04.07
2017 Mountain activities

This summer, how do you fancy cycling up a mountain pass for the very first time? Or why not get to grips with the hairpin bends on a road cycling trip? The huge surge in e-bikes means anything’s possible, whether you’re a Sunday cyclist, or just starting out!

Whether you’re watching the Tour de France on the TV, or travelling by car to one of the resorts, watching a cyclist climb the mountain roads creates feelings of respect and admiration. An endurance sport par excellence, cycling in the mountains is synonymous with physical effort, reserved to the fittest of riders. But in recent years, e-biking has been a real game-changer, allowing cyclists of mixed ages and levels to ride further, higher and all together, reaching exceptional viewpoints. Take a look at the following 6 reasons why you should give it a go this summer!
 
It’s good for you
E-biking is a great compliment to hiking in the mountains. Being electrically assisted, these bikes will have you notching up the kilometres in no time, both on the flat and uphill, without over exerting yourself. Less effort is put on your heart, whilst your lungs are filled with fresh mountain air, and your legs enjoy a painless, impact-free workout!
It’s a great way of getting back into sport and into shape at your own pace, and at your own level of fitness.
 
 
It’s great for families
A bike + a child + a trailer for the child to sit in and be pulled along in: cycling with a little one is no mean feat! E-bikes make it so much easier and a lot more fun to take your little angel out on a bike ride. Whilst they sit safely and comfortably in the trailer, happily watching the road pass by, you can pedal for hours without getting tired!
 
It offers variety
You can now get both road and mountain e-bikes. Whether you’re looking to conquer mountain passes or ride tranquilly over forest trails, choose your bike and let the electric-assist help you uphill: the Galibier mountain pass, the 21 hairpin bends that lead up to Alpe d’Huez or the specially designed single track routes in the Portes du Soleil resorts and elsewhere…are yours for the taking!
 
It gives you chance to clear your mind
When you holiday in the mountains, there’s invariably a summit, pass or panoramic viewpoint that you need to reach to discover the region’s most stunning view, and it’s often only possible on foot or by road bike/MTB. Well, this is the perfect opportunity to try out the E-bike; take the time to admire your surroundings and create unforgettable memories.
  • Les Saisies: Discover the Beaufortain and the surrounding area, setting off from Chozal farm.
  • Samoens: Set off to discover the traditions and heritage of the Haut-Giffre on e-bikes: equipped with panniers, you’ll be able to bring back plenty of lovely things!
  • Saint-Lary: Set off on your e-bike to reach the Aubert and Aumar Lakes!
  • Monts du Jura: hop on your e-bike and discover visual and sound arts 
 
It’s accessible
If you’re planning to start cycling during your holiday in the mountains, go and see the French Cycling Instructors. They will explain how e-bikes work, tell you what the different signs and markings mean, and take you out on a guided session. Learn something new!
Lots of resorts have now equipped their routes with e-bike charging stations, which means you can ride for hours without your battery ever running out!
 
It’s good exercise
Did you know that some resorts hold timed E-MTB races? If you want to put yourself to the test, and challenge your competitive nature without exhausting yourself, sign up to the E-MTB category in one of the following MTB races :

 

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