Velo Spirit » My first gravel tour
My first gravel tour
I decided to leave my MTB and touring bike in the garage, and try something new. I borowed a friends gravel bike and took the opportunity to get away for a few days and savour a different kind of bike travel. Impressions after 4 days riding from Digne to the Mediterranean.
By Géraldine Benestar – photos : Pascal Gaudin
This article is supported by FRANCE BIKE TRIPS
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False start! Close to Digne, a thunderstorm looms overhead... Ride on, or try and find shelter?
![Paysage d'orage dans les environs de Dignes](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-40.jpg)
From the Vallée de l'Asse, starting point for this gravel tour, I head in the direction of the Verdon via a series of extremely quiet back roads. Not a car in sight...
![paysage verdoyant de la Vallée d'Asse](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-30.jpg)
A new riding position (I'd never ridden with drop bars before) and minimalist baggage are the first notable differences. Preparation and packing requires some extra attention to detail. No room for that "just in case" extra layer, nor that 600 page novel you're currently reading. It's all about utility, and keeping things fast and light.
![vélo gravel devant les montagnes du pays du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-38.jpg)
One of the first things I notice is how the bike eats up the miles compared to my mountain bike!
![vélo sur une petite route du pays du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-37.jpg)
Suitable for riding non-technical offroad tracks, gravel bikes are great for tours that mix road and offroad, making it easy to get away from the traffic. Though perfect for climbing and flat terrain, the descents are noticeably rougher than on an MTB, largely due to the lack of suspension. Some wider tyres would no doubt have been more suitable...
![parterre fleuri et vélo gravel montant sur une piste](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-35.jpg)
The wide, flared bars took some getting used to, especially for braking. It took me a few hours of tinkering with the bar and saddle positions in order to find a comfortable riding position.
![traverée d'un village sur un vélo gravel](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-36.jpg)
The stormy skies highlight the contours of the surrounding mountains on the road into the Verdon Gorges.
![à vélo en approche des gorges du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-25.jpg)
The superb village of Trigance, at the entrance to the gorges. A fountain, a café and a delicious bakery offer the perfect combination for a break from the riding!
![le village de Trigance dans le Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-26.jpg)
![traversée à vélo d'un village du pays du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-28.jpg)
Always clean and well kept, traditional wash houses are great shelters in the event of rain or storms, as well as offering welcome shade and the opportunity to cool off when it's hot.
![cycliste se reponsant au bord d'un lavoir](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-34.jpg)
The famous Couloir Samson Gorge.
![vélo gravel passant devant le couloir Sansom dans le Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-29.jpg)
On the panoramic road above the Gorges du Verdon (left bank). Unlike car travel, cycling offers the opportunity to stop pretty much anywhere and admire the superb views of the cliffs and gorges.
![à vélo en rive gauche des Gorges du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-22.jpg)
Leaving La Mescla, with the Route des Crêtes visible in the background. The thunderstorm is rolling in fast, before battering through the gorges.
![à vélo gravel sur la route des Gorges du Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-23.jpg)
The Balcon de la Mescla offers a birds eye view of the twists and turns of the river below. This is where the Artuby joins the Verdon.
![La confluence de la rivière Verdon et de l'Artuby](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-24.jpg)
Choosing tracks rather than roads often leads to some remarkable discoveries.
![vélo passant devant un vieux lavoir en pierre](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-8.jpg)
In search of a camping spot for the night...
![cycliste dans un champ de genêts en fleur](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-19.jpg)
A flat, grassy spot under the pine trees, overlooking a river. What more could you ask for?
![vélo et tente de bivouac dans la forêt](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-33.jpg)
Hydration packs equipped with filters are great for bikepacking, avoiding the need to load up with water during the day.
![cycliste avec une poche à eau dans une rivière](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-32.jpg)
![joli village provençal et son clocher](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-6.jpg)
Peek a boo!
![chat dans une ruelle de village dans le Verdon](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-27.jpg)
A cold fountain offers some welcome refreshment after several hours riding in the hot sun.
![voyageuse à vélo se rafraîchissant à une fontaine](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-10.jpg)
An inticing shaded café terrace...
![terrasse de café accueillante et joliement décorée](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-9.jpg)
Magnificent mature oak trees line the road, offering some welcome shade and a stunning backdrop.
![belle route bordée de chênes](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-18.jpg)
The deep red earth of the tracks contrasts starkly with the huge oak trees.
![cycliste en gravel sur une piste en terre rouge](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-16.jpg)
You could be forgiven for thinking this is Madagascar...
![fille en gravel sur une piste en terre colorée](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-15.jpg)
Recent heavy rainfall meant certain sections were flooded. A good dose of ingenuity was needed to keep feet dry!
![cycliste traversant une piste innondée](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-17.jpg)
The road to Chateaudouble, closed to traffic since heavy rains caused landslides in 2010... A perfect opportunity for some traffic-free riding, despite the warning on the sign!!
![vélo sur la route fermée de Chateaudouble](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-12.jpg)
![cycliste roulant sur la route effondrée de Chateaudouble](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-11.jpg)
Olive groves are a sure sign we're arriving in the south!
![vélo gravel sur une petite route bordée d'oliviers](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-13.jpg)
![vélo gravel sur une piste bordée d'oliviers](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-14.jpg)
Gravel isn't only about the riding... It's also about quality materials and understated good looks.
![2 vélos gravel devant une façade ocre](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-20.jpg)
Ingenious recycling... One more bike that won't finish in a skip!
![vélo recyclé en jardinière](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-21.jpg)
La chaleur monte et la végétation rabougrit. Les nombreuses pistes DFCI (Défense des forêts Contre les Incendies) qui parcourent les collines offrent des kilomètres de terrain propice au vélo gravel.
![piste DFCI dans le Sud](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-4.jpg)
As we get nearer to the Med the temperature rises and the landscape becomes noticeably drier and more arid. The numerous fire roads that criss cross the hills offer miles and miles of perfect gravel riding.
![vue du ciel, piste en forme de boucle](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-3.jpg)
![vélo gravel sur une piste en terre](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-7.jpg)
![piste et végétation méditerranéenne](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-2.jpg)
With its Wild West feel, the red rock Esterel is the last pre-alpine range before the Med. Its maze of abandoned roads, closed to motorized traffic, are perfect for gravel cycling.
![piste et roches rouges dans le massif de l'Estérel](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel_esterel-4.jpg)
Viewed from the hot tarmac road, this pool offers an inticing opportunity for a swim. Another good reason to discover the area during the spring.
![vasque d'eau dans des gorges du massif de l'Estérel](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel_esterel-3.jpg)
Old road signs testify to the previous use by motor vehicles.
![borne ancienne de bord de piste dans l'Estérel](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel_esterel-2.jpg)
First view of the sea, after 4 days of riding!
![piste caillouteuse devant la mer vers Mandelieu La Napoule](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-1.jpg)
A big thanks to Marine who lent me her gravel bike!
This multi-day tour between Provence and the Mediterranean was a great opportunity to discover ultra-light bikepacking. Gravel bikes open up a host of possibilities, not least to get off busy roads and on to quiet tracks.
![vélo gravel de marque Genesis](https://www.velo-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gravel-velo-spirit-31.jpg)
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