and the few clouds hovering above the foothills do not look threatening. As I ride past the Notre Dame de la Menour the setting really is like something from a fairy tale as this little 15th Century church perches atop the steep mountainside 780m above the Bévéra valley. As I near the top, fatigue kicks in and I feel the lactic start to build but I press on, the larch trees provide comforting freshness and the silence only punctuated by the chirping of birds. A few more pedal strokes and I’m at the top of Turini, 105km and 3600m of elevation covered; it’s 1pm. The route to the last climb goes through the Vésubie valley and the landscape is an ever-present reminder of the catastrophic flooding in November 2020. The valleys are slowly recovering but this is a process that will take years rather than months and my eyes widen as I ride past house after house ripped open in the riverbed. The Col de la Madone d’Utelle is my final climb of the day, the beautiful denouement before my solitary adventure comes to an end. It’s too often discounted from local rides as it is on an out and back ride on the same road, but the scenery deserves more than two viewings. I climb steadily and, as I emerge from a chestnut forest, suddenly land on a deserted limestone plateau with an incredible panoramic view all the way over the sea. The tiny chapel standing atop appears as a reward and I can finally feel my legs again after a total of 4600m of climbing. I give myself a short moment before turning for home. As I arrive back at the Café my computer reads 5033m of climbing and 202km covered, not bad for a little over nine hours on the bike. The barista hands me a welcome glass of water and five small, brightly coloured badges. I grab both with a warm smile although perhaps next time I will stick to earning one at a time. BADGES FOR COLS We've created a collection of badges in celebration of iconic climbs near and far. All you have to do is ride the col and claim your free badge. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES À LA CARTE The cols of the Alpes Maritimes offer some of the best riding in Europe. Providing inspiration and perspiration in close to equal measure. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES DU MONDE Explore some of the most celebrated cycling climbs globally. And a few less celebrated but no less good. VIEW MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Not sure how to get started on your badge collection? Having trouble uploading rides? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Ride of the month: Col de Vence Summer is coming around the corner, and the burning sun as well. The days are definitely not the hottest yet, so it’s a good time for me to try out climbing up Col de Vence. Col de Vence is famous for its lunar and desert-like landscapes. It is also an unforgiving climb, renown for the blazing sun hitting any brave cyclist attempting the ascent, a bitter promise for a few sweat drops. It is only after finally getting on its north side that you can find some shade and cool spots. They forecasted today to be around 24°C, an ideal temperature to spin the legs on these steady slopes. The climb achieved stardom mainly through the Paris-Nice race. 8h30, the morning is fresh enough to give me a gentle start from Café du Cycliste after fueling up with the caffein of my usual espresso. The first few 10 km on the Promenade allow me to warm up nicely while admiring the sea sparkling under the low sun. I make it quickly to Cagnes-sur-Mer; take a right turn to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, another 10 km away. This village is a gem, I can’t resist the idea of taking a small break in the medieval old town, nestled within battlements perched on a rock looking over the Mediterranean Sea. The moment my eye catches a fountain, I go for the option of filling up my bottles in anticipation of the climb : hydration is important. I review the many art galleries which built the reputation of the village and swear I will be back to enjoy it properly. Here I go now, starting Col de Vence, getting into my cruising speed early on, I then opt for increasing my pace where the switchbacks start. The sun hits me hard but I accept the challenge and play the game, keeping an eye on the gorgeous views around me with the sea in the background. What an amazing playground… A short stop at the top to take the usual picture of the famous sign before tipping over on the other side towards Coursegoule. There is a little hill expecting me before crossing the village, after which I head to Bouyon, another one of these beautiful perched villages. As I enter the village an incredible view over Bouyon and the Mercantour mountain range in the background unfolds. Going through the village with its colourful façades takes me to the long downhill back towards the seaside. There is still one last breathtaking view beforehand though with snowcapped mountains appearing to my left : they do give me some ideas for my next adventures. I enjoy the descent, flowing down on the curves, simply enjoying the sense of oneness with my bike. Back on the seashore, it’s a fast track back to Nice, I seize the sea view one more time, something I can’t get bored with. The sun is definitely still there, well settled for the day and inviting me to the next thing on my schedule, which is most probably going to be on the beach… Rose de Mai Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. VIEW MORE Paris - Nice Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Take Me To The River #6 : Mount Tanneron Mount Tanneron, peacefully standing over Cannes and Mandelieu… It’s a name we usually call in February when the place is covered with an ardent yellow blanket of Mimosas. When temperatures rise, when the tarmac exhales unbearable heat, the only way to think about climbing is if you have a solution for cooling off. And indeed, the river is going to offer itself as the ultimate reward after your climb. For Mathilde and Thomas, this getaway to the river feels like the Dolce Vita. Starting in Nice, they jump on the train to avoid the seaside ride out : it is too noisy, too crowded. They get off at La Napoule train station to reach the foothills of the western Côte d’Azur more swiftly in just a couple of pedal strokes. The ideal plan for a perfect summer recovery day sounds like climbing in the heat, stopping at a shaded terrace, getting on the bike again to race downhill through the green northern side of the Tanneron and finally getting to the fresh riverbanks. You simply need the appropriate jersey with a large cargo pocket to carry your bathing suit. Anything to dry yourself is redundant with the power of the sun. With temperatures around 32 °C, it isn’t really a question, you ride the 10 uphill kilometres under burning sunlight. At the café in Tanneron, the plane trees are providing much appreciated shade to pause in before heading off a few kilometres downhill. The twisty road takes them to the banks of the river Siagne (pronounce it “see-Ann”), it is a magical spot at the feet of a stone aqueduct. At first, you start with a round of observation over the bridge looking down to find the best location for your swim. Then there is this little pathway down to the river going along the chapel in Saint Cassien des Bois. You have to put your feet down and grab your bike for a few dozen meters. On the way down you’ll grab some of the roots popping out, as if they had been placed here on purpose to help you make your way to the river. In no time the bikes are resting under the shade of a tree. The water is deliciously fresh even in the heart of summer. This river is 45km long, it springs in Escragnoles, not too far from the small Audibergue ski resort. When it reaches Saint Cassien, it is after a long journey through the upland meadows, streaming on the limestone cliffs, staying in the shade most of the time. Putting feet and legs is enough to cool you down, the less faint hearted will take a jump, risking a little rock “scrub” on their legs or buttocks… The road down lake Saint Cassien and the famous Route Nationale 7 will take you back to civilisation. By the time you make it to La Napoule, the urge for another swim strikes again. This time, it will be in the Mediterranean Sea. Gordolasque High summer means high heat means the search for high roads and high mountain river swimming. Go to Gordolasque. VIEW MORE Col St Roch Halfway up Col St Roch lies a hidden treasure known only to a few. The perfect place to take a minute and unwind. VIEW MORE Rocchetta Nervina Across the border, up the valley and through the olive groves. The latest ‘Take Me To The River’ takes us into Italy for a dip and a doppio. VIEW MORE Ruisseau de Redebraus We reveal yet another secret of the Col de Braus. Discover wild swimming paradise just a few hundred metres below some of the most perfect switchbacks in the Alpes-Maritimes. VIEW MORE Les Gorges Du Loup When the heat gets too much, escape to l’arrière-pays for some fresh water wild swimming. Introducing a new series of riding to rivers, starting with Les Gorges du Loup. VIEW MORE

SHAKE IT UP #3 When I asked about this route, the guys at Café du Cycliste told me “Just be careful, it’s not an easy piece of cake, it is more a wall than a road in some places… Always looking for an original suggestion for a gravel route around Nice, I’m used to talking here and there with the locals to find new ideas. This time though I’m not sure theirs was a good one… As I leave the Port to take the road up Mont Boron, everything looks just fine. The blue sky reflects the colour of the sea, behind I can see some clouds on the foothills announcing a probable change in weather. Some fifteen minutes later, I am at the top of col de Villefranche. To get to the gravel path along the mountain side, I had to take a narrow street in between houses, a hidden pathway only known by insiders.Even though I’ve got the route on my head unit, some of the bends between the houses are so improbable they keep surprising me. And a few minutes later I’m riding high above Nice, on a shaded path protected by the pine trees. It’s such a delight to climb through the olive trees in Vinaigrier’s park, and I’m already 300 meters above sea level as I arrive at the col des Quatre Chemins : I go over the top towards la Trinité, starting point of the infernal part of my day. There is an invitation for pedestrians to walk around the barrier locking this tiny road going up to Col d’Eze. Nothing has been really fitted for cyclists, and I’ll soon understand why… The road is only a well ribbed concrete tarmac, allowing for the abundant water runoff from rainy days to flow down these steep slopes. My gravel bike is the ideal one for this type of path. Serious matters start almost immediately and I don’t need to wait more than a few hundred meters for the slope to become literally dramatic. You wouldn’t call that a climb or a hill, but a proper wall ! I’m pushing hard on the pedals, the grade gives no recess. I really shouldn’t stop at all, shouldn’t put one foot on the ground, it would be absolutely impossible to clip in my pedals and get the slightest momentum to start over : clearly, stopping is not on the list for today. There are a few houses on the side of the road, and I sincerely wonder how people can access them every day, I can’t even imagine how a car could drive back on such an incredible slope, clearly you would need quite a lot of mastery and self-control. As far as I’m concerned, it’s power that I need, I keep pulling as hard with my arms as I’m pushing on the pedals, my bike is zigzagging and rearing up despite all my efforts. Shortly after 14 km, the grade climaxes, probably not to the maximum of what would be physically doable on a bike, but to the maximum of what Physics allows : one segment shows 37%. With more than that, I’m not sure you could stay low enough to keep the bike on its wheels ! The ending of the path is absolutely fabulous, the grade finally allows me to enjoy what is around, meadows and amazingly green trees, these old stone walls in the tree shades… I reach col d’Eze and come back down towards Nice on this strategic stony road that most hikers and mountain bikers know. The road is high above the northern valley of Nice and gives a breathtaking view of the summits of the Mercantour mountain range. Upon arrival back at the café, the weather had definitively turned to grey. All I could muster was a grimace to the man behind the bar who had seen me get on the bike a little over an hour ago; his early assessment of the route ringing true in my ears - and in my legs. Further Riding Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. READ MORE Shake it up #2 One hour, five kilometres from home. In less than one hundred metres the gradient climbs from 14% to a scarcely believable 21%. There's short and there's sharp and there's this. READ MORE Ride of The Month: May Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. READ MORE Bikepacking in the Lone Star State Endless gravel trails, purple posts, rising temperatures and lots and lots of sunscreen. READ MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Rose de Mai : Amazing Grasse We call it “May Rose”, “Rose de Mai”, or even “cabbage rose”. “Centifolia” is the emblematic rose of the city of Grasse, and if it holds this status, it is probably because of its exceptional perfume. Among the existing 40 000 roses in the world, this rare one is the most appreciated by master perfume manufacturers. Its hundred petals gave its name to this precious and fragile flower : it needs to be picked up by hand with the dew on the very day when the bud opens up. Here in May we celebrate it, Grasse and other towns nearby organise festivals on its name. At Café du Cycliste we are dedicating a series of four jerseys to this rose in order to honour its fine touch and the delicate way to produce it. Our Ride of the Month will take us to the foothills of Grasse on a route slightly longer than 120km. We will get some altitude with Col de l’Ecre reaching as high as 1100m, an ideal combination when season changes. As I leave Nice harbour in the morning towards La Colle Sur Loup, the first stage of my adventure, I know that the first 20 kilometers will be a nice stroll along the seashore. The weather forecast predicted some sun but the clouds piling up over the foothills remind me that I should have probably taken my gilet. Well, we’ll see up there. As I ride through La Colle sur Loup, the sun is still shining and the temperature is very much pleasant, but what awaits me in the gorge of the Loup river is much cooler ! After 40 kilometers I reach the Courmes waterfall : the river doesn’t usually flow much in the summer but the spring snowmelt makes it bigger today and I can even feel some spray as I ride along. Outside of the gorge, I am being watched by the village of Gourdon, nestled on its rock. It will take me some good 45 minutes to reach the “Eagle Nest” as they call this famous perched village, classified as one of the most beautiful of France. Upon arrival, there is a strange feeling of quietness in this 350 inhabitants place. The grey clouds give a winter feel, something completely different than the summer vibes when flocks of tourists flood the streets. However, I really don’t want to get cold so let’s focus for now on the hovering Col de l’Ecre, 400m above me. I climb at a good pace which brings me into the clouds settling on the plateau de Caussols. I am slightly disappointed that the mist is still there as I turn on this amazing little road of the plateau which usually displays a lunar landscape. I could only get a short glimpse at the mountain ridge over the sea because of the foggy atmosphere which also spoiled the summit finish at the top of Col du Ferrier: I hurry back down into the descent to Grasse for milder weather. A ray of sun warms the heart of the old town of the perfume capital of the world. It is here that the most famous perfume manufacturers gave a second life to perfume plant growing. The precious centifolia rose is grown here over 40 hectares of prestigious gardens for Dior or Chanel…You can get close to the Rose de Mai in the International Museum of Perfume in Mouans Sartoux : an unforgettable memory for your eyes and nose that I highly recommend for one of your off the bike activities. The route then goes downhill for the next 20 kilometers and brings me down quickly to the seashore. The sun is back again. It is my first ride over 100kms this year and I start feeling it ! The last kilometers riding back to the Café allow me to peacefully gaze at the sea and feel the gratitude for being able to ride from sea to mountain with just my own two legs in such a short amount of time. It is the end of this ride full of colours and fragrances… I promise I will take you to a garden in glorious bloom soon ! Paris - Nice Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Montagnes à la Carte The cols of the Alpes Maritimes offer some of the best riding in Europe. Providing inspiration and perspiration in close to equal measure. The plethora of roads, routes and rides that the region offers up to any visiting cyclist is innumerable. From hors category climbs to spins by the sea, from breaks for the Italian border to gravel grinds, from classic Cols to unknown tracks. To salute the roads we ride, we've created a badge for each col. To claim your badge you need to connect your Café du Cycliste account to your komoot account and go out and ride. All badges are free to a good, and deserving home. To learn more and get started on your collection, head to our badges page here. MADONE D’UTELLE This has long been a place of pilgrimage and healing, but one that for cyclists has remained a well-kept secret – beloved of local riders… until recently. In March 2016, the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice finished on the summit, bringing the views from this holy site to a wider audience. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,174m Length: 15.3km Ascent: 894m Average Gradient 5.8% Max Gradient 8.0%   Read more COL DE LA BONETTE Don’t look too hard at the Bonette’s claim – seen on signposts the length of the ascent from Jausiers in the north and from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée in the south – that it is the highest road in Europe. Instead, marvel at the panorama in front of you which will make the debate seem inconsequential. KEY INFO Altitude: 2,802m Length: 25.8km Ascent: 1,652m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE TENDE Alpe d’Huez famously has 21 switchbacks, hairpins, or lacets - call them what you want. The Passo dello Stelvio has 48 on the classic eastern side but that’s in 16.5km and all on tarmac. The Col de Tende manages the same number in 7.4km. If you like getting off the beaten track, you will like the Col de Tende. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,871m Length: 7.4km Ascent: 587m Average Gradient 8.0% Max Gradient 18.0%   Read more COL D’ÈZE Between Èze village and the fort runs the Route de la Grande Corniche, the highest of the three corniche roads that lead from Nice towards Monaco and Italy. Starting almost at the Café, it takes you steeply out of town, past villas and under palm trees, winding up through the hills to a height of 507m. KEY INFO Altitude: 507m Length: 10.0km Ascent: 490m Average Gradient 4.9% Max Gradient 10.0%   Read more COL DE LA MADONE Famed as a training hill, exactly where the pros commence their battle with the clock on the ‘classic’ start is a constant cause of debate. Regardless of how long it takes, a successful summit is rewarded with a view towards Peille and the higher mountains with Madone being a gateway Col that unlocks the door to a whole host of other climbs and routes in the Alpes Maritimes. KEY INFO Altitude: 925m Length: 13.3km Ascent: 920m Average Gradient 7.0% Max Gradient 12.0%   Read more MONT VENTOUX Let us be clear: the road to Ventoux does not go anywhere and there is no reason to climb it. It exists only as a challenge, the ultimate mirror, says cycling philosopher Paul Fournel, in which riders, stripped bare, confront not only the grandeur of nature but also their essential selves. Perhaps this is why the legend of Ventoux endures, and new chapters keep being written. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,911m Length: 22.7km Ascent: 1,622m Average Gradient 7.2% Max Gradient 10.8%   Read more COL DE TURINI The thick forests of the Col de Turini are testament to the unpredictable weather on this, the highest of the coastal climbs near Café du Cycliste’s home town of Nice. Even close to the top of the heaped switchbacks, the sea can still be glimpsed, and warm, wet, maritime air regularly drifts inland and buffets the mountain, leading to downpours on its slopes KEY INFO Altitude: 1,604m Length: 24.0km Ascent: 1,244m Average Gradient 5.2% Max Gradient 9.3%   Read more COL DE BRAUS People have been stopping to marvel at this view since the col’s famous switchbacks were constructed in the early 20th century. Take your time up the ascent and you will admire the olive groves, and maybe spy the remnants of the old Route Royale, the salt road that linked Nice and the coast to Piedmont and the Dukes of Savoy in Turin. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,002m Length: 10.3km Ascent: 662m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE VENCE It is said that Alberto Contador rode this 9.7km stretch, which rises 643m and averages 6.6%, in less 24 minutes. Mere mortals who do it in less than 35 should count themselves lucky. If you can tear your eyes off your stem in the final kilometres, you’ll have a great view of the Mediterranean from Italy to Cannes and beyond. KEY INFO Altitude: 962m Length: 9.7km Ascent: 643m Average Gradient 6.6% Max Gradient 9.0%   Read more MONT VIAL Although Mont Vial can seem ubiquitous, cyclists have to travel far into the backcountry to find the turning, which is tucked away somewhere between Toudon and Tourette-du-Chateau. Those who search will be rewarded, however, with a deserted, small, irregularly surfaced scrawl of switchbacks up the rocky mountain face. Perfection, in our eyes at least. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,549m Length: 17.6km Ascent: 1,195m Average Gradient 6.8% Max Gradient 12.5%   Read more COL DE BROUIS From Sospel the climb starts in the pleasant and open meadows in the valley of the small river Bevera. It ascends through deep gorges, though never too tight, and ends in open meadows again. It is as if the pass is higher than its 879m, and you have passed into the northern Alps. KEY INFO Altitude: 879m Length: 11.9km Ascent: 531m Average Gradient 4.5% Max Gradient 7.3%   Read more MONT CHAUVE Mont Chauve is Nice’s hidden mountain. It is hiding in plain sight, sitting there just to the north, right above the city, but nevertheless it is hidden. The best time to come, perhaps, is early in the morning, to watch the sun rise over Italy; on clear days, from the fort, Corsica can be seen on the horizon. A hidden gem. KEY INFO Altitude: 703m Length: 5.2km Ascent: 411m Average Gradient 7.9% Max Gradient 11.0%   Read more COL DE LA COLMIANE The name Colmiane originates from the alpine occitan dialect version - la Cuòla miana - and translates into ‘medium mountain’. But the Col de la Colmiane is no average climb. There is a ski station at the top, high peaks all around and the western side measures 16.3km in length. It is a proper mountain. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,500m Length: 16.3km Ascent: 970m Average Gradient 6.0% Max Gradient 9.4%   Read more BADGES FOR COLS We've created a collection of badges in celebration of iconic climbs near and far. All you have to do is ride the col and claim your free badge. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES DU MONDE Explore some of the most celebrated cycling climbs globally. And a few less celebrated but no less good. VIEW MORE BADGES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Not sure how to get started on your badge collection? Having trouble uploading rides? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW MORE BADGES HIGH FIVE Kick start your badge collection. Claiming five cols in one ride means lots of distance and plenty of elevation, but when you're riding in the Alpes Maritimes you wouldn't want it any other way. VIEW MORE

SHAKE IT UP #2 « 1heure - 5 kilomètres » Usually, spring officially starts the season of evening rides: more daylight means finishing off a day at work, putting on my bib shorts, sliding into a jersey and hopping on my bike to ride a 50km loop into the sunset. A feeling of bliss I especially love. But with this damned curfew, it seems everything gets twisted. It’s been a year now that days have a different pace, a different taste. Riding a bike was taken away from us for a while, and now riding your bike is like the sweet memory reminding us that freedom still is around the corner. These days, we have to take this breather, this moment of freedom around midday; and most days, it is undoubtedly the “Short and Sharp” moment of the day. They told me about a little climb which is worth a visit… I’m spinning along on the Basse Corniche, the less tedious road of those leading to Monaco. My legs are happily tingling, my pace is good, sharp. I simply can’t get enough of seeing the sea sparkling on the side of the road, I feel the excitement building up inside me. As I enter Beaulieu, the slandered silhouettes of the Casino palm trees transform my ride into a majestic journey, as if my bike smoothly transformed into a fairytale carriage. I’m getting carried away… I’m suddenly transported on a 2km climb to reach the Moyenne Corniche. Nothing in comparison to what is actually awaiting me next. Riding on the Moyenne Corniche, I’m just surprised how many cars are actually on the road. A few hundred meters away, I turn right on a small road and leave traffic behind. As they said, the route goes through houses, it is a tiny little road where you wouldn’t even imagine seeing two cars passing at the same time. It’s been 18km into the ride as my bike computer tells, and it is only starting,I can see some serious business coming up : the gradient is ghastly : over 100 meters only, it goes from 14% to an unbelievable 21%. I am giving this everything I have, I am dreaming I’ve got one more gear, I try to shift, but no, no more possibility to make it easier. Cadence drops dramatically as my heart is pounding like it never did before. It is so steep that my bike wants to rear, I’m just zig-zagging from side to side for a few meters. I reach some recess as the road “flattens” out with what feels like a nice and gentle 13% gradient. And I let my thoughts build up on the belief that it will remain just like that up to the Grande Corniche. I lift my head up. Instantly this hope vanishes into thin air. The grande finale is a 19% wall, short enough to be less hard than the first one, long enough to remind me not to count meters of elevation before they are climbed. I need a whole kilometre to come back to my senses. For sure, I can’t imagine that the guy who just passed me with a slight grin on his face was coming from the same road. At least I hope so ! There is a nice chill in the air to announce a beautiful riding moment descending back down. Adrenaline rocketed high just as needed. I put my hands on the drops and flow downhill on these roads I know by heart. Back on the port, some divers are unloading their boat, we wave and share a “Bonjour”. There is no need to say more, passionate people understand each another without words. Further Riding Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: March Paris-Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #2 Cycling the empty streets of Paris to deliver food to those in need, Sophie Gateau documents the capital city during the lockdown. See Sophie’s view from the saddle whilst riding with purpose, 'Pour Eux'. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #1 Delivering medical supplies to the vulnerable and the isolated, Kong Fufu’s bike has returned to a tool of ultimate function, and one that is helping in it’s own small way. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés Ariège Explore more, find hidden corners and lesser known places. The Ariège rests on the border with Spain and Andorra and is a region rich in history which remains one of the most unspoilt areas of France. VIEW MORE

In awe of the Giant of Provence It’s all about “him” around here… And rightly so! People come from all over the world to conquer this Giant, he is why our region is so famous in the cycling community. I’m a local girl, it’s been several decades I live at his feet, so much so that I tend to forget his presence sometimes. We climb it often, not only on our bikes. When we are on two wheels, he is our unbiased referee: living so close to it gives us the possibility to choose the best combination of weather and fitness to assess our progress. Where we are today, that little piece of land at the border between Drôme and Vaucluse is an incredible playground. I don’t think I will ever get tired of the many routes it offers, on roads so tiny that you can’t but merge with nature and feel connected to it. Come along with me for an eighty kilometres ride where you will see for yourself the rich heritage of this place. We begin in Malaucène and its fountain, where I always start my rides. Being able to fill bottles as you ride through villages is a legendary form of hospitality that us cyclists appreciate. The tarmac is brand new in the village : it means a lot in this cycling territory. The Tour de France will host an epic stage here this year and we are definitely getting ready for it. The little road leading up to Entrechaux holds everything I love : it goes through vineyards and apricot orchards. A still silence, no car to disturb the peacefulness of the place. The old castle from Entrechaux dates back to the 10th century. For more than 800 years it protected the villagers, before its stunning stones became a resource to make new buildings : it’s been deconstructed bit by bit since then. As the road rises slightly towards Buis les Baronnies, I feel I can push a bit harder and faster. To my right, I can see the improbable hilltop church of Pierrelongue. It is a surprising building no one could miss : a small construction of a few square meters finished in the 19th century, gracefully and dangerously balancing upon the top of a boulder. Sainte Trophime chapel is a little gem overlooking the classic provençal village of Buis les Baronnies. I can’t resist gifting myself with a little detour to the Rock of Saint Julien, while keeping some energy for the next climb, Col d’Ey. There is some sort of magical atmosphere in this climb, definitely the high point of my ride. The road goes through olive groves, some small old stone typical shacks bring you back in the past, I can feel the warmth in the air. Who would have thought a couple of weeks ago when it was so freezing cold that farmers were concerned, that we would be riding short sleeves at the end of April ? Not so far from the top of the climb there is this flabbergasting view on the Ventoux, a marvellous lookout. The descent to Sainte-Jalle brings a total change of atmosphere with the never ending lavender fields in front of me : soon they will sparkle with colour and offer these postcard views we all know. And I just keep rolling down on this special road, each bend bringing a deep sense of freedom and excitement. Hands on drops, the next 20 km go by fast on yet another road surrounded with many olive trees. Nyons : it’s not only a small town, it is a protected name for one of the best olives you could find. The “olive de Nyons” is a famous black olive with a very special taste : you will find it on the local marketplaces, in the shade of a tree on a village square. More than an olive, it is a local tradition… Nyons is also famous for its 14th century bridge : with its single span of 40m, it belongs to a specific category of bridges built from the Antiquity to the 20th century. Thanks to the properties of concrete, this kind of stonework isn’t built anymore which makes this view even more delightful. I’m enjoying a little moment in the evening light, looking down at the river 20 meters below. Last but not least, Vaison la Romaine is the last stop of our Provence getaway. Going through the old town is a must : narrow streets, stone walls, small courtyards hiding beautiful mansions, climbing bougainvillea… Just taking a breather here before heading back to Malaucène to finish the loop. Within the next two months, lavenders will bloom, heat will strike, tourists will flock. More than ever I’m willing to enjoy now the serenity of these peaceful roads. Further Riding The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE European Divide Trail. Finding a new route across Europe in between civilization. Andy Cox explains the concept behind the European Trail Divide. VIEW MORE Shake it up #1. One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: March. Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Summit Symphony. What better way to finish the winter season on the Côte d'Azur than by combining hours in the saddle with a day in the snow on two skis. Rendez-vous at 06h30 on the Promenade de Anglais for a mountain top adventure. VIEW MORE Ça Peak There is always a way to escape the madding crowds, in this case it's gravel. Finding fun on Mont Ventoux's G-Side. VIEW MORE

Summit Symphony Ending winter with a bang is a bit like indulging ourselves one more time after a good meal, or experiencing the grandiose finale of a brilliant symphony. There’s also an element of snobbery in it as well, which comes from living somewhere where we can pass the same day going from the azure sea to the white-topped mountains by combining cycling and skiing. Let’s face it— living here is a privilege that deserves a little healthy boasting. The skiing season lately has been particularly intense— on the one hand because it snowed particularly heavily on the summits of the Southern Alps, and on the other because the pandemic has led to the closure of a number of resorts, leaving access to only to the most advanced skiers. This season, the mountains belong to us— the privileged few. Combining cycling and skiing together on the same day is celebrated annually in the famous Prom-Gélas Race, which traditionally starts from Nice’s Promenade des Anglais to reach Gélas, the highest peak in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Gélas, sadly, is no longer accessible due to the violent floods which inundated the hinterland last November. The road to the peak has been damaged extensively and will remain inaccessible for a while. Our skiing choice falls on the ridges that dominate the Isola 2000 station on the Italian border. Due to the rise in temperature to 25°C in recent days, the snow has melted rapidly in higher altitudes, leaving only the northernmost peaks with snow. It’s here where we’ll most likely find opportunities to hit the slopes. We meet at 6:30 a.m. to set off on our bicycles from the Promenade des Anglais. We left our skis with a friend who lives in the heart of the Isola resort, so the transition there will take place at 2 p.m. at the latest, giving us time to cycle the 90 km and then the 2,300 m of vertical drop to the snow, where we’ll put on our skis. The temperature by the sea is cool this morning. Along the Promenade, the cleaning teams have left behind wet ground, the first joggers have appeared, and this seaside road which allows one to cross Nice from east to west comes alive with morning lovers looking for fresh air. It’s exciting to be here. The 40 km we have to cover in the valley to bring us to the foot of the mountains will entail a long warmup. It’s 4°C, and we don our gloves and the clothes we’ve wisely chosen to see us through an adventuresome day. It doesn’t take long for the sun to warm up the road, but the higher we enter the gorges of the Tinée, the temperature will drop briskly. At 40 km, things start to get serious, so we take a break to swallow two honey waffles and some gulps of water, and to contemplate the rays of sunshine which set the coast ablaze. Once we reach Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, it’s clear our universe has changed. Here, with the little houses clustered around the church enjoying the morning sun, the flowing Tinée below offers the only perceptible noise. We feel an overwhelming sense of joy because it’s precisely these sensations that remind us why we like to spend so much time in the bike saddle. We’ve just entered these famous red-cliffed gorges which herald the entrance to the Mercantour Park. The grade is a little steeper now as it’s the last section before Isola, the starting point of the real ascent of 20 km that will mark the highlight of this course. The principal passes will be officially cleared of snow in a few days, but for now we leave La Bonette on our left toward the Col de la Lombarde, our ascent of the day. We already know we’ll be unable able to reach it by ski due to lack of snow, so our choice falls on the north slope— but not for now; for the time being, we’ve just got to keep the pedals moving and put the kilometres behind us. The herds of chamois that have come down from the slopes take advantage of the general calm to lick the asphalt from the still-salty roads. But they don’t give us a second to pull out our cameras— they disappear in a few leaps. At almost 2000 m altitude, the little snow remaining on the roadside confirms that snowfall has been scant this year. In fact, the sun is shining with such intensity that you can almost hear the snow melting before streaming in rivulets down from the roofs of the chalets. At long last, we put the bikes down. Our skis are waiting for us. We’re aiming for the top of the Mercière, and this part of the race ends with the sun-exposed north face. We fear there will be too little snow. But the mountain is ours. Only our panting and the squeaking of our skis on the snow fill the silence. Crossing the torrents of melting snow breaks the rhythm of our ascent, and we think, greedily, of the smooth descent that awaits us on this spring snow. Alas, we’ll be unable to reach the Tête Mercière today; once we arrive at the pass, we discover the southern slope is nothing but grass. No problem— we contemplate the immensity of the landscape, satisfied that we’ve won the bet of combining cycling and skiing before putting the latter in the backs of our minds. Yet… the weather forecast announces snowfall for next week, so we may not have said our last word… FURTHER RIDING Bike Ski - The New Duathlon At 1600m up, deep within the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the pick-up truck is being loaded two by two. Bikes, check. Skis, check. Mountain packs, check. VIEW MORE Les Courses Disparues #7 Unlike some of the other Lost Races, the GP de Nice had a fairly long innings. In common with a lot of niçois events, the focal point was the La Prom. VIEW MORE Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE Jurasick Park The PCR Gravier collective is back with its latest adventure – a grand traverse of the Jura mountains. But did they find any dinosaurs? VIEW MORE

Shake it up #1 : « 1heure - 5 kilomètres » At some point these repeated lockdowns will be no more than a bad memory. We'll smile about them wryly perhaps in a few months’ time, reflecting on a period in time when our individual freedoms were constrained for the greater good. A right to ride which is restricted to no more than one hour in duration and no more than five kilometres from home in distance seems small beer to a girl like me who is used to spending long days in the saddle. But these limitations are far worse for some than for others because here in Nice, even with only a single hour to play with, the options are almost endless. With only a month to go before the racing season is slated to resume, the key to making the most of the situation is intensity, something extremely sharp to go with the inevitable short. At 500m high, the classic route up Col d’Eze can act as both judge and jury to a cyclist. But the most direct route up is unknown to many and those local riders who are in the know, tend to avoid it most of the time. With a 12% gradient in places, it is hard to blame them. Leaving the café I head towards ‘la moyenne Corniche’. The first slopes lead me up and away from town but they are a mere taste of what is to come. I take the route du vinaigrier to join up with the col des 4 chemins, normally a road I would only use to descend. And that just to enjoy the spectacular views of the sea on the way down. The last time I climbed it was in the summer during Le Tour. The peloton scaled the Grande Corniche twice and with all the roads closed this was the only open way to the top. The right to watch that particular spectacle had to be earned. Into the heart of the matter. The first section is steep but then it gets rapidly steeper. Only 2km in length but with an average gradient of 10% and plenty of it hovering above that average. Up ahead a man stops trimming his hedge to look at me. He looks confused about what I’m doing, even angry that I’m doing it to myself. It’s impossible for him to understand how much pleasure comes with the pain. I manage a smile as I pass and he motions what looks like encouragement. Or feels like it. A last push and final heave and at I’m at the « Grand ». Eighteen minutes to here, it felt longer. Time is ticking. The almost 4km ahead won’t be child’s play. I only go twenty or thirty metres on the classic Col d’Eze route before turning left onto the most extreme way of climbing Mont Leuze. It’s quiet with few passing cars and I place myself in the middle of the sun-bleached tarmac. The road climbs sharply again and I remind myself that this is the whole point. I’m flanked by stone walls and follow the twists and turns of the hairpins. I grit my teeth, stand on the pedals, remind myself again. The body may be screaming but how is the mind? Both are equally important at this point. On and on, just 4km. Up and up, just 4km. And then I’m counting down with one eye on my dial and one breath away from who knows what. Forty minutes to get here, fifty metres above Col d’Eze at the Plateau de la Justice and a new sense of freedom despite the rules. No time now to explain that the Seigneurs d’Eze chose this place to plant their gallows. No time to explain that the bodies of men condemned to fates far worse than climbing this route were left by the roadside. No time to speak of crows and crow about achievements. No time, no time, just time to descend. A wind jacket and a turn to the southern slope which is still scarred in places by the passage of the Tour. Friendly scars drawn in coloured paint and wobbly hand. Names of champions who rode these roads like me. Through the turns and past the sign which says Nice, in whichever way you want to take it. Pausing at red lights and hurrying through greens. To arrive back at the café 56 minutes and 42 seconds after I set out. It doesn’t sound much of a ride when you put it like that but each one of those seconds was filled to the brim. Back into lockdown with a smile on my face. Further Riding Ride of The Month: March Paris-Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #2 Cycling the empty streets of Paris to deliver food to those in need, Sophie Gateau documents the capital city during the lockdown. See Sophie’s view from the saddle whilst riding with purpose, 'Pour Eux'. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #1 Delivering medical supplies to the vulnerable and the isolated, Kong Fufu’s bike has returned to a tool of ultimate function, and one that is helping in it’s own small way. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés Ariège Explore more, find hidden corners and lesser known places. The Ariège rests on the border with Spain and Andorra and is a region rich in history which remains one of the most unspoilt areas of France. VIEW MORE The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE

Ride of the Month: March - Paris-Nice There's a unique place in the cycling landscape reserved especially for Paris-Nice. As the first major stage race of the season in Europe, it marks the beginning of the year ahead. There's a little something of La Tour in Paris-Nice and the arrival in our home is the climax. It might only be thirty years old but the last stage around the town, taking in Col d'Eze and breathing in the stunning Cote d'Azur backdrop, has given the race a close to mythical status. But Covid respects nothing. This year Paris-Nice didn't make it to Nice, the last stage was changed and the riders missed out on Eze and a started finish on the Promenade des Anglais. It seemed remiss to leave it like that. A better idea to ride the missing piece of road, reclaim the col in March even if only for ourselves. With stops here and there in favorite places, corners where the peloton normally sweeps all before it. Perhaps in some kind of sense to mentally restart the season and allow us to look forward with renewed hope. First things first, long and flat for almost fifteen kilometres before there's even a hint of up. While some places are struggling to shake off winter, here the temperatures are already pleasant. It makes the blue sea on one side seem incongruous when set against the snow still on the peaks of the Mercantour in the distance. They remind us of what's coming and the first climb is the Côte de Levens. The first 'village perché' of the day is Roquette du Var, five hundred meters up and with a view across the Var valley which never disappoints. Into ten kilometres of fairly easy descent and on to Levens which has its own claim to views fame, across to Mont Ferion and a favorite gravel playground. A hard left and it's time to climb. Here there is a little cloud cover and a drop in temperature, more favourable for a stretch of five kilometres with a four percent average. Up ahead the ruins of the Chateauneuf Villevieille which with time on your side is worth a short detour. The uneven surface might put you off but as a place to stop and think, even for a moment, it is hard to beat. The present and the past come together, the future as yet unknown. Ignore the cars which bare noisy testament to the choice of destination and gulp in Mont Macarron, another wonderland above Nice and a must do for those who love gravel. Height equals cool and a wind jacket is only just enough for the descent to Contes at this time of year. Fortunately the climb to Peille averages a 7% gradient, more than enough to floor warmth back into every extremity. Stop in the village to fill your bottle. Wander the narrow streets if there's no rush, hear the church clock strike on the hour and resist, or not, the temptation to laze away a few minutes in the sun next to the fountain. Then, when ready, back into the descent towards La Turbie, with cliffs rising above and the temptation to stop again for a picture rising with them. Further down is the signpost to Saint Agnes, a reminder that Col de la Madone is only a short stretch away but today it's for another day... The ridges above Monaco lead us towards Col d'Eze and also back to another world. The warmth returns, the coastline reappears and the gaze is drawn to a stretch of sea that from up here looks good enough to dive into. This is where we planned to watch this year's race, on the col des 4 chemins, with the peloton passing twice and a spectacle guaranteed. So it wasn't to be but next year they'll be back and next year we'll be back to see them. Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE The Tour de France From the sea to the mountains and back again, mixing up the parcours of Stages One and Two of this year’s Tour de France to take in Col de Turini and Col d’Eze. VIEW MORE

Ride of the month: February - Back to basics Dog days and too many funny cats. It’s always a relief to ride, now more than ever if that were possible. The sun adds flavour, like a twist to a favourite drink or a spice in a familiar meal. From Nice, in February, searching for sunshine and road time in equal measure, the route is obvious. Col d’Eze and Col de la Madone. With the sea on one side and the sun all the way, it’s a classic for a reason. Equally popular with locals, visitors and pros who sit somewhere between the two. Included in Le Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var and endlessly interesting, however many times it is ridden. And it’s ridden a lot. But if you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. This is either up or down, there’s no in between. Two climbs and two descents. Two plus two which equals more. More of everything about life on a bike and plenty enough to blow away the cobwebs of confinement. Even for a short time. The real start is the left at the exit of Villefranche and then it’s counting in threes, from the basse to the moyenne and up to the grande corniche. Hit La Turbie and it’s the first dive of the day, heading back down to Menton. Another left to go through the Serres de la Madone and a welcome to some grunt and grit. High percentages and a series of hairpins. If you’re looking for a mental diversion, it’s here that Lawrence Johnston, an Anglo-American who was French at heart, spent the best part of two decades establishing his celebrated gardens. He chose the spot not for the riding but for the climate, a place he could plant sub-tropical species from around the world alongside old olives on terraces dug into the hill. It was good choice for the Buddleja officinalis and Rosa chinensis but at this time of year even the best of days can turn quickly into the worst of days as far as weather is concerned. Clouds gathering like bees around honey, the wind rising as if woken from the deepest of sleeps. Take a chance but take a jacket just in case. Even if the sky stays blue the descent after the top of Madone will be cold. Technical too on the Peille side before turning into a false flat on the way to La Turbie. The famous fountain signals the way home, it’s all down hill from here. It’s a ride which delivers much and promises even more. Perhaps the first real up of the year with more, much more, to come. The first rays of real sun, the first gasps of real air. Next it will be spring and the start of a new season proper. Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE The Tour de France From the sea to the mountains and back again, mixing up the parcours of Stages One and Two of this year’s Tour de France to take in Col de Turini and Col d’Eze. VIEW MORE

RIDE OF THE MONTH: JANUARY - CORNICHE D'OR Early in the year, it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. Taking into account the drop in temperature for every metre of elevation, on some days it can make a lot of sense to hug the coastline and appreciate the views out to sea. January is a month of resolutions. Ride more, eat less, explore further. It’s the last one that chimes and the bike is the perfect companion. Always encouraging us to discover what is behind the next pass and the next bend. Or in this case the next bay. We count them down heading west from the café. The first is the Promenade des Anglais then number two crosses Cagnes-sur-Mer to Antibes. From there the next takes a rider to Cannes, along the Croisette and momentarily into the world of glamour and celluloid. At least in normal times. From Cannes, number four reaches out to Mandelieu-la-Napoule. It’s the spot to turn right away from the coast to take in The Mimosas & ‘Le Grand Duc and drink in the explosion of colour if you time it right but this time there’s one more to go. Along to Théoule sur Mer, to pick up the Corniche de l'Esterel, also known as the Corniche d'Or. It’s here that the celebrated French designer Pierre Cardin owned the futuristic Palais des Bulle. Hanging somewhere between the cliffs and sea, now suspended in time as much as in space. The road was constructed by the Touring Club de France in 1903 on what was the old Via Aurelia, itself a Roman road built two thousand years before that, the Corniche is dotted with creeks, coves and beaches. Mostly deserted at this time of year but promising different days ahead. There’s a peace to this part of the coast during these months, shaken if not shattered during a normal spring and summer and the contrast itself is part of what brings us back. That and the contrast between the rich red rocks of the Esterel on one side and the endless blue on the other. The turn at Agay takes us up into the Esterel range itself. Even now there’s more water in the shape of the Lac de Grenouillet. Crossing at the ford can occasionally be tricky, it’s about balance and commitment, and once over the road rises and becomes closed to cars. Up above sits the rock of Saint Barthélémy, standing as a sentinel on this part of the coast. In the warmer months, up here is decidedly hot and open to the contrasting breaths of the northerly mistral. But at this time it’s temperature and still, the perfect conditions to finish the climb. East is home, with the sea sitting on your right shoulder, Heading back down to the corniche and then retracing the tyre tracks left on the way out. If you’re lucky the sun is shining on your back to take the edge off the chill, the roads are quiet and the way ahead is clear. Komoot Route If you want to fly and ride the Corniche d'Or on a top of the range bike, you can rent one of Café du Cycliste fleet of Cervélo R5s  HERE. Read about other Rides of the Month and find the perfect route by season. Or discover more details about cycling on the Cote d'Azur with our Riding Guide to Nice.

Gimme Shelter The story behind our special edition Clementine sweatshirt, which raises money for the communities of the Alpes-Maritimes devastated by Storm Alex. On the evening of Friday 2 October 2020, the first of the year's winter storms swept across the south of France and Italy. And Storm Alex, as it was later named, was a storm of incredible violence and destruction. Usually Nice is a haven of calm. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, it is sheltered from a lot of the bad weather by the Alps, which almost dip their toes into the water, at the Italian border 35 kilometres to the east. But occasionally maritime conditions can intensify incoming bad weather to produce 'bomb storms'. When Alex – a very large and powerful bomb storm – hit land, it unleashed terrible winds and rain on the mountains behind Nice, causing devastation on a scale possibly never seen before. In some parts of the arrière pays niçois (Nice's backcountry), more than 50 centimetres of rain fell per square metre of ground. That might be difficult to visualise, but that's a total of 500 litres, or around 4 bathtubs totally full of water, on every square metre in only 12 hours, washing away houses, farms, workplaces and other buildings, as well as destroying bridges and more than 70 kilometres of road. Nine people died, including two firefighters and a shepherd who was carried away by the water while trying to save his sheep. At Cafe du Cycliste we love the arrière-pays, and we celebrate its roads and its views with our clothing, photography and stories. We believe it's the best place on earth to ride a road bike and we sometimes call it our 'playground' (the gravel is awesome too). However, Storm Alex was a terrible reminder that the natural forces that created these stunning mountains, valleys and gorges do not only operate over geological timespans of millions of years: they can also have a huge impact in just hours and minutes. Worst affected were the three valleys carrying the Tinée, Vésubie and Roya rivers, which run from north to south and join with the Esteron and the Var before flowing into the sea by the Nice airport. The Tinée leads up to the Col de la Bonette, one of our favourite cols and the so-called 'highest inter-valley road in Europe'; the Vésubie is the principal access to the Col du Turini, where the Zinzins love to ride; and the Roya, which is bisected by the Italian border, leads to perhaps the best high gravel road in Europe, the Via del Sale. Several major towns were cut off, losing electricity, clean water and road access for several days, while some of the outlying villages and hamlets were only reconnected just before Christmas – and even then these are 4 x 4 tracks, no proper roads. In Castérino, usually a popular cross-country ski resort in the Roya, a handful of residents are spending the winter completely cut off, living off the food stores in the hotels and heating their houses with firewood. The picturesque town of Saint Martin-Vésubie was one of the worst affected. Once an important stop on the salt route to Italy, and a major trading post for the shepherds, farmers and producers of the mountains, its houses, bridges, roads, shops, museum, brewery, even its cemetery, were washed away. We have created a limited-edition sweatshirt bearing its name, in a classic varsity style, suitable for men and women. 100% of the profits made from this sweatshirt will go to the official relief fund, helping to pay for the hundreds of millions of euros of work that is being undertaken across the entire region to repair buildings, roads and flood defences, not to mention bringing food and material support to the inhabitants left without a livelihood – sometimes even without a roof. Mountain roads are not just for riding bikes – they are lifelines for thousands of people – and we want to stand in solidarity with the people of the arrière pays. We want to help life get back to normal, so we can all enjoy the mountains again together in the future. If you would like to support the relief fund, you can buy the special edition Clementine sweatshirt here.     Images by Daniel Cole.