Road Cycling - Biking in France - renting or taking

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DJ1960
06-20-04, 07:35 PM
Hi,

I will be spending some time (2 weeks) on business in the Marseille - Aix en Provence area in July. I would really like to ride there and am thinking about taking my bike with me. Now, I would like to ask the forum:

How big are the plastic boxes for transporting bikes Vs. an intermediate or full size european car? I will have to drive around too and need to pack it in the car if possible?

Are there in the Provence area places to rent a good bike? I have been there several times before and have never found anything decent. Yes, one can rent something, ATB or touring, but nothing for the road. Does somebody know maybe some good store in Aix or so?

Thank you,

D.


pyze-guy
06-20-04, 08:04 PM
In Marseilles try Cycles Ulysse, 3 ave du Parc Borely (04 91 77 14 54) or Tandem at 6 ave du Parc Borely (04 91 22 64 80)
Aix try Cycles Zammit, 27 rue Mignet (04 42 23 19 53)

cyclezealot
06-21-04, 03:40 AM
In spite of problems with British Air beating the hell out of my bike, I shall continue to take my bike...The rental companies just do not have road bikes with drops and clipless, as I expect..
Provence. you are lucky..Love it there..
Please, do yourself a favor...A valley called "Luberon," very near the base of Mt. Ventoux. A MUST ride...Beautiful... Ride the fields of Lavender on the way up Ventoux. You will remember it the rest of your life...Easy approach to Ventoux...From the east.
Bring an extra water bottle to put on the monument to Simpson, while ascending Ventoux..
Let me know if you see my water bottle. Right? The bottle advertises "Ride Nevada" on it...
I now have less concerns about taking my bike on the plane..I have a hard case.


Travelinguyrt
06-21-04, 04:15 AM
Thank for the tip about "Luberon " and the lavender fields
I'll be in the area later this summer......my first bike trip to Europe
Always looking for the unusual and interesting and beautiful
Hate the idea I'm doing it alone but..........

cyclezealot
06-21-04, 08:31 AM
Travelguy..In the Luberon our stay centered about the town of Bonnieux..Beautiful town...Can do a daily ride up the hill to Lamont where the ruins of the Marqis de Saud is located.
Bonnieux is the town where the film "Swimming Pool" was made.
you will love it nice hills.. The easy way up Ventoux is from Sault a lavender processing town...Try the lavender liquor and lavender ice cream.
From Sault up to top of Ventoux it was like 20 miles..Not much of a grade for the first ten miles.

MichaelW
06-21-04, 11:24 AM
If you rent, take your own saddle and pedals.

DJ1960
06-21-04, 12:40 PM
If you rent, take your own saddle and pedals.

Good point, thank you. And thanks to thers and their suggestions.