More Than 21 Bends

Welcome

A bit about More Than 21 Bends. I started organising cycling trips in 2008 from our base in Bourg d’Oisans at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez. Over the years I have expanded our business to include popular destinations throughout France and Europe. In 2017 I started selling our popular cycling maps and prints online and in 2024 I launched our very own You Tube Channel showcasing Phil’s French cycling escapades.

Cycling Trips

New for 2025 our Alpe d’Huez to Mont Ventoux Fully Supported Point to Point Cycling Tour covering the three ascents of Ventoux plus Alpe d’Huez / Col du Galibier / Col d’Izoard and more.

Find out more here >>>>>

More Than the 21 Bends of Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holidays

Check out our cycling destinations below. All our trips are custom organised for you. So if you are on your own, a group of friends, a cycling club, a charity or corporation contact us by clicking on one of the links below to send us an initial email. If you can’t see something that interests you please use the Custom Cycle Tour page to discuss further.

Other services

Alpe d’Huez Cycle hire

Alpe d’Huez Airport Transfers

You Tube Channel

Watch my latest videos. If you subscribe to our channel and click on the notification icon you will automatically be updated when a new video is released.

Still cycling strong in your 50s? Welcome to real-life riding after 50 — in the heart of France. I’m 54, I live and ride in Normandy, and in this no-fluff video, I share 5 practical, proven cycling tips (plus a cheeky bonus) that help me keep the pedals turning strong. Whether you're climbing hills, cruising gravel, or just trying to stay fit and happy on two wheels — this is what actually works. No fads. No gimmicks. Just honest advice from the saddle. Featuring the quiet roads, culture, and rhythm of cycling life in France. Whether you're over 50 and looking to stay in shape, rediscover the joy of riding, or plan a cycling holiday in France — this video is for you. What you'll learn: How to pace yourself (and still ride strong) The best way to fuel your rides as you age Equipment tips for comfort and control Why riding smarter matters more than harder And how France makes it easier to love every ride Filmed on the roads of Normandy, France 👍 If this helped or inspired you, give it a like, share it with a fellow rider, and leave your own tips in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more cycling stories, tips, and travel from the roads of France: [https://www.youtube.com/@morethan21bends] 📺 Watch next: 👉 [https://youtu.be/VVYei3iXZC0] — “D Day Gravel Ride : Normandy France ” 👉 [https://youtu.be/fEtlA1hJJX8] — “What Paris-Roubaix Is Really Like to Watch : Roubaix France” #cyclingover50, #fitnessafter50, #enduranceriding #cyclingfrance Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:16 - Tip 1 – Accept Your Pace 1:13 - Tip 2 – Embrace Endurance 1:53 - Tip 3 – Ride Daily, Not Just Big 2:17 - Like, Share & Comment 2:25 - Tip 4 – Choose the Right Bike 3:09 - Tip 5 – Eat Like a Rider 4:11 - Bonus Tip (Bonus Tip – Shave or Not?) Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee for my next coffee stop https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
How I Keep Riding Strong at 50+ in France
Explore the historic D-Day coast of Normandy on gravel bike as I ride from my home to Ranville War Cemetery to the British War Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer. Experience the powerful stories behind the bunkers, beaches, and battlefields that changed the course of history on June 6, 1944. Join me on this unforgettable journey through Normandy’s iconic WWII sites, including Pegasus Bridge, Sword Beach, Juno Beach, and the incredible Standing with Giants memorial. Whether you’re a history buff, cycling enthusiast, or gravel rider, this video offers a unique perspective on the D-Day landings combined with the beauty of Normandy’s scenic gravel roads. Discover the significance of each stop, the brave soldiers who fought here, and the legacy that lives on. If you love cycling, bikepacking, vintage bikes, and exploring France’s incredible landscapes and history, make sure to subscribe for more adventures and detailed guides. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if you enjoyed this ride through history! Key Moments 0:00 Introduction 0:45 Ranville Memorial 3:28 Memorial Pegasus 4:31 Le Grand Bunker Museum 4:55 British Memorial Sword Beach 5:42 Churchill Tank - Lion-Sur-Mer 6:18 German Anti Tank Gun 7:05 Normandy Cycling 7:58 Juno Beach British Canadian Memorial 8:45 Sexton Self Propelled Gun 10:29 British Normandy Memorial 12:20 Standing with Giants 14:12 Thanks for watching My Pegasus Bridge and Hillman Site Video https://youtu.be/HTynurHkvFY Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends Useful websites to help plan your ride My Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Ranville War Memorial https://www.ranville.fr/history/english-war-cemetery/ Pegasus Bridge https://musee.memorial-pegasus.com/en/pegasus-bridge/ The Grand Bunker Museum https://museegrandbunker.com/en/ Sword Beach Memorial https://www.travelfranceonline.com/sword-beach-war-memorials/ British Normandy Memorial https://www.britishnormandymemorial.org/ Standing With Giants https://www.standingwithgiants.co.uk/ #DDAY81 #cyclinginfrance #normandyinvasion #PegasusBridge #DDay6June1944
Cycling Normandy’s D-Day Coast : A Gravel Adventure
Join us as we attempt to fix this rusty bicycle before the big French cycling festival! Along the way, we'll cover some essential French phrases, and pronunciation tips to help you navigate your way through France. Let's get pedaling and learning! Do you love old French bikes? Fancy learning some French while watching a vintage 1960s vélo get dismantled with a bit of dad humour and angle grinder action? You’re in the right place! In this 4:54-minute fast-paced video, we take apart my daughter’s beautiful (but rusty) 1960s AutoMoto vintage bike. Along the way, you’ll learn the French words for key bike parts, like le cadre, le dérailleur, and les pneus. Perfect for cyclists, Francophiles, and language learners — or anyone who loves restoring a classic! 🎯 French vocab shown and spoken 🛠️ Real bike restoration tips Watch Episode 1 [https://youtu.be/t1AjFM3GtuA] Watch Episode 2 [https://youtu.be/mJmjmC-s-bg] 🔔 Subscribe for Part 4: cleaning, painting, and rebuilding this beauty for the Anjou Vélo Vintage festival in June! ➤ Enjoyed it? Like, comment in French or English, and share with your cycling friends! #LearnFrench #VintageBikeRestoration #FrenchBikeParts Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the build and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
Can We Fix This Rusty French Bike Before Anjou Vélo Vintage
What have I done?! In Episode 2 of VELO VINTAGE, I finally get to grips with my 1930s vintage bike restoration project — and this old French bicycle has been hiding a few surprises. From mismatched bolts to mystery brakes, it's clear this classic French bike has had a few DIY upgrades over the years. As I dive into a full bicycle teardown, I discover a not-so-original brake setup, a chain with no quick link, and a saddle that might be worth saving. This retro bike rebuild is already testing my patience — and my tools (RIP chain breaker). Along the way, I share early thoughts on the restoration project, including whether to repaint or preserve the original finish, how to clean an old chain, and whether this 1930s bicycle is even fixable in time for the Anjou Vélo Vintage 2025 [@AnjouVeloVintageSaumur]. Stick around to see the moment my daughter meets her “bike” for the first time — and help me out with your expertise! Got tips on restoring an old leather saddle, renovating old bikes, or tracking down vintage parts online? Let me know in the comments. This is a proper DIY bike restoration project — no fancy tools, no workshop, just a dad and daughter trying to bring two wrecked vintage bikes back to life in six weeks. Not carbon. Not modern. Just rusty, ridiculous fun. ➡️ Subscribe and follow the journey — new episodes every week! Watch EP1. [https://youtu.be/t1AjFM3GtuA] Watch Me Bring Two Vintage Bikes Back to Life for Anjou Velo Vintage! Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the rebuild and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #anjouvelovintage #vintagebike #bicyclerepair #cyclingvlog #cyclingworkshop
I Found Something Weird on This 1930s Bicycle!
In this video, watch as I bring two vintage bikes back to life for Anjou Velo Vintage [ @AnjouVeloVintageSaumur ] ! As a new vintage bike mechanic, I'm looking forward to restoring these classic beauties to their former glory. I've agreed to grow a moustache. What am I doing? Welcome to Episode 1 of my bike restoration adventure! I’ve found not one, but TWO wrecked vintage bicycles in the Normandy countryside – one from the 1930s and one from the 1960s (I think…). My daughter and I have signed up for the Anjou Vélo Vintage festival at the end of June, and we’ve got just 6 weeks to bring these bikes back to life! In this episode: We introduce the challenge: two old bikes, one epic festival, and a tight deadline. I show you the barn-find condition of both bikes. I talk through the rules of the Anjou Vélo Vintage festival (bikes pre-1987 only!). I share some of my concerns – from missing tools to growing a moustache. I ask YOU for help! If you’ve got tips, advice, or can identify these bikes, leave a comment below. 👀 Will we get the bikes ready in time? Will the rust win? Will my moustache grow? Hit subscribe and follow us every week for updates on the restoration process as we prepare for one of France’s most unique cycling events! 🛠️ Got any advice, ideas, or seat upholstery skills? Drop them in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly updates leading up to the big day! #VintageBike #BikeRestoration #AnjouVéloVintage #BarnFind #CyclingFrance #RetroRide #FatherDaughterProject Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the rebuilds and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
I’m Restoring Two Vintage Bicycles Back to Life for Anjou Velo Vintage
If you're planning on watching pro cycling in France like the Paris Roubaix, you need to know the brutal truth! In this video, we break down the realities of following the peloton and experiencing events like Paris Roubaix and the Tour de France. Get ready for an eye-opening look at the world of the professional cycling fan! Whether it's Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, or any major pro cycling race in France, the fan experience is wildly intense and often completely bonkers. After watching over 15 pro races across the country, I’m here to share the real behind-the-scenes truth: 24 hours of effort for 30 seconds of action! In this video, I take you inside the chaos and charm of spectating at Paris-Roubaix, from camping out on a remote cobbled sector to dodging Belgian beer drinkers and setting up my 3m Insta360 pole for the perfect shot. It’s muddy, it’s loud, it’s cold—and it’s absolutely worth it. ⏱️ What you'll see: How early to arrive (hint: it's not just "a bit" early) Why the lesser-known sectors are often better The unexpected joy of livestreaming in a van Belgian fans, barbecues, and big screens in fields Why shouting "ALLEZ! ALLEZ!" is essential And the one reason you'll keep coming back... 👉 For Paris-Roubaix, you could easily swap in the Tour de France or any other French pro race—the principles are the same: long wait, big hype, fast blur of riders, unforgettable experience. Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #parisroubaix2025 #tourdefrance2025 #lanternerouge #tadejpogacar
Watching Paris-Roubaix Live: What No One Tells You…
I’ve gone and bought 2 vintage bikes to take part in the Anjou Vélo Vintage with my daughter at the end of June. ​⁠ Can I get them rebuilt in time ? 😬 @AnjouVeloVintageSaumur #vintagebike #velovintage #anjouvelovintage
I’m Rebuilding 2 Vintage Bikes for a French Retro Cycling Festival
Curious what happens when you take a converted drop bar hardtail to Roubaix? Watch to see what happens when I tackle the infamous cobbles of sectors like the Carrefour de l'Arbre as I ride to the famous Roubaix Velodrome! Join me on my unique Paris Roubaix Challenge filmed mostly on my Insta360 as I conquer the cobblestones all the way to the Velodrome. Experience the thrill of this epic cycling event firsthand! 🚴‍♂️ Ride Highlights: ✔️ Exploring Roubaix’s stunning weather (yes, the sun DOES shine in Northern France!) ✔️ Testing my AliExpress hardtail rebuild on brutal cobbled sectors ✔️ Hunting for a lost chainset endcap (and miraculously finding it!) ✔️ Snacking on Belgian fries & free coffee at Sector 8 ✔️ Crossing the France-Belgium border mid-ride ✔️ Conquering the legendary Carrefour de l'Arbre ✔️ Finishing at the iconic Roubaix Velodrome (with a souvenir bidon!) Sectors 0:00 Intro 1:15 Sector12. Auchy-lez-Orchies à Bersée 1:40 Sector 11. Mons-en-Pévèle 3:33 Sector 8. Templeuve 5:16 Sector 7. Cysoing à Bourghelles 6:44 Sector 5. Camphin-en-Pévèle 7:25 Sector 4. Carrefour de l'Arbre 11:44 Sector 3. Gruson 12:32 Sector 2. Willems à Hem 🔧 Bike Issues & Fixes: ⚠️ Chainset problems? Yep. Temporary fixes? You bet. ⚠️ Why a spacer might be the culprit—mechanical struggles & on-the-fly repairs! 📅 Paris-Roubaix Weekend: Excited to relax and watch the pros battle it out after my own cobbled adventure! 👍 Enjoyed the ride? ▸ Smash that LIKE button! ▸ Subscribe for more cycling challenges & adventures! ▸ Comment below—have you ridden the Paris-Roubaix Challenge? #ParisRoubaix #CyclingAdventure #CobbledClassic #GravelBike #HardtailRebuild #RoubaixVelodrome #Cycling #insta360 Thanks for watching—see you on the next ride! Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
Wrong bike for Paris Roubaix ?
Welcome back to Day 2 of my Paris-Roubaix adventure! This is where the Hell of the North earns its name-punishing pavé, mechanical mayhem, and leg-sapping sectors that test even the toughest riders. Today's ride had it all: my crank nearly fell off, I battled cobbled roads fit for a pro race, and fought brutal headwinds across Roubaix's less famous Cobble Sectors. 🔥 Highlights: ✔️ Crank Catastrophe! My non-drive side arm came loose-can I fix it mid-ride? ✔️ Quiévy to Saint-Python Sector – A true cobbles challenge, 3.7km of bone-rattling pavé! ✔️ Jean-Luc Derche Pavé – Short but savage, a hidden gem in the Paris-Roubaix route. ✔️ Verchain-Maugré à Quérénaing – Try saying that while bouncing across cobbled roads at 40km/h! ✔️ 28°C Heat & Headwinds – The North of France threw everything at me! Will my Arisun tires hold up? Will my Sensah shifting survive? And most importantly… will my backside make it through? Keep watching to find out! This isn't just a bike ride-it's a Roubaix experience that pushes limits. If you're planning your own Hell of the North ride, take notes! Key Paris Roubaix Secteurs 0:00 Introduction 2:55 Sector Quiévy to Saint-Python 4:38 Sector Jean Luc Derche 5:50 Sector Verchain-Maugré à Quérénaing 👉 Love cobbled chaos? Smash that like button 👍, subscribe for more epic rides, and drop a comment-have you tackled the Paris-Roubaix challenge? Any Roubaix tips to share? Watch me on the Trouee d'Arenberg and Pave Pont Gibus https://youtu.be/eB36qXK37RQ 🔔 Next Up: The FINAL SECTORS-Carrefour de l'Arbre, the Roubaix Velodrome, and the ultimate Monster Gravel biking test! Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #ParisRoubaix #HellOfTheNorth #GravelBike #CobbledClassic #RideThePave #MonsterGravel #Sensah #CyclingAdventure #RoubaixChallenge #GravelBikeRace
Day Two Chaos: Paris-Roubaix Challenge 2025 Unleashed!
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