A typical weekend in April

During April we normaly start heading into the Vercors and across the Rhone Valley to the Ardeche.

The gradients are mostly of around 5 or 6% with short sections of between 8 to 10%. You can either give them a bash or ride at a steady tempo depending on how you feel. The roads are very quiet and the twisting descents are an ideal terrain for practicing your braking and cornering skills.

Friday: Arrive at Grenoble or Valence station and transfer to St.Nazaire-en-Royans. Either assemble your bike or get fitted to your hire bike and have a short loosening up ride before dinner.

Saturday: Head north along the Isere valley and do two gentle climbs. The blossom will be appearing on the trees and flowers line the side of the roads.

Sunday: Climb one of the gorges for a tour of the Vercors National Park. This can be a great time to ride here as there is still snow on the peaks and spring flowers in the forests and fields.

Monday: A short ride in the hills to the west of the Isere valley before a quick lunch and you return home.