Preparing your bike trip

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your cycling trip so that the adventure is a real pleasure.

Would you like to travel with your own bike?

It’s true that it’s nice to travel with your own bike, something you’re used to! No problem, L’Autre Chemin offers its trips at a competitive rate since you’ll be using your own bike. Before you set off, we recommend checking a few points: If it’s an electric bike, the battery must have a minimum power of 400 watts (500 watts for some routes). Please note: the battery must be removable; if not, please contact us to check availability. It must be in perfect working order before departure. Our routes combine small roads and trails; your bike must be a hybrid, mountain bike, or gravel bike with suitable tires. Road or city bikes are not suitable for our routes. Furthermore, equipment such as a basket on the handlebars is prohibited. You are using paths and this type of equipment risks destabilizing the balance of the bike and makes it difficult to transfer the bikes (the front mudguards can hinder the loading of the bikes onto the trailers, to be avoided for this trip as it includes a return shuttle).

Using an E-Bike

An E-Bike is a bike with a motor located in the bottom bracket that supports the cyclist’s pedaling using power from an electric battery. On L’Autre Chemin’s bikes, this is a Yamaha motor paired with a 400- or 500-watt battery, providing sufficient range to complete the stages. Note: • The battery does not recharge while riding. It is recharged with an adapter. • Full charge time: 4 hours. • The more the motor is used, the faster the battery discharges. • The higher the route, the more the battery will be used. • The motor has 5 assistance modes, each with varying energy requirements. You can ride without assistance on descents and even on flat sections. This approach will allow you to easily connect all the stages and enjoy the silence of cycling. Electric assistance allows you to complete stages of between 40 and 70 km, depending on battery usage.

Your Equipment

Here is a short, non-exhaustive list of items that should be part of your gear. Of course, you’ll need to adapt your outfit to the season.

• Padded cycling shorts: You’ll be spending several hours on your bike, so we recommend wearing cycling shorts (or even a gel seat cover) to protect you from vibrations during your trip.
• Gloves: Lightweight or warmer depending on the season, they help prevent blisters and, more importantly, injuries in the event of a fall. They also absorb vibrations.
• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the sun, but also from sand and mud.
• Sneakers: Our bikes are equipped with standard pedals to allow you to easily get on and off your bike.
• Repair equipment and lock: Provided with your bike rental from L’Autre Chemin. If you’re traveling with your own bike, remember to bring all the repair supplies and, of course, a lock suitable for your bike.
• Bike helmet: We recommend traveling with a helmet. We offer comfortable helmets (cleaned and disinfected after each use) at the agency, and if you have your own helmet, feel free to bring it.
• Smartphone holder: A holder is provided with L’Autre Chemin bike rentals (1 holder / 2 bikes). If you are using your own bike or a rental bike (for non-beginner trips to Le Puy), please bring a holder to attach your smartphone to the handlebars and easily follow the route with the Roadbook for Discovery app.
• A first aid kit that should contain bandages, antiseptic, an “elastoplast” bandage, painkillers (such as aspirin or paracetamol), a tick remover, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. We recommend a tube of Homeoplasmine, which is very effective for “repairing” chafing caused by friction with the saddle.
• Of course, there are T-shirts, shirts, shorts, pants… But even in summer, it’s essential to bring warm clothing, a windproof and waterproof jacket. In case of rain, you can opt for waterproof pants. Choose clothing that offers good freedom of movement.

Adopt the 3-layer approach: ·

• 1 breathable base laye

• 1 thermal mid-layer (fleece-like) for cool or cold weather,

•  1 windproof outer layer for rain or wind

You can also complete this triptych with a rain cape, which can be useful in case of heavy rain or thunderstorms. Also remember to bring a swimsuit and a pair of sunglasses.

Travel light

Only carry what’s strictly necessary; don’t burden yourself with unnecessary items in your panniers, which will be with you all day. Leave room for your picnic, a warm layer of clothing, your first aid kit, and repair equipment (inner tube, pump, etc.). Even in your luggage that follows you from stage to stage (which has a limited weight), there’s no need to carry a large wardrobe…

Training

Whether you’re athletic or not, most of our itineraries are suitable for everyone, and you don’t need any specific training to fully enjoy your trip… All you need is to know how to ride a bike! In any case, don’t overdo it with training right before departure, as this could tire you out or even injure you before you leave…

When the weather deteriorates, your equipment will make all the difference. However, keep in mind that severe weather such as thunderstorms or Cévennes storms can pose significant dangers for hikers and cyclists alike. Before setting out, it’s important to know the day’s weather forecast. If your route involves steep areas or river crossings (rain-swollen rivers can become impassable), consider adjusting your route by choosing the shortest and least exposed route. We can advise you.

Once underway, if you see that the weather conditions are becoming very unfavorable or even too dangerous, don’t hesitate to stop in a village to wait for a clearing or call a taxi to reach your stage. In the event of severe weather or strong thunderstorms, it’s better to call a taxi to reach your stage safely than to take unnecessary risks. It’s important to plan ahead: Thunderstorms often occur in the late afternoon, so if the weather forecast predicts thunderstorms later in the day, leave early! Weather apps provide good hour-by-hour forecasts, allowing you to make informed decisions.