LYON RIDE GUIDE

We Ride the World.

By Black Sheep Cycling

August 23^rd, 2021

To coincide with the launch of LIMITED Queens, the next stop on our We Ride the World Ride Guide Series is Lyon, France. Fittingly, Lyon is in pedalling distance to some iconic climbs familiar from the world’s grandest bike race – the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux being the obvious one. But more than just close-by big-arse cols, Lyon offers the ultimate cycling playground with balmy year-round weather and a ride for just about everyone. Flatland feens. Commuters. Hardcore climbers. Or laidback cruisers, favouring a bike path tap where options are limitless. Ride solo or with a friendly group of locals. Ride hard or to the brew shop.

This cycling paradise has got the goods and Juliette Landon has us feeling the love for Lyon. Not just for the endless array of glorious riding options, but for the culture combined. Lyon, nestled in the southeast corner of France is situated between two rivers, surrounded by the Lyonnais Mountains. Rich in history, packed with hidden gems and adored for its mouth-watering gastronomy. Lyon sure does tick all the boxes and without doubt, we’ll be venturing there as soon as we can hop on that plane abroad. Ride the World with us, like a local.

The Abode of Chaos Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 41.6 Miles / 67 Km

Elevation: 2552 ft / 778 metres

Highlights: This route has a hell of a lot to offer. Get underway with a 10km warm up, before facing your first test of the day – the Monts d’Or climb. Blitz or tap your way up for around 7km, gritting those teeth when the going gets tough. Take in the views up top before enjoying the swift descent to follow. You will then reach the ‘Beaujolais’ where you’ll be warmly greeted by the beautiful northern Lyon countryside dotted with vines for days. If time allows, go on and make a pitstop to enjoy a cheeky splash and a bite to soak it up. You won’t regret it. On return, you can’t miss The Abode of Chaos: A contemporary art museum in Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or. Open to the public and free of charge, there’s no excuse not to stop. It will blow your mind. With such iconic architecture, Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d’Or might just be one of my favourite places to visit. Finish up with a deserved caffeine fix back in Lyon, where some enticing options await you. I’m a big fan of Puzzle Coffee, Placid, Diploid and Patchwork Coffee. Take your pick or try ‘em all. Zero regrets.

Strong Lunch Break Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 29 Miles / 47 Km

Elevation: 3018 ft / 920 metres

Highlights: This one’s for those days when you’re motivated, you have a few hours to spare, but don’t have all day to faff about. I have the answer. An adventure to Limonest. From Lyon, enjoy the 3.8km warm-up before diving straight into the opening kicker of the day, where a blissful 10km of ascent awaits. Be ready for the burn. Following a hearty opening dose of vertical metres, your first view of the ride will come at Mont Verdun. Throughout the week, just about every two-wheeled lover rolls into the same spot to appreciate the hairpin curves and the epic views. Old cars, fancy Porsches, Ducatis, you name it. Then of course there’s you and all our fellow Lycra lovers. (bonus: This road is closed on the weekends, which might be the safer option depending on what time of the day you head out). When the time comes to push on, lap up those long D sensations. Freedom feels all the way. You will then approach your second and final climb of the day. Surrounded by horses and typical architecture – the dream distraction to mask the pain endured as you grind, or ideally float your way up for 7km or so. Be sure to keep an eye out on the road ahead as at points, the Tarmac is damaged. At the top, take a big old inhale, exhale. The hard work is done and dusted. Time to pop your windbreaker on, then put the hammer down to get back to Lyon. All in the space of two hours.

Vers le col de la Luère et brosses Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 72 Miles / 116 Km

Elevation: 5902 ft / 1799 metres

Highlights: I opt for this route on a Saturday or Sunday morning when the weather is on point. Grab some mates or hook in with a crew of like minded passionate cyclists and enjoy. I feel like I’m on a big slide when I’m out on this ride. Fun times only, with a slice or three of suffering on route. Start the day out with several small climbs to wake those legs up and get a taste of what’s to come. Soon enough, you’ll roll on into the Col de la Luère. A regular climb, surrounded by picturesque woods and fresh mountain air. If you have specific training intervals to tick off, this is the climb to do the deed. Alternatively, just cruise – dancing your way up at a relaxed pace. Take a moment to appreciate the views and refuel the tank atop before flying down the 15km or so descent that follows. You earned this. Enjoy it while it lasts, as you’ll dive right into another tough climb. Use up whatever legs you have left as from the top it’s mostly free wheelin’ right back to Lyon. Just one exception – a final rise that offers stunning panoramic views on the opposite side of Monts d’Or. Head back to town via the river, where you’ll almost certainly be tempted to show up your peers and whip out your best sprint. Nothing beats ending a solid day in the saddle with a city limit victory. Round things out on a high with a post-ride coffee and feed at local favourite, Grimpeurs Cycling Cafe.

Grimpeurs Monts D'or Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 37.3 Miles / 60 Km

Elevation: 4750 ft / 1448 metres

Do you thrive off a good old gander in the hills? Well. Here we go again. We call this one ‘Roue of Walls’. Shortish in length but jam packed with vertical metres. There’s no denying it’ll hurt. But well worth it for the views on display. Mid-ride, you could be on the brink of bonk mode. If you’re in the red or seeing stars, crepes to the rescue. Take a pitstop at the crepe stand where sweet and savoury crepes are on offer, paired with a refreshing juice or a sometimes very necessary brew. Whatever you need to push on and keep punching. Keep in mind, you’re only halfway. The rollercoaster of climbs continues on. Fly or cry your way home.

Flat Relief Ride.

STRAVA ROUTE

Distance: 64 Miles / 103 Km

Elevation: 2168 ft / 661 metres

This ride is right up there as one of my favourites. I do love a flat route and there’s no shame in admitting that. I’m no pure climber, after all and some days I really feel the need for speed. This route ventures out to the countryside north of Lyon. It’s an ideal option in winter as you avoid icy descents and that dreaded mountain chill on the chest. When you reach ‘La Dombes’, the options to extend the ride are endless. Especially when you’re hightailing it with a bunch, on a mission to punch out those numbers and hammer away in the big dog. Head down or not, make sure you appreciate your beautiful surrounds, as you cross thousands of ponds and fields. Just bliss.