What a real French cycling event is actually like

We went back to Anjou Vélo Vintage this year. Same event, same old bikes, a different route. And it very nearly broke us.

If you have not come across it, this is the biggest vintage bike ride in Europe. Saumur, on the Loire, the last weekend of June. Pre-1987 bikes only, period dress, wine at every stop, music in the vineyards, and no clock chasing anyone down. On paper it is the gentle one. The easy way into cycling in France.

This year it was 35 degrees.

The heat had warped the railway line before we had even started. My daughter nearly did not make it out of Paris. The bikes had sat untouched since last year, with brakes that were more of a suggestion than a system. And somewhere on the final descent, a lamppost got involved.

I have put the whole day into one video. The token system at each stop, the château wine tastings, the vineyards, the mystery meat at lunch, and every mechanical along the way. It is the honest version of what a real French cycling event is actually like. The lovely bits and the brutal ones.

If you have ever wanted to ride a proper French event, and not a sportive, this is the one to understand first.

[ WATCH THE VIDEO ]

Would we do it again? You will have to watch to the end for that. Let us just say we are already looking at next year.

See you on the road, Phil

P.S. If you are planning your own trip over here, there is a companion video on the 5 things that actually catch people out at Anjou Vélo Vintage.

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