Loire by Bike: Angers-Tours stretch to be inaugurated 3 July

All along the route, the public will be invited to explore the riches of the two regions through a series of activities based on the area’s natural and built heritage and cultural events. Actors playing the part of “Loire by Bike” guides will provide entertainment and humour along each section of the route, offering the cyclists games and fun activities.

 

Around 12:30, the cyclists will arrive at the meeting point where they will be greeted by two big parades made up of huge constructions called “Mechanical Allegories” created by the Compagnie Pipototal. Elected representatives will lead the two processions, which will meet up under an enormous arch. The public is invited to have a picnic lunch in some specially-prepared picnic areas. A street theatre performance called “Yvonne and Gilbert celebrate their golden wedding” will entertain visitors while they enjoy their picnic and into the afternoon before heading back home.

 

 

Practical advice for 3 July:

No. From Chinon to Montsoreau, the Loire by Bike trail is 11 miles long, and 9 miles long from Saumur to Montsoreau. In order to make the inaugural ride accessible to all, mid-point car parks (in Savigny-en-Véron, Souzay and Turquant) will be provided on the route on 3 July, one on the Chinon side of Montsoreau and two on the Saumur side. Anyone who takes part is welcome to cover as much or as little of the route as they choose, though the various areas where events are taking place provide some convenient starting points.

Cycle hire facilities will be available in Chinon and Saumur and at the mid-point parking facilities on each stretch. Bikes can be reserved in advance by contacting the following hire centres:

• Departure from Saumur:

o VÉLO PASSION: Tel.: +33 (0)2 41 69 07 76 - Fax: +33 (0)2 41 69 50 17

o AMSTER CYCLES: Tel.: +33 (0)2 41 53 01 01

• Departure from Chinon:

o LOIRE VÉLO NATURE: Tel/fax: +33 (0)2 47 96 42 39 or +33 (0)6 03 89 23 14
E-mail: contact@loirevelonature.com

o AMSTER CYCLES: Tel.: +33 (0)2 47 93 36 92

No, anyone taking part must make their own arrangements for getting back to their starting point.

So that everyone can enjoy Loire by Bike in the best possible conditions on 3 July, special signage for drivers will be put in place, with local volunteers stationed at danger points such as cross roads. However, the Loire by Bike route runs over quiet roads with limited numbers of cars, or cycle tracks. Lastly, the Loire by Bike guides stationed all along the route will be on hand to provide assistance to all those taking part.

Several of the points where events have been scheduled will also provide refreshments and repair services, with the Loire by Bike guides on hand to assist anyone in difficulty. Regarding refreshments, drinks and snacks will be available while stocks last.  

It’s best to prepare your own picnic and bring it with you. However, some producers of local specialities will be on hand in Montsoreau for anyone who would like to sample some of their products with their picnic.

 

Safety is for everyone …

 

The French highway code applies on the Loire by Bike route. Some sections of the route share the roadway with cars, although mostly roads are quiet. There may be a lot of people taking part on the day, therefore you are advised to

• Ride with care, on the right
• Obey signs
• Wear a helmet

… Take some simple precautions

• Stop for a drink and something to eat at regular intervals to avoid becoming dehydrated or exhausted
• Wear a hat and use a sunscreen

… Get the most out of your day of discovery and look forward to coming back to cycle on the Loire by Bike trail many times in the future.

 

 

Further information:

 

Centre Region

 

Pays de la Loire Region