baguettes and bicycles: a cycling adventure across France

by Steven Herrick

Award-winning author Steven Herrick journeys across France on a bicycle, meeting the locals and savouring the pleasures of french food. Beginning on the Atlantic coast of Brittany, the author follows the Loire Valley, the Saone River and numerous canal paths through vineyards, quiet forests and small villages, accompanied by his slow red bicycle, christened Craig after a well-known weight-loss guru.

But does the author listen to slimming advice? Non! Adopting the intriguing mantra that 'cycling is just an interlude between meals,' Steven Herrick indulges in three courses for lunch and four courses for dinner, straining the bounds of lycra-clad good taste while testing the frame strength of his bicycle.

Not content with crossing France from west to east and cycling over 1,200 kilometres, the author also decides to tackle the iconic mountains of the Tour de France. Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier and more... in search of cycling nirvana and the perfect boulangerie.

'baguettes and bicycles' is a travel adventure, a restaurant safari and a guidebook for those who enjoy slow food, easy cycling... and fast descents!

Genres: Travel

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2012

Reviews

[Lonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational!

Reading Steve’s books makes me want to ride my bike across France in a similar care-free manner, enjoying wonderful French food and wine. I often felt I was there with him as he experienced the enjoyment of long-distance bicycle touring.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven lives in Australia where he spends his days writing children’s books and cycling to keep fit, but for pleasure he packs his bike (called Craig) into his suitcase, well almost, and hops on a plane to La Belle France. His journey starts in St Nazaire in the west and follows the Loire Valley and Saone River to the east. He then spends a few days indulging his passion for gently climbing some of the French mountains climbs that have been made famous in The Tour de France, including Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez.

Being a closest adventure cyclist this book really appealed to me especially as Steven spends almost as much time describing the food and patisseries he fuels himself with on his journey as he does the wonderful scenery he sees. His delight and excitement at a good three course formula lunch or dinner find was contagious. I think I would get on well with Steven.

I found his writing style gave an easy, entertaining read that made me feel I could do something like this too. I especially loved his little finalé to each chapter - ‘What I should have said’ – there were some great little laugh-out-loud funnies to end each day on his bike.

[Joan Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Fun book to read. Gives a good picture of the areas and the description of all the food makes me want to go!

[Rebecca Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read about a journey through France on a bike. It does what it says on the tin. I like the way Steven gives his bikes names and gives honest reviews about the people he meets.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed much more the second half of the book where he was riding up some of the tour de France peaks

[Karen Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great food and great cycling across France, great read as we prepare for our own cycling trip.