Myrtille’s solo cycling adventure

So, how was your cycling trip?

I found it a really great experience! It allowed me to (re)discover my area, starting with places really close to where I live and to my parents’ house, so in Rochefort and Tonnay-Charente. That’s precious! Seeing the signposts for La Flow Vélo around my home town, I asked myself if I’d ever dare tackle it by myself!  

This was the first time I’d ever undertaken such a long cycling trip by myself. Following advice on the website, I did the nine stages as indicated, averaging around 30km a day. I went for the safe option – 30km a day, no more, so that the cycling part was enjoyable.

In Cognac, I did choose to have a day off to wander around town a bit. The trip was also a chance for me to explore other towns I didn’t know so well. But, above all, it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a lovely trek through the countryside. It really was a way to switch off completely. You’re often alone… or almost alone, as you’re always accompanied by birdsong!

How did you organize your cycling trip?

I planned everything before setting off. I didn’t want to deal with anything unexpected, especially on the accommodation front. I tended to go for places to stay where you meet your hosts. 

As regards equipment, I headed off with a large trekking bag, a saddle pack and a handlebar pannier. In all, my equipment weighed 15kg, mainly made up of clothes, a GoPro action camera, a guidebook on La Flow Vélo and a bit of dry food. 

For food, I generally ate a sandwich both for lunch and in the evening, but I did occasionally treat myself to a restaurant meal.

Did you try out any additional activities along the cycle route?

When I arrived in Cognac, I wandered around the old town and I made the most of my break here to visit the Musée des Arts du Cognac.

Generally, I arrived around 4pm in the towns where I was staying… then I wandered around them, sometimes visiting a church. I enjoyed taking my time, riding along at a gentle pace.  

Any little anecdotes to share from your cycling trip?

It’s quite paradoxical: while I was alone most of the time, the thing I remember best is the people I encountered! A bit before Angoulême, for example, I had a chat with three cyclists who were continuing on as far as La Rochelle. After several days’ cycling, sharing a moment like that stayed with me. 

What tips would you give others?

I’d advise people who want to tackle the cycle route to plan their trip carefully and not to get discouraged in the Dordogne, where the route is marked by significant shifts in altitude. At the very start of my journey, when I’d scarcely got going, I did ask myself whether it was a good idea, what I was doing. It was really tough. On the first two days, I must say, my legs hurt… and I felt a bit down! 

Leaving Nontron, notably, there’s a very long slope, through a hamlet called La Côte [The Slope]! The name made me laugh. I said to myself: ‘That’s good, at least they’re aware of the problem!’ I was overtaken by two Germans on electric bikes – they were also struggling! West of Nontron, I can reassure you, it’s much easier, and you’ll appreciate the cycle route all the more for that!

One thing to take seriously on a cycling trip, for me, is your equipment. Do avoid backpacks and make sure the weight is evenly spread across your bike, so as to avoid making it unstable. Plus, making sure you can access your belongings easily is really essential.

For comfort, do invest in a chamois leather and padded underwear! After doing 300km of cycling, the question I was most often asked was: ‘How’s your bottom feeling?

In addition, remember to download the GPS tracks of the cycle route in advance, either with an app or a cycling GPS device. Even if the signposting is pretty clear, I found that reassuring. 

A final thought?

As I’ve now got this experience of cycling solo under my belt, it makes me want to test out further cycle routes! Maybe the Loire à Vélo or the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo… It seems that you can get hooked quickly! The main thing is to have a go!