More Than 21 Bends

09/10/2025

Four mates, three mountains, one insane Alpine cycling adventure.

From freezing rain to surprise open cafés, from laughter to numb fingers — this was one ride to remember.

We took on Alpe d’Huez, Croix de Fer, and Galibier — three of the most iconic climbs in the French Alps — battling the weather, the altitude, and the occasional closed café along the way.

There were moments of pain, moments of triumph, and a lot of coffee breaks. ☕
This was our last ride of the year, and it turned into something unforgettable.

🎥 Watch the full adventure

https://youtu.be/pzgsdPfsJU0

If you’ve ever dreamed of cycling the Alps — or just love the mix of challenge, friendship, and chaos that comes with it — you’ll enjoy this one.

Four lifelong mates from Manchester. One last ride of the year — three legendary climbs: Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer, and Col du Galibier.From freezi...

03/10/2025

Stopped at the Château de Brissac on my Loire Valley ride — the tallest castle in France with 7 floors and over 200 rooms! It’s right on the Vélo Francette and just off La Loire à Vélo, perfect for a cycling detour. No bike parking inside, so bring a lock. Would you just visit the gardens, or go for the full tour?

Most cyclists miss this hidden Loire Valley gem – here’s why you shouldn’t

I rode 62km of gravel and road along the Loire Valley to discover the Château de Brissac – the tallest château in France. From riverside singletrack to viney...

19/09/2025

Join us in the French Alps for a cycling holiday of a lifetime — Alpe d’Huez, Croix de Fer, Montvernier & more, fully supported & unforgettable.

https://morethan21bends.com/conquer-the-alps-like-the-dublin-18

13/09/2025

Cycling Alpe d’Huez — it looks like the perfect dream climb: smooth bends, epic views, and Tour de France history at every turn. 🚴🇫🇷

But the reality? Cars, trucks, and traffic chaos mixed in with the magic.
Here’s what it really feels like to ride one of the most famous climbs in the French Alps.

Let me know what your experience of Alpe d'Huez was.

Watch the short clip here

https://youtube.com/shorts/1JkTq53ppoQ

Descending Alpe d’Huez…Social Media vs. Real LifeOne moment it’s a perfect day, the next it’s trucks, cars, and chaos.Still one of the greatest climbs and de...

08/09/2025

18 climb the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez followed by the Col de Sarenne and then the Balcons d’Auris. 2000 metres of climbing over 60 km.

27/08/2025

Cycling Adventures in France: Gravel Loops, Hidden History, and Fairytale Castles

One of the best things about cycling in France is the sense of freedom it gives you. You don’t always need a plan—sometimes the best rides happen when you just clip in, start pedalling, and see where the road (or trail) takes you.

This summer I’ve been exploring two very different corners of France by bike: the wild coast of Normandy and the fairytale landscapes of the Loire Valley. Both rides started with no set route and turned into unforgettable adventures full of history, scenery, and those little surprises that make cycling here so special...............

One of the best things about cycling in France is the sense of freedom it gives you. You don’t always need a plan—sometimes the best rides happen when you just clip in, start pedalling, and see whe…

23/08/2025

I came across this mystery object on a beautiful summers day ride Hidden WWII Battery on a Gravel Ride in Normandy | Barfleur Loop
https://youtu.be/I2I7Jf-Q7SA

06/08/2025

29°C in the Loire Valley, no route, no plan… just me, the bike, and a few wrong turns that led to hidden trails and a fairytale château. 🍫🏰

Hop on for the ride……

Lost & Overheated Cycling in the Loire Valley… Just to Find THIS Château

I’m in the heart of the Loire Valley, it’s 29°C, I’ve just jumped on the bike with zero plan, and things are already turning into a mystery tour! 🌞In this v...

23/07/2025

Thinking of cycling in France? 🇫🇷
Before you clip in, check out these 5 essential tips I’ve learned from riding here since 2008.

✅ What to carry in case of an accident
🥐 Why the boulangerie is your best friend
🚰 How to find safe drinking water
⚠️ The traffic rule that surprises most visitors
🗺️ And how to ride like a local, not a lost tourist

Plus, there’s a bonus tip at the end that every cyclist should know!

👉 Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/tz8L0ljZw6k

👍 Like, share, and tag a cycling buddy who’s planning a French adventure!
💬 Got your own tips? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear them.

Thinking about cycling in France for the first time? I’ve been riding here since 2008 and these are the 5 key things I wish I knew when I started. From navig...

16/07/2025

Last week, the Tour de France rolled through my town — Caen. I was there, camera in hand, soaking up the atmosphere, the excitement, the noise.

But as the crowds thinned and the sponsor caravans moved on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t add up.

We celebrate the bike as the symbol of green transport — yet the Tour arrives with thousands of support vehicles, helicopters, diesel generators, and tonnes of plastic giveaways.

In my latest video, I take a closer look at the contradiction:
Can a race powered by human legs… really claim to be sustainable?
And more importantly — what needs to change?

🎥 Watch the full story here: https://youtu.be/oGp2ZuWxgIQ

📣 I’d love to know what you think. Could the Tour de France become a model for sustainability — or is it too tied to tradition?

👇 Let’s talk in the comments.

The Tour de France came to my hometown of Caen — and with it, thousands of vehicles, generators, and sponsor caravans. For a sport built on the bicycle, I co...