New Yorkers’ New Year, Finding Light on the Riviera
New intentions for the New Year are great, but only if you have the right weather.
It being the case that in January New York doesn't have the best riding conditions, photographer Donalrey Nieva and partner Karen Yung took a last minute plunge onto the flight databases and found themselves based in Vieux Nice.
After a day's riding with them in the winter sun on the south side of the Col de Turini we exchanged some questions and answers together with a selection from Don's trademark 'from the saddle' photography.
Karen says you only go on holiday to ride bikes is this true?
Generally speaking, yes. Riding a bike is hands down the best way to explore a place. I think it offers a unique perspective and a more authentic experience that you can only get when riding a bike.
And, in my defence, we've definitely gone on holidays where we didn't bring our bikes. Does renting a bike count?
It’s your first return to the Côte d’Azur after your #nicefarride adventure with Far Ride Magazine – what brought you back?
Originally we had our sights on Mexico City as I wanted to ride over Paso de Cortes - a 3,400 m mountain pass. The logistics on trying to plan that trip were proving to be quite a headache and just a little ambitious. At the end of the day we just wanted to be somewhere where we can relax and at the same time have access to good riding right out the door. Nice is perfect for this - sleep in, ride 100km or so, come back to a beautiful sunset, eat some good food, and repeat. Also, Karen has never been to the South of France so that was another reason. I liked it the first time I was here, but I fell in love this time around.
Your Firefly is as immaculate as it is beautiful but it’s no lightweight mountain-goat – how does that affect the way you ride?
It is slightly heavier than my other all-road bike and at times it does feel like I need to put in just a little more effort to keep up with people. Although I think this is more likely due to my lack of fitness and the 1x gearing than the actual bike itself.
With that said, I did have this bike built with adventure riding in mind. So going a little slower is okay as I get to soak in all the views. Overall it's just a pure joy to ride this bike.
You found some 'Groads' – how do they compare to others you’ve ridden around the world?
The groads I've ridden here are quite nice especially on my 2.3' tires! I particularly like that dirt road up to Col de Braus. It reminded me of some of the gravel roads we road in Colombia. Actually, @caleyfretz over at CylcingTips rated that Braus groad a 9.5 out of 10 via my Instagram story! I think so myself.
What comes first : food, photography or bikes?
Bikes comes first. I wouldn't have gotten deep into photography had it not been for bikes. Although Karen has definitely made me appreciate good food in general.
What was the best post-ride meal you had whilst in Nice?
We went to dinner at Boccaccio one night and ordered a Paella for two as they're famous for it. There was so much food that we ended up having enough left overs to have it as a post ride meal for two days! It was so good!
You're famous on Instagram for your #lightbro pictures of NYC - how does the Provençal light compare?
It's quite interesting as the sun here in Nice never gets too high. So it looks a never ending sunset, well until it sets at 6pm. It was a #lightbro paradise.
How does your approach change between photography jobs and photography on personal trips like this?
The approach doesn't really change. I still look at things the same whether it be composition, light, etc. Although on personal trips like this I do feel a little guilty asking people to go back up a road so I can capture a shot I have in mind.
Quickfire questions:
Croissant or pain au chocolat?
Croissant
Vous parlez français?
Non
Seaside or high mountains?
High mountains
700c or 650b?
26' because #26IsNotDead. It's also the wheel size on my new Firefly.
Red or white?
White on white for sure.
