5 tips for getting into touring cycling in autumn.

Autumn! Time for fallen leaves, pumpkins and... deserted bike paths! Imagine quiet country roads, colorful forests and cities without the hustle and bustle of summer. It's a dream, isn't it? 🍂

So, how do you choose your itinerary? We recommend aiming for the nuggets usually taken by storm. Ever heard of the tour of Lake Annecy, the Canal du Midi or the Via Fluvia?

Usually, these routes are as busy as a beer stand at a concert. But in autumn, magic! These places empty out, and the best campsite on the route no longer has a minimum booking period of 5 days 🥳 (do some people really dare to do that???).

But freedom comes at a price. Before the big departure, don't forget to check a few things. Weather conditions, of course, but also road conditions. A quick call to the local tourist office can save you a lot of surprises. And for the more technophile, there are apps that help you plan your route(Hexplo for example 😘). Isn't that great? 📱

Remember Michelin's mascot, the Michelin Man? Well, the aim here is NOT to look like him! 🛑

First piece of advice, and this is serious stuff: opt for technical clothing. Stuff that breathes, wicks away perspiration but retains heat. The aim is to stay comfortable on your bike while avoiding looking like a Christmas bauble. In other words, we're banking on smart materials. 🤯

Ah, and let's talk about rain, that little unforeseen event that can pop up at any time in autumn! See that gray cloud following you? You may not be able to shake it. That's why we recommend you don't skip out on a light raincoat. With it, you'll be ready to dance in the rain, rather than complain about the sky. 🌧️

And for that little extra? Don't hesitate to invest in some cool accessories: cycling gloves, a hat that won't destroy your hairstyle (we can always dream, can't we? 🤣 ), and why not some overshoes for those days when the sky really decides to drench you. ⛈️

Okay, you're dressed like pros, ready to face Mother Nature's whims. But wait a second! Have you thought about your luggage? We're not talking about packing for a plane trip, are we? We're talking about becoming the MacGyver of autumn bags.

So, first rule of thumb: every gram counts. Distance may vary, as may the stages of your journey. You could find yourself pedaling from morning to night. The weight of your panniers shouldn't tip you backwards on every climb! So make a list and weigh each item. We want the essentials, not the trinkets! 📝

Second tip: modularity. Ever tried to find a corkscrew at the bottom of a satchel? Spoiler: it doesn't end well, especially if you're thirsty! So organize your bags like a well-oiled Tetris. Use zipped pockets for small items, and separate clothes from tools and snacks. You'll see, it's life-changing! 🍫🔧

And now for the experiment! Remember those survival kits you see in the movies? Well, you've got to have one, but for cycling. A tire repair kit, a mini pump, and even a multifunction Swiss Army knife for the unexpected. 🛠️

In short, your panniers should be extensions of yourself. They should contain everything you need to make this autumn cycling trip a memorable adventure, and not a remake of "Alone in the World". 🙍‍♂️

In autumn, nature is at its visual peak. It's like a firework display of color! The regions of France, from the Loire to Alsace(Strasbourg in force! 🤣 ), become living canvases. Why not take the opportunity to develop your photography skills on these breathtaking landscapes? 🎨

Wondering what kind of equipment to pack? First of all, there's no need to load yourself up like a mule with equipment worthy of a photo studio. A good smartphone will do the trick for great shots. If you're a little more ambitious, a compact camera may be the right compromise between quality and size. 📱

A little advice for the road: don't neglect the villages you pass through. They're often full of charm and offer unexpected angles of view. Imagine a shot of an old church against a backdrop of autumn-colored vines. That's pixel gold! 🍂🏰

Autumn is the season when the sun often plays hide-and-seek. The problem is, during this game, you always have to stay visible. And no, wearing a pumpkin hat on your head isn't a serious option, fun as it may be! 🎃

First stop: the lights. The basic kit includes a white light on the front and a red light on the back. If you're venturing onto a less-traveled bike route, you might even consider flashing lights to maximize your visibility.

But why stop there? Reflective strips on your clothing and bike are like icing on the cake. Strategically placed, they can transform your silhouette into a veritable human beacon. You're almost like a beacon on wheels, guiding lost souls through the autumn mist. 🌫️

So, with these few tips, you're ready to brave those autumn days when even the sun prefers to stay under the comforter. But don't worry, with your pro equipment, you'll shine bright enough for two! 🌟

Saddle up! May your cycling trip this autumn be the adventure of a lifetime, filled with beautiful photos, discoveries and, above all, safety. 🚴‍♀️🥳