Bicycle Touring Provence Day 3 - Cycling Gorges du Verdon

[@BikeTouringMike]

Some days you wake up with a stream of rainwater running under your tent. And some days you get days like this one. The beauty of bicycle touring.

[@lonewolf088]

The most intesting in bike touring is how you find a camping spot

[@carolinewilmer7925]

Just beautiful.

[@johnleenane4571]

Stunning colours , beautiful

[@hypertravel4683]

Thanks for Great country travel. I'll follow your travel!

[@yanlap2183]

really beautiful. what I like least is that there is no shoulder on the road. thank you for sharing this video with us.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Yes, the road there is rather narrow. Thankfully I was there at a time of the year where there is almost no traffic. During the summer I would want to ride my bike there.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Fantastic, Mike. You said in your last video that this one would be better and you were right. I don't know this part of France, it's all new to me. Now I want to get my 30 year old Raleigh ready for its first tour in many years.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Believe me it was even better in person. It's sometimes hard to capture what you intend to capture on camera. I'm seriously considering getting a drone for my next tour.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Drone ..... great idea.

[@brianwheeldon4643]

I spent much of my adult life during northern hemisphere summers cycling and camping around les Alpes for two or three months doing this very thing. Believe me when I say, I loved it. I saw the changes in the villages along the way, and over the years the passing of a generation. The changes wrought by Sarkozy were dreadful in many of the small villages, as les patisseries and smaller shops couldn't compete with the supermarches 5 or 10 KM down the road selling everything from car tyres and clothes to packaged food and the products of the corporations and industrial farms. Proper Cycle touring all but disappeared after ~2010. And with the heating climate there's been huge and rapid melting evident in the glaciers and ice and snow fields from le Cime de la Bonette through Vars, Izoard, up the Galibier, and over the Iseran- le pont de neige especially badly hit (with disappearing ice/snow) as with the Swiss and Italian glaciers. Road and cycle touring generally has been impacted and largely replaced by ever greater numbers of cars and motorbikes.. Maybe the bicycle will make a come back although I wouldn't hold out too many hopes. Many cars carry bikes on the roof or on motorcaravans up to the top of the cols and collines to ride down. Let's hope the touring cyclist makes a come back. Never was there a sweeter mode of transport more in tune with life. Thanks for the video Mike, it's the best. Happy Cycling, Brian Aotearoa New Zealand

[@jerryz.3087]

Hey Mikael. ..another nice one...funny, as you mentioned the chill around the gorge, the next scene was in the tunnel....now add damp and dark to the equation. Again, some really nice landscape. Thanks Mikael. ..have a good one!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Jerry! Yeah, the temperature changed like crazy. But after a while you got into the the "tempo" and could predict ahead when it was time to put the jacket on/off. It's no fun having to stop in the middle of a fantastic descent, or in the middle of a long and tough uphill climb for that matter.

[@Rlaplante73]

Another spectacular touring video! Wow, were those areas you rode through beautiful. Thanks for all the work you do to present such wonderful content.

[@1Adventures2]

Thanks!

[@1Adventures2]

Thanks again Mike!!!! You are a treasure for so many ... I am sure!!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Wow! Yet another super thanks! You sure you don't want to support me through Patreon instead of super thanks? That way I would be able to reimburse you with some extra perks. We had a lovely chat the other week over there, and it's a great group of people from different backgrounds. Some of them with lots of experience touring around Europe.

[@pousserlaportedelaventure]

Bonjor Mike tres agreable a regarder!!beau montage ,bravo ,encore !!!!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Merci beaucoup Dany!

[@3sons4fun20]

Wow, this area looks so much like our mountains in Southern California! A little rocky and dry, but none of the charming villages. :-) I love your videos and can’t wait for our bike trip next year to Provence! Thank you! I hope you go to Spain soon (unless I missed those videos)!

[@BikeTouringMike]

I actually did a tour in Catalonia, Spain 4 years ago. I think there are about 6-7 videos from that trip on my channel.

[@3sons4fun20]

@@BikeTouringMike Great! I will watch those next!

[@arnsteindale5531]

Veldig fine videoer du lager 👍

[@BikeTouringMike]

Tusen takk Arnstein!

[@Andy-sj2dv]

Your secondary camera has done a superb job of giving us stunning shots of this spectacular region of France. Thanks mate for the hard work you have put in to share it with us.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Andy! Even though my primary camera was out of comission it was hard to mess up the video, with such stunning sorroundings.

[@stevedavis8065]

Those water points are really handy. I noticed that according to Open Street Maps that there were actually 3 such drinking water points in that village. If you use a smartphone app such as Maps.Me or osmand then drinking water points should show up on the map (always check it is drinkable) you can also add any you find that are not on the map to OSM, I have added lots on my cycle travels in France but only after I have drunk the water myself. Great video.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Steve! I actually found that particular water source using Maps.me. I got more information from that app than I would using Google Maps.

[@megandavid5274]

Stunning scenery! What a beautiful area and picturesque towns. I've never been to Provence so I really appreciate your videos. Nice editing.

[@edlaws6867]

Just peeked at the first 10 minutes, I'm saving the rest for tonight. Looks beautiful, and much better weather that the previous morning.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Yes, for once I was lucky with the timing. Or lucky, I pushed through the first couple of days when I saw the weather forecast. I really wanted to go through this region with some fine weather. I kind of adjusted my route and timing around this day.

[@edlaws6867]

The last day reminded me of your first night in Barcelona 😁

[@edlaws6867]

Wow, what a fantastic day. I made that about 75km. Glad the traffic was quiet. The little Sony worked well, some great shots. We have some lavender fields near here, they smell wonderful in the Summer. Tack Ed

[@effyleven]

What glorious scenery! Thank you for sharing your ride with us!! I enjoyed it very much... very much indeed!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Glad you liked it effyleven!

[@robmartin1792]

Wow, absolutely stunning scenery. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!! I really enjoy your vlogs. Have been doing a deep dive into your videos. I really appreciate your approach and attitude. So approachable and enjoyable. Keep up the great work. Look forward to more in the coming year. Best, Rob

[@valintine41]

Best video to date Mike. Really well filmed to capture the essence of cycle touring and hopefully inspire more people. Never cycled there myself, but am going to put it on my list of places to go !

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks for those kind words James. Glad I was able to give you some inspiration for a possible upcoming trip. There are still 7 more episodes in the series, so there's a lot more to explore in Provence.

[@riittaharo6165]

Beautiful landscape and lovely little towns or villages. Thank you for sharing this interesting journey.

[@paulbird2772]

Very nice filming, congratulations Mike. Thank you for bringing beautiful light into the dark December day here in Northern Germany.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Paul! The winter is a perfect period for sitting down and watching bike touring videos, and dreaming about new adventures on the bike.

[@paullee5894]

Hi Mike, thanks for the video, it is really great to see these roads in France which looks like it might be fun to do next summer, can you put the route that you used up?, many thanks again Paul

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Paul! Glad you liked the video! I know I'm behind on the map uploading. I'm super busy editing the next video so I'll be able to upload it on Friday. But I'll put up the route for this and the second day, as soon as I'm done with the editing (should be on Friday), I promise you! I'll send you an notice in this comment thread when they're up!

[@paullee5894]

@@BikeTouringMike Awesome Mike Many thanks :-) Paul

[@kenmotley5316]

Hey Mike! All I can say is wow. This is by far my favorite video that you've ever done. And I've seen all of them. Still trying to figure out how anyone could give this a thumbs down. Complete...well I'm not going to say it! Anyway again, I loved it and keep them coming. You are in superb condition to tackle those hills like you do. Your friend, Ken.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks you very much for your kind words Ken! Glad you liked it, since it put a lot of time into editing the video. I had over 2 hours of footage I had to cram into 20 minutes of video.

[@jakobpankratz9325]

Thanks Mike! As always, an amazing Video!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Jakob! I appreciate your input!

[@colinbell9928]

Beautifully filmed Mikael and amazing scenery. I'd certainly like to cycle there some day. You did it at the perfect time of the year, with the lovely autumn colours, good temperatures and quiet roads. I guess it would have been a completely different experience in the height of summer. Really enjoying your films. Thanks for all your hard work bringing them to us. Best regards.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Colin. Reading nice comments like yours is what makes making these video worth while.

[@brentirvine2336]

Awesome! Thank you for the memories... I saw several familiar spots where I cycled past. Also saw my hotel in Castellane where I watched the locals playing pétanque in the square. Easily a thumbs-up video!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Brent! I was planning to stay the second night in Castellane, and explore the beautiful town. Maybe go up to the church on the mountain top. But I always tend to plan my tour too optimistic.

[@1uniqueislander968]

Now that is the France I want to experience on a bicycle tour! WOW! The amazing scenic views..The time of year and the weather...you had the perfect opportunity for a wonderful journey. Great video ride Mike 👍👍 Great action cam btw, sorry to hear about your primary camera.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Jason! I try to go on my tours in the off season. I hate crowds. Like I mention in the video, I've visited Provence during the month of June and it is no fun. Don't worry about the camera. It is fixed and ready for new adventures!

[@1uniqueislander968]

@@BikeTouringMike I don't like busy cities and crowds too.. more on the scenic peaceful "road all to myself" routes. Awesome your camera works! 😁👍

[@alexmorgan3435]

Great video. Brings back fond memories of when I used to work in this area of France and more widely in south of France many years ago. Loved it, especially in spring and autumn with such vibrant colours and blue sky. Although the weather can be very stormy especially in Castellane early in the season. The Gorge du Verdon is simply breathtaking. There is a small road that goes south through a mini gorge du verdon toward Fayence which was achingly beautiful. The South of France is so beautiful. Not so keen on the bits of the video you have speeded up at the start though Mike. Thanks for posting this. Thumbs up.

[@BikeTouringMike]

I'm so glad I got to experience the region in autumn colors. I think autumn arrives a bit earlier here than in the rest of Provence. The rest of the trip the trees were mostly green. Appreciate your constructive criticism Alex, I'll keep it in mind for further videos.

[@BorderRambler]

A beautiful area for cycling Mikael the views are very impressive , it can be a bit time consuming looking for somewhere to camp at the end of the day though . Odd question how many teeth on your small crank for hill climbing? I have just changed the small one on my CAADX to 32 as it struggled with some of the steep hills when loaded . You always get a thumbs up from me mate TFS atb Dave

[@dino2564]

Amazing

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thank you Dino. Glad you liked the video!

[@PlanetaCicloviajero]

Thanks for sharing amigo, a pleasure see your videos while im not traveling, liked France to, very nice 👏

[@BikeTouringMike]

Glad to be able to provide you with some inspiration!

[@miketreloar8285]

Beautiful scenery, Mikael. I hope it made up for your earlier misfortunes.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Mike! Yes, I was a bit down after the second day, but this fantastic day got me back in a good mood.

[@danielwehner1876]

Very beautiful! Do you have a gpx file of your tour?

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Hi whats your opinion on the tent so far, now you are using it more , get Darren to direct people to your videos.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Hi David! I really like the tent. I think I have used it around 40 nights by now. I mosty have positive things to say about it. It's really easy to set up and take down. It has withstood the heaviest of rains I've ever endured and I haven't had that much problems with condensation on the inside. If I were to mention something negative with it is that if you are taller than me it might be to short for you. Another thing I've noticed is that the groundsheet is a bit to big. During heavy rainfall that rain drips from the fly sheet onto the groundsheet and gets caught between the groundsheet and the inner. I talk more about this in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XOfJp-gcqoiLs and you can see what it looks like in this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKecfGWgqq5ngsk. One last thing I want to mention is that if I were to buy the tent now, I would go for the green color instead of the grey. The green one wasn't avaliable at the time i purchased miy tent. It makes for better camouflage when wild camping, I think. Regarding Darren, we're not really on speaking terms anymore. Have no idea why. He's just not answering any of my mail or messages anymore.

[@ianmatlock1]

Hi, what time of the year were you in the Verdon Gorge, it was really quiet. As well as cycling I want to take the motorhome there and so I want to do it when its quiet, as it was on your video.

[@BikeTouringMike]

I was there mid-October. I think late September can be even better, since most campgrounds close September 30th. There weren't a whole lot of the open when I was there. I have been car camping around there in June, and the place was jam packed with cars. Plenty of open campgrounds though.

[@michaelmatthews4096]

Hi Mike i just give you 7th like now,happy trails.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks Michael! Same place as last week, eh?

[@michaelmatthews4096]

@@BikeTouringMike yes but i will try to give you another number one like if i`m fast enough.

[@michaelmatthews4096]

I hope Canada is on your bike bucket list for my city of Mississauga Canada,I can show you around my city and our beautiful parks and we can do a video as well and show you my bike that i ride.

[@BikeTouringMike]

I would love to come to Canada one day. But unfortunately there aren't any direct flights from Sweden to Toronto, which makes everything a little bit more complicated. Read: several different airlines, which usually means really expensive to bring a bike on board. So it takes a bit of planning. But I have a couple of people I would like to visit in Ontario, so I definitely would like to go there sometime in the future.

[@michaelmatthews4096]

@@BikeTouringMike ok mikael we wait and see what happens .

[@pertzian.sounds]

action camera shots is imho better as static tripod shots

[@thewizardofoh]

Great footage Michael, nice to see the Verdon canyon in autumn colours! Cycled there last June, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJqpoJuXZpangsk

[@BikeTouringMike]

Yes, I have seen and enjoyed all your and your friend's videos from your trip. They helped me out when planning my tour.

[@thewizardofoh]

@@BikeTouringMike cool, btw that trip was with my brother