Ah, Normandy. A breathtaking piece of the northern French coast.
Home to stunning landscapes, world-changing history and pure luxury. We want to show it all to you by bike. Our 2019 Founders Tour will show you the best of Normandy with one of our favorite (and most knowledgeable) guides, Dick Powell. Come join us on our Normandy cycling vacation and change your life.
First, a little more information.
Who is Dick?
As the founder of our company and a dear friend to our current owners, Dick is a veritable patriarch of our family. He knows almost everything there is to know about cycling in Europe. He’s been taking groups over there for decades and he just keeps learning how to make the trips better. We say all this to say that when he gets involved in a tour, you know it will be incredibly special. While Dick has stepped away from running the company, he will occasionally jump in to lead a tour. This is one of those times. And this is a can’t-miss tour.
Why Normandy?
Dick’s first visit to Normandy was over 20 years ago in 1997 when he and his wife, Marilyn went to the International Tandem Rally. It was organized by the British Cycling Club. They quickly fell in love with the area, it’s history and the green (easy) cycling routes. So in love were they that they returned the next year for another tour with four other tandem couples. They ran the tour again in 1999 and again in 2002. Since then, they’ve had a few past tour groups request another Normandy tour so this year, Dick is excited to guide a return tour.
Few historic locations are as well known to the world as Normandy. As the location for the D-day invasions and the Battle of Normandy, the French coast played a crucial role in the outcome of WWII. We’ll honor the sacrifices made on the Normandy beaches by visiting the cemeteries and monuments. 2019 marks 75 years since the invasions making it an even more special time to visit.
Mont St. Michel is an architectural wonder on an island and is only accessible during low tides. It is truly a site you won’t forget. Our last night will spent on Le Mont and there is an option to add on an additional night before heading home.
Besides the history and the architecture, the views of the coast are amazing. Every pedal stroke is met with pure beauty as you travel throughout Normandy. From Bayeux and the Bayeux Tapestry to the Pegasus Bridge, the sites we will see on our tour are a wonderful representation of northern French culture.
What should i expect?
This tour will be all about the casual riding. No racing the professionals up epic climbs. This is a great pace for those who ride all the time and those who may not be as familiar with a bike but still want to tick a cycling vacation from their bucket list. One day is even an exploration day on foot. The tour is fully supported so no worrying about mechanicals, directions or anything else. If you’re nervous about riding with a group or your travel partner is a bit stronger on the bike, consider an Ebike.
Make sure you bring your appetite for delicious food, luxurious accommodations and wandering this amazing piece of French country.