Why a training plan works (3/3)

Overtraining If you want to keep cycling and improving, set yourself sensible measurable goals and take measured and sensible steps to reach them. When planning your training think about your other commitments, home life, work, social life, there needs to some compromise to allow time for your training. However, perhaps your cycling should not become […]

Why a training plan works (2/3)

Annual Recommended Training hours Firstly, let’s talk about training volumes based on time, not distance. The number of hours you train per year including off bike forms of exercise above recovery intensity is a fine balance, it is important to look back at where you have come from, how many hours you spend exercising per […]

Why a training plan works ? (1/3)

By from Nigel Hale Hunter from BPM Coaching The essential physiological asset required to do well in most cycling events is a competitive threshold power to weight ratio coupled with the ability to endure. If you are capable of generating competitive watts at your threshold, you are likely to be a successful rider within your […]

How to Set a Successful Goal?

The good news is that we are well practiced at setting goals, in fact, our lives are run by the goals we set every day. These goals give us direction and purpose and motivate us to strive to improve our current positions. We set goals and sub-goals concerning every aspect of our lives often without even […]

Raid Pyrenees & Raid Alps – let’s compare ! (2/3)

Day 3 : Raid Pyrenees : 80km, 2.200m elevation Today you’ll battle against 2 legends which are the col du Tourmalet, the oldest pass of the Tour de France starting in 1910, and the frequently used col d’Aspin. First you’ll have an easy start for this ride followed by a long false flat getting you to the […]

Raid Pyrenees & Raid Alps – let’s compare! (1/3)

In the next three blogs, we’re going to compare the two main road-cycling adventures in France – the Raid Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Med and the Raid Alps starting up north and moving through the mountainous pass to the Cotes d’Azur. Day 1 Raid Pyrenees: 130km distance, 2,300m elevation Starting from the magnificent […]

Cycling across France in the ride of my life

My research led me to Bike Basque, a tour operator based in Biarritz. Its one-week “Raid Pyrenees” itinerary takes cyclists from France’s Atlantic coast to its Mediterranean shores, tackling one of Europe’s great mountain ranges on the way. What it lacked in length (around 450 miles, compared with 874 for Land’s End to John O’Groats) […]

How do I choose the best bike tour ?

Coming to France to ride your bike? Where do you want to go? For some, this is the hardest part: deciding which amazing location to pick. With options ranging from the mighty Pyrenees to the snow-capped Alps, rolling wine country of Burgundy or Bordeaux to tackling the Tour de France giants the same day as […]

A Special Tour de France Week

As the most well known bicycle race in the world, the Tour de France needs no introduction. Every year, for three weeks in July, millions of fans from across the globe travel to France or turn on their television to watch the action. Bike Basque is fortunate to be headquartered near the base of the […]

What to pack for a Cycling Tour ?

Whether you’re riding through the Basque Country, the Raid Pyrenees, the Raid Alps or any other amazing adventure on two wheels, the best thing you can do to enjoy your time in the saddle is to make the proper preparations before you even take the first pedal stroke. In the last few blogs, we’ve offered […]