Nice, France · Birthday Ride · 2024
This is a short one. But it is also the one closest to my heart. Because this is the first time I took Ms. Wildfire along with me, and it was for a very special occasion.
Me and Ms. Wildfire celebrated my 35th birthday exploring the vistas of Nice, France. Funny enough, back in 2017 when I visited Nice for the very first time, I remember wishing so badly that I had a bicycle so I could ride along that beautiful Riviera and just soak it all in. Seven years later, we made it happen. Life works in beautiful ways. Hold on to your dreams and they might just turn into reality in the most enchanting ways.
✦ ✦ ✦
Now, as always, our stories come with a little spice. It is those small and big challenges that make any adventure worth remembering.
Ms. Wildfire was comfortably settled in the cargo hold of the plane. I was waiting for boarding to wrap up when I froze for a couple of seconds with a silent "oh no." I had forgotten my tyre pump at home. Yes, you can always find a bike shop, but there is something deeply reassuring about having your tyres properly inflated before you even step out the door.
And then, instead of doing the sensible thing and booking an Uber straight to a bike shop upon arrival, I decided to haul my 12 kg bike 500 metres to an unmanned petrol station. I could not figure out the machine. It was absolutely not worth it.
But that is how we ended up at Bouticycle, a wonderful little bike shop right near the Promenade. They topped up my tyres for free. For free! That small gesture of kindness still makes me smile. If you are cycling in Nice, please go give them your business.
✦ ✦ ✦
And then the real adventure began. The Nice Côte d'Azur cycling route connects all the way to Cannes in one direction and Monaco in the other. My Strava tells the full story. Here is how it went.
Route 01
Nice to Cannes
I only covered about a third of this route since I headed out in the evening and I do not ride after dark. The path is flat and lovely. On your way back, please stop at Copenhagen Coffee Lab for their chicken and cranberry baguette. I took mine as a takeaway and eating it after a long day of cycling felt absolutely heavenly.
Route 02
Nice to Monaco
This was my birthday ride and I knew it had to be something special. So we aimed for Monte Carlo. The view through Villefranche-sur-Mer genuinely speaks for itself. The route out is mostly flat and downhill, which felt glorious. Of course, I had to pay for every bit of that joy on the way back.
Once you enter Monaco, you come in via a highway stretch which is not ideal for cycling but entirely doable. People are respectful towards cyclists and I had absolutely no trouble finding my way around.
Sal's Tip
Be ready for the uphill on the return leg. My little stack of mandarins and some electrolyte drink kept me going. In all honesty, I did not see any other cyclists struggling, so the climb is very manageable. 😝The views along the way are completely worth every bit of effort.
"This route is a must. Full stop."
I made it back to the hotel with time to spare and joined my colleagues for a glass of wine and a small pastry. Nobody knew it was my birthday, and I preferred it that way. An epic ride through the Riviera and a relaxed evening with good company. It was, quietly, one of the best birthdays I have had.
What I learnt from the first outstation ride
✦ Do not forget the tyre pump. Just do not.
✦ Always pack energy snacks and electrolytes for longer rides.
✦ Downhill out almost always means uphill back. Plan accordingly.
Check out more pictures on Instagram @SalGoesCycling
I hope you get to ride the Nice Promenade and enjoy the French Riviera to the fullest. 😁😊
Au revoir.
No comments:
Post a Comment