When Cyclist discovered the Vercors

When we met Josh Cunningham - features writer and George Marshall - photographer off the train at Valence TGV they were already keen as mustard to get out on bike having been teased by the sight of the spectacular Vercors on their approach.

So, we spent no time getting back to base, showing them their accommodation and getting bikes, camera, car set up for our first escapade for 'The Big Ride' feature.

The weather in September, in the mountains can be a little unpredicatable for the first couple of weeks but by mid September its usually sunny skies and warm temperatures. Typically, when we wanted to show off those vertiginous limestone cliffs in all their autumnal glory, the sun was a little shy to come out to play. Consequently, we spent 3 days of 'cat and mouse' with the sun and clouds.

The 145km route captured by George's epic photos and Josh's informative and engaging writing does justice to what we think is one of the best places in the world for cyclists . Crazy tunnels, vertiginous drops and cliff hanging roads, deep valley gorges, green pasture lands, endless walnut groves, no col-blaggers, little traffic, historical references... I could go on. For those of you who have been here and done it, you'll know! For those of you reading this who haven't been, its time you discovered it for yourselves.

Many thanks to Pete Muir - editor of Cyclist Magazine for choosing to feature the Vercors and letting us use the photos. Thanks to Josh for being such an enthusiastic, dynamic guy and Thanks to George for his patience and suberb photos.

The 'Big Ride' Feature Cyclist - April Edition

All photos credited to Cyclist Magazine