A Weekend in March

The weather in March can be changeable but when the weather is good, it's a great time for cycling. From mid-March the valleys begin to look green and increasing numbers of local cyclists get their new steads out on the road. In contrast the Vercors is still in winter mode but when the sun is shining it makes for a great day out on the bikes.

There are several 'Randonnees' organised by local cycling clubs which you can do.

Here's a rough guide to a weekend:

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 time for a short ride before dinner.

Saturday: We head west crossing the Isere River and loop north over a couple of short climbs and ride up the valley to Roybon for lunch. We then return on a mainly downhill route for tea and cakes at the Priory.

Sunday: Head south and climb the the first climb of the Vercors-Drome cyclosportive. Descend into south of the Vercors National Park and return over the Col de Bacchus and descend back to St.Nazaire. Part of the circuit is the descent to St.Jean which was included in the Tour de France 2004.

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