A Taste of Southern France

Vincent Reboul is the trip specialist for our Cro Magnon tour, which takes us from Lyon to Bordeaux. Apart from being incredibly passionate about prehistory, he is also a man who loves the tour’s gastronomy.

Vincent says “The gastronomy of the many regions crossed during this Cro Magnon tour is exceptional. Faced with the richness of the dishes offered and the absence of cardiovascular diseases, the Anglo-Saxons wonder and speak of “French Paradox”. How in this country of gourmets, they say, where you can find so many foie gras, confits, duck breasts, rillettes and cheese specialties can the inhabitants reach such a great age, while spending so much time at the table? It is a mystery that lives from the depths of the ages. Only Cromagnon knows.

Between the famous quenelles of Lyon and the cannelets of Bordeaux, the sweet wine of Monbazillac and the walnut cakes of Dordogne, the choice is vast and shows in all its splendor the culinary diversity of the south West of France.

There is one dish, however, that fascinates more than another. This is the Aligot ! Imagine a large copper pot, where a mashed potato expertly mixed with pepper, butter, fresh cream and fresh Tomme as well as garlic is simmering. You get a dough so tightly bound that a knife cannot cut it. Only a chisel allows the separation of the immense thread. You can eat the aligot accompanied by a very good smoked sausage and a Cahors wine. The best time to taste the aligot during this Cro Magnon Epic is halfway through in the city of Rodez. With the aligot, you have enough energy to cross all the passes.” 

ALIGOT RECIPE



A Taste of the 3 Islands

The charming Enrico Casini is our Trip Specialist for the 3 Islands Tour – Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily. Below he talks about some of the gastronomic highlights on the tour that resonate with him. He also covers some of his favourite tipples as well.

Enrico says, “Gastronomy plays a significant role when travelling, even more so when the traveller is pedalling substantial miles each day through the main islands of the Western Mediterranean. This entails sitting at the table truly hungry and facing a variety of specialties crafted with delicious, fresh, and local ingredients. It will be challenging, so it’s best to be prepared.”

CORSICA

“Corsica can essentially be described as a mountain rising from the sea. It has a genuine rural identity, and this aspect also characterizes its gastronomy. The recipes evoke the memory of regional Italian cuisine, while the winemaking is decidedly influenced by French tradition”

Corsican Charcuterie: Corsican charcuterie is renowned for its quality and flavor thanx to the long experience in farming the Porcu Nustrale, a pork variety selected and farmed in Corsica. Some of the products are prisuttu (cured ham), lonzu (pork loin), and figatellu (a type of liver sausage). These are often enjoyed sliced and served as appetizers or incorporated into various dishes.
Suitable Wine: Sciaccarello (rosè DOC Ajaccio, Corsica)

Aubergines (eggplants) a la Bonifacenne: Vegetables are an important element in Corsica cuisine. Cultivated locally, and proudly organic, they are the basis of many tasty recipes. The Aubergines in La Bonifacenne are baked in the oven, with different types of local cheese, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil derive from the Genoese tradition and can be enjoyed throughout the island.
Suitable Wine: Clos Finidori, (red, AOP Figari, Corsica)

Both dishes can be excellently accompanied by the typical Corsican beer, Pietra, which is brewed with a blend of selected malts and Corsican chestnut flour.

SARDINIA

“Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean by surface area and features a highly diverse geography. This variety is reflected in its typical cuisine: a rich selection of products derived from cereals combined with dishes from the traditional agro-pastoral cuisine. The history of recent centuries, with its many external influences, has led to the development of a high-level seafood cuisine in the coastal areas.”

Pane Frattau : (“fractured bread” in Sardinian language). This simple and delightful traditional dish is composed of layers of thin Sardinian flatbread called “pane carasau” (also known as carta di musica) soaked in broth, seasoned with tomato sauce, and topped with poached eggs and grated pecorino cheese.
Suitable wine: “Terre Brune” Carignano del Sulcis (red, DOC Sulcis, Sardinia)


Fregula con arselle (“fregula with clams”): Traditional Sardinian dish featuring small balls of toasted semolina pasta (fregola) cooked with fresh clams (arselle) in a flavorful broth. It is a delightful seafood pasta dish that showcases the fresh taste of the clams alongside the hearty texture of the toasted fregola pasta. Fregule can be also prepared with vegetables, as for example with artichokes, or with meat. The recipes combinations can vary according with the main local specialties.
Suitable wine: “Ruinas” Vermentino di Gallura (white, DOCG, Gallura, Sardinia)

SICILY

“The Sicilian gastronomic tradition is certainly among the most important and rich in Italy, as the result of influences of all the cultures that have been established in Sicily over the millennia. Reducing the choice to a pair of recipes is truly an arduous task, the following examples are therefore among the most symbolic among the huge variety offered by Sicily.”

Arancini: the Arancino is a cone or a sphere of stuffed rice, breaded and fried. Classic tastes are at meat ragout or butter, but there are numerous variations such as “alla Norma” (with tomato, fried aubergines, savory ricotta and basil) and even chocolate. The various cities of the island compete for its paternity; However, Arancino, everywhere in Sicily, is an indispensable delicacy to be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Suitable wine: “Carthago”, Nero d’Avola (red, DOC, Settesoli- Menfi, Sicily)

Cannolo: Considered the king of Sicilian pastry, the cannolo boasts many centuries of history and consists of a rushed and filled fried pod of fried pasta. Depending on the area, the outdoor filling can be enriched with candied orange zest, pistachio grains, or chocolate chips. Alternatively, it can contain chocolate cream instead of ricotta.
The freshness of the ingredients is the secret of this delicacy. Sicilians warn: a good cannolo must be stuffed on the moment!
Suitable wine: “Na’Jm” Malvasia delle Lipari Passito (white liqueur wine, DOC, Lipari Islands, Sicily).



A Taste of Mallorca

Our Trip Specialist for our Mallorca tour is the venerable Alessandro Allegro. Below, he presents one of his culinary favourites – Tumbet – alongside his favourite Mallorquin tipple.

Alessandro says “The tumbet is an outstanding example of traditional Mallorcan food. A dish cooked with fresh seasonal vegetables from Mallorca’s diverse garden. A tasty dish that leaves no one indifferent and that will delight vegetable lovers. Its preparation is based on frying eggplants, potatoes, peppers and adding a tomato sauce. The tumbet can be eaten alone or as an accompaniment to a meat or fish dish, or even with two fried eggs.”

The Tumbet – A Summer delight

Ingredients for 6 persons

6 potatoes
3 aubergines
3 courgettes
3 red peppers
4 garlic cloves
Tomato sauce
1 laurel leaf in each aubergine frying
Salt

Preparation

– Peel the potatoes and cut into slices. Put it in salted water
– Cut the aubergines into slices and put it into salted water.
– Do the same with the courgettes.
– Then cut the red peppers into pieces.
– Fry the potatoes (with the garlic cloves), aubergines (with bay leaf), courgettes and peppers, each separately. Place all the slices in layers in a casserole or similar.
– Cover the total frying with tomato sauce that you will have to do separately.
– The tradition wants that you have to lay the potatoes first, then the aubergines, followed by the courgettes and red peppers, finally covered by the home made tomato sauce.

Bon profit! (in Majorcan language enjoy your meal )

And the wine accompaniment: Anime Negre

Alessandro says “Anime Negre is the wine most symbolic of the homonymous winery, a wine in which we discover the effort and sacrifices of many years by Miquel Àngel Cerdá & Pere Obrador in understand the callet grape, reinforcing its typicity and achieving each time a wine more expressive, alive and balanced. It is a very singular wine, authentic, mineral, wild and powerful.”

The wine stays for 14 months in new fine-grain French Oak barrels that have a medium to medium long toast, with racking taking place half way through. A further 2 months of stainless steel tank ageing prior to bottling.
Grape Varieties: 95% Callet, 5% Mantonegro-Fogoneu

The winery Ànima Negra, situated in the south-east of the island of Mallorca makes its wines in the ancient Estate of Son Burguera. This location, close to Felanitx, dates from the 8th Century & counted on since its beginnings with a dependence to make wine, destined at first to supply the demand of those living in this place. This activity has continued to blossom until today and has contributed to form the landscape of the Island, geographically integrated in the Mediterranean, and making wine an emblematic product of our gastronomy.



A Taste of Morocco

 

Nathalie is our trip specialist for the Morocco leg of Reconquista and has delighted in researching menus and doing tastings for the culinary component of the tour. Below, she shares a menu and preparation suggested by Fatima, our local guide in the beguiling blue city of Chefchaouen.

“Morocco is a most inspiring country food-wise. My foodie heart beats fast walking through Morocco’s vibrant, chaotic, and exotic souks. The smells, the colours, the fresh products—it’s overwhelming, but in the best way possible!

Eating in Morocco is not just about what you’re eating, it’s about sharing a meal, sharing the experience and sharing a good time with your friends, families or guests. The relationship to food in Morocco feels like something we can all learn from. The realness, authenticity and tradition breathes through all the dishes and the way they are so carefully prepared. It’s stimulating!

To pick my favourite recipe amongst all these exciting dishes, is a very, very hard task. But I am very happy to let you in on the family recipe that Fatima shared with me while buying some stunning pottery in her lovely shop”

Moroccan Tajine

Take your tajine (or other suitable Moroccan pottery), pan or pot and put it on a low fire. Add some roughly chopped onion and loads of garlic. Chop some carrots and toss them in. Add your chicken, fish, meat (beef or lamb), or other protein-source and top it off with any vegetables to your liking. Make sure to put the softer vegetables (like tomatoes and potatoes) on top.

TOP TIP: If you like the mixture of sweet and savoury, mix in some raisins, dates, dried apricots or prunes! Mmm, I love that!

Add some fresh cilantro, lemon and chili pepper (if you like some spice). Mix a glass ½ full of water and ½ full of olive oil and your tajine, ras-el-hanout, or any Moroccan spices you like (don’t be afraid to use a lot) and pour it in your lovely filled tajine. Put the lid on and cook it on low fire for 1-1,5 hours when you’re preparing the tajine with fish, chicken, or other protein sources, and for 3 hours when you’re preparing it with beef or lamb.

After the first 15 minutes, check if the water level has gone down more than halfway down the pot/tajine. If so: add more water.
Serve with some nice fresh bread or couscous.

Top it off with some chopped up almonds or other nuts, pomegranate, sesame seeds and/or fresh herbs.

Get creative! ENJOY!

 



Reconquista: A Day in Tangier

Tangier, situated on Morocco’s northwest coast, overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar, linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With a history dating back millennia, Tangier has been a crossroads of civilizations, attracting literary figures like Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs in the 20th century. Its cultural allure, strategic location, and literary associations have made Tangier a magnet for artists, writers, and travellers seeking inspiration and adventure. That is why we are here!

We’ll have a walking tour on the first day of the second stage of Reconquista, but if you arrive early, take some time to wander into historic Kasbah, a maze of narrow alleys and charming squares. Discover the Kasbah Museum, housed in the former Sultan’s palace, showcasing Moroccan artifacts and stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Continue to the Grand Socco, the city’s bustling square, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Mendoubia Gardens nearby, a tranquil oasis with lush greenery and towering palm trees. The Grand Socco, Tangier’s bustling square, pulsates with energy and vibrant activity. Surrounded by historic buildings and bustling markets, it serves as a vibrant hub where locals and visitors converge. Here, the aromas of spices mingle with the sounds of commerce, creating a sensory tapestry that epitomizes Tangier’s rich cultural essence.

For a taste of Tangier’s culinary delights, head to the Petit Socco, known for its authentic Moroccan cafes and street food vendors. Indulge in flavorful tagines, couscous, and pastries like msemen and chebakia, accompanied by sweet mint tea or freshly squeezed orange juice.

After lunch, explore the American Legation Museum, housed in a historic building and showcasing Tangier’s role in American diplomatic history. Wander through its galleries and learn about the city’s cultural significance as a meeting point for artists, writers, and diplomats.

On your walk around be sure to experience Tangier’s local ambiance with a refreshing mint tea at Café Hafa or Place de Parc. Join the locals in savouring this traditional drink amidst the lively atmosphere, soaking in the city’s vibrant energy and cultural charm.

As you wander through Tangier’s vibrant streets, you’ll encounter remnants of its storied past, including its connection to the Reconquista. Tangier was briefly under Spanish control during this period, serving as a strategic outpost in the Christian reconquest of Spain from Muslim rule.

Before concluding your day, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and watch as the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city.

In just one day, Tangier offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, leaving visitors enchanted by its timeless charm and rich heritage. It serves as a great starting point for stage 2 of the Reconquista.



Reconquista: A Day in Cordoba

Cordoba, Spain, is a captivating destination steeped in history, culture, and architectural splendour. It is an enchanting starting point for your tour as it played a pivotal role in the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from Muslim rule. Captured by the Christians in 1236, the city’s Great Mosque was converted into a cathedral symbolizing the triumph of Christianity. Cordoba’s strategic location and cultural significance made it a key battleground in the centuries-long struggle for control of the Iberian Peninsula.

That Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Mezquita-Catedral) is the jewel of the city and symbolises the city’s rich heritage, blending Islamic and Christian influences. On our first day, we have a guided tour of the city that culminates at the Mezquita. We have secured tickets that need to be dated and time-stamped in advance. You’ll be spellbound by its mesmerizing arches, intricately carved columns, and serene courtyards, offering a glimpse into Cordoba’s diverse past.

The winding alleys of the Jewish Quarter (Judería), where whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flowers line the streets, are also worth exploring. Discover hidden squares, quaint shops, and the medieval Synagogue, reflecting Cordoba’s multicultural tapestry.

And if you have extra time before the tour start the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortified palace with lush gardens and striking Moorish architecture, is well worth a visit. Explore its majestic halls, towers, and tranquil ponds, offering respite from the bustling city.

Andalusian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and diverse influences and reflects the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. Cordoba boasts a culinary tradition characterized by fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and hearty dishes. Indulge in local specialties such as salmorejo, a refreshing cold tomato soup, and flamenquín, a breaded pork roll. Andalusian cuisine also features an array of seafood delicacies, Moorish-influenced desserts like pestiños, and the world-famous tapas culture, inviting diners to savor the essence of southern Spain.

Taberna Salinas, serving traditional tapas with a modern twist is a favourite of ours for indulging in flavorful dishes like salmorejo (cold tomato soup), rabo de toro (bull’s tail stew), and flamenquín (breaded pork roll), accompanied by local Montilla-Moriles wine or refreshing Tinto de Verano.

And finally a leisurely stroll across the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) at dusk, admiring the illuminated Mezquita-Catedral and the Guadalquivir River, which reflect Cordoba’s timeless beauty. With its rich history, captivating sights, and delectable cuisine, Cordoba invites travellers to immerse themselves in its enchanting allure. It is a very apt city to embark on our Recinquista tour.

 



Mont Ventoux Cycling Adventures

Cycling Adventures up and around Mont Ventoux

The Ride and Seek operations base is in Provence in the shadow of the iconic Mont Ventoux. It’s no secret that Provence offers awesome cycling across all disciplines from road cycling, gravel, enduro and mountain biking. It’s also a beautiful part of the world, from the mountains to the sea, through lavender fields, gorges and vineyards. So it was a natural choice to base the Ride and Seek Headquarters here when we moved to Europe 7 years ago.

The Mont Ventoux Cycling Club (MVCC) is situated in the village of Mormoiron in the shadow of Mont Ventoux. It serves as the base for Ride and Seek Bike Tours and doubles up as a cafe, workshop and shop. As a club, it is also from here that we run a series of curated tours that capture the mystique of our local surroundings. In June, we have a range of offerings that embrace the amazing cycling opportunities. We think it is a winning combination combining the local knowledge of MVCC with the tour template that garnered multiple awards for Ride and Seek.

Mont Ventoux Cycling Adventures – June 2024

 

TOUR START END DAY/NIGHTS COST (€)
Mont Ventoux Weekend 23rd May 26th May 4 (3 nights) from €350
Provence Gravel Explore 5th June 11th July 7 (6 nights) €2,950
Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez 13th June 19th June 6 (5 nights) €2,300
Alpe d’Huez to Mont Ventoux 19th June 25th June 6 (5 nights) €2,300
Mont Ventoux Weekend 27th June 30th June 4 (3 nights) from €350

The discounted rates above are only available to Mont Ventoux Cycling Club members. Join the club by clicking below.

FREE MEMBERSHIP OF MVCC


Tour Overviews

 

Mont Ventoux Weekend

Embark on an exhilarating weekend cycling adventure. Day 1 introduces our soul ride – a time trial up the breathtaking Gorges de la Nesque. Day 2 is dedicated to conquering Mont Ventoux, offering the challenge of ascending one, two, or all three sides of our local iconic hill. On Day 3, enjoy a more leisurely social ride through the scenic Dentelles. Choose from three packages – a simple ride fee, standard accommodation, or indulge in a luxury option.

Provence Gravel Explore

This immersive experience involves circumnavigating and ascending the iconic mountain, revealing its diverse terrain. Along the journey, discover the distinctive charm of Bedoin, Sault, and Buis-les-Baronnies with stays at three of our favourite local hotels. In Bedoin, indulge in comfort amid the vibrant local atmosphere. S

ault offers a tranquil retreat amidst lavender fields, while Buis-les-Baronnies provides a rustic haven. Each hotel promises a blend of local hospitality and cycling enthusiasts’ needs, enhancing your Mont Ventoux gravel adventure with unparalleled comfort and regional authenticity.

Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez Loop

A legendary loop ride that unfolds in two mesmerizing parts or as one unforgettable epic journey. This historic adv

enture traces Hannibal’s trail from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez, immersing riders in a narrative of ancient conquests. Revel in the challenge of two iconic cycling landmarks. As the route winds through Alpe d’Huez, soak in the triumphs of cycling legends before tracing the Route Napoleon back to Mont Ventoux. This ride of historic proportions seamlessly blends the tales of ancient warriors with the modern glory of cycling, offering an unparalleled and epic cycling experience.

Self Guided Provence

Timeless adventures with our non-date-specific self-guided tours, meticulously crafted to showcase the best of our region. The Tour of Mont Ventoux spans 7 days, allowing cyclists to conquer the iconic mountain at their pace. Immerse yourself in a 5-day culinary adventure, savouring local flavours and culinary delights. Alternatively, our 4-day Lavender Route unveils the picturesque landscapes of lavender fields, providing a sensory journey through colour and fragrance. Each tour offers flexibility, enabling you to choose when to experience the beauty of Mont Ventoux, indulge in gastronomic delights, or wander through lavender-scented vistas at your leisure.

If any of these itineraries spark your interest, please click below to express your interest. We’d love to host you at the Mont Ventoux Cycling Club in 2024.

SELF-GUIDED EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST


The Club

Established in 2022, the Mont Ventoux Cycling Club, nestled in the village of Mormoiron, serves as a dynamic hub for cycling enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond a retail space and workshop, it encompasses a bike rental hub, a cozy cafe, and a global cycling club. Proudly hosting the European base for Ride and Seek Bike Tours, it offers weekly club rides and curated bike tour options. This vibrant community space welcomes riders eager to explore the beauty of Mont Ventoux and its surroundings, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those passionate about the exhilarating world of cycling.

Join us for a coffee, and let the aroma of freshly brewed beans accompany a generous exchange of local riding tips. Our friendly community of cyclists is eager

to share insights on conquering the iconic local hill and exploring the myriad of breathtaking riding options our region boasts. Whether you seek the thrill of ascents or scenic routes, our cafe is a welcoming haven for riders passionate about discovering the best of our cycling haven.

Located a mere 6 km from Bedoin, the Mont Ventoux Cycling Club in Mormoiron is perfectly situated to tackle Mont Ventoux and embark on our favourite soul ride through the Gorges de la Nesque. For those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere away from Bedoin’s hustle and bustle, Mormoiron provides a relaxed base. Join us here to unwind, plan your adventures, and experience the joy of cycling in a serene and welcoming setting.

 

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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

In Search of Japan’s Spiritual Origins

What is the Kumano Kodo?

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines – Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kumano Kodo has been a spiritual journey for over a millennium, offering a profound connection with nature and the divine.

The pilgrimage routes wind through dense forests, across mountains, and along scenic coastlines, presenting pilgrims with a variety of landscapes. The trails are not just a means of reaching the sacred sites; they are an integral part of the spiritual experience. The Kumano Kodo is more than a physical journey; it is a mental and emotional exploration, fostering introspection and self-discovery.

Pilgrims can choose from several routes, each varying in length and difficulty. The Nakahechi route, starting from Tanabe City, is the most popular and historically significant. Along the way, walkers encounter Oji shrines, traditional ryokans, and onsens, immersing themselves in the local culture.

The Kumano Kodo reflects the synthesis of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, blending spirituality with nature worship. It encapsulates the Japanese concept of “shintai,” where natural elements like rocks and trees are considered sacred manifestations of divinity. The Grand Shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha, nestled in a pristine forest, embodies this harmony, inviting pilgrims to experience a profound connection with the sacred.

As modernity encroaches upon tradition, the Kumano Kodo remains a timeless pilgrimage, preserving Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It beckons those seeking a physical journey and a transformative odyssey through the heart of Japan’s spiritual essence.

Our cycling itinerary in the Kii Peninsular embraces the essence of the Kumano Kodo with our route intersecting the pilgrimage route on many occasions. The Kumano Kodo is integral to our travel experience in this stunning area. Below is a map showing the different routes that make up the Kumano Kodo. Our cycling itinerary crosses paths with a number of these routes and temples along the way as we cycle from Wakayama to Ise.

 

 

 



Soul Ride: Solvær to Reine (Lofoten Islands, Norway)

One of our highlight rides from the Norsemen Tour in Norway is on the Lofoten Islands. It comes early in our tour but really serves to set the scene for the riding ahead. The ride from Solvær to Reine truly is one for the ages!

As you pedal away from Svolvær, you’ll find yourself engulfed in a symphony of mesmerizing landscapes. Majestic mountains stand tall, their snow-capped peaks seemingly touching the heavens, while deep fjords glisten like jewels under the endless Arctic sun.

The coastal road gracefully winds along the rugged coastline, revealing one stunning panorama after another. Passing through the quaint fishing village of Henningsvær (below), the picturesque charm of colourful houses against the backdrop of vast blue waters will leave you spellbound.

As you venture further, Reinefjorden comes into view, a stunning masterpiece of nature that beckons you closer. Arriving in Reine, you’ll be welcomed by its iconic red rorbuer perched on the water’s edge, mirroring the grandeur of the towering mountains.

The journey is not just a visual feast but a spiritual experience too. The crisp air carries the salty scent of the sea, while the gentle whispers of the wind become your constant companion. Each pedal stroke becomes a communion with the untamed nature surrounding you.

Embrace the adventure and explore hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints like Reinebringen, rewarding your efforts with panoramic vistas that resonate deep within your soul. Along the route, friendly locals welcome you with warm smiles and captivating stories, making you feel at home in this remote corner of the world.

This cycling odyssey between Svolvær and Reine celebrates nature’s magnificence, a harmonious blend of serene coastal charm and awe-inspiring wilderness. It’s an unforgettable voyage into the heart of Lofoten’s enchantment, leaving an indelible mark on your memories and forever igniting the wanderlust in your spirit.



Simón Bolívar – ‘The Liberator’ of Colombia

An introduction to the ‘The Liberator’ of Colombia, (New Granada)

Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios was a Venezuelan military and political leader who led the countries, now known as, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, to independence from the Spanish Empire. He is known colloquially as ‘El Libertador’, or the Liberator of South America.

Born on July 24th, 1783, in Caracas, the capital of the Captaincy General of Venezuela, Simón Bolívar was the youngest son of one of the wealthiest families in South America. His father died when Simón was only two years old and custody was passed on to his mother and her father. He was raised separately from his siblings and as was custom at the time, was cared for by Hipólita, an African house slave.

In 1792, his mother died of tuberculosis and the following year his grandfather died. Custody of Simón was passed on to his uncle Carlos, who Simón loathed, as he believed his uncle was only interested in the family inheritance.

Simón had a troubled upbringing and was described as being a difficult, unruly child. In June 1795 he ran away from his uncle, to the home of his sister and her husband. They took him in and tried in vain to have his new residency officially recognized. Simón was instead ordered to live with Simón Rodríguez, who ran the school where Bolívar was educated. Rodríguez became a mentor to the young boy and was probably the main catalyst for Bolívar’s political leanings. 

In 1797, Rodríguez was linked to a pro-independence conspiracy and was forced into exile. The teenage Bolívar was then enrolled in an honorary militia force. He was commissioned as an officer after a year. His uncles, Carlos, and Esteban Palacios y Blanco, decided to send young Bolívar to join the latter in Madrid. There, Esteban was friends with Queen Maria Luisa’s trusted advisor, Manuel Mallo. However, in February 1800, Mallo fell out of the Queen’s favour. Members of Mallo’s faction at court were arrested on pretence, (including Esteban) and Bolívar was subsequently banished from court, (for wearing diamonds without royal permission).

Around the same time Bolívar fell in love with María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro y Alayza and the two were engaged. They would have to wait several years to be together, as individual duties kept them apart. Bolívar and del Toro, aged 18 and 21 respectively, were married in Madrid on 26 May 1802. The couple then boarded the ship ‘San Ildefonso’ in A Coruña, on 15 June and sailed for La Guaira, (Venezuela) where they arrived on 12 July. They settled in Caracas. María fell ill and eventually died of yellow fever on 22 January 1803.

Bolívar was devastated by del Toro’s death and swore never to remarry.

By July 1803 Bolívar had decided to leave Venezuela for Europe. He witnessed the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, but he was not sympathetic to French imperialism. After travelling with Simón Rodríguez through Italy, Bolívar had seen enough to declare his intent to see the Americas free from Spanish rule. He sailed back to Venezuela in 1807, where he began to meet with other creole elites to discuss independence from Spain. He discovered that he was far more radical than the rest of Caracas high society. 

In 1807-08 Napoleon invaded the Spanish peninsula and gained decisive control. After much political manoeuvring in Venezuela, (and the dissolution of several governments), the country eventually came to be ruled by the ‘Supreme Junta of Caracas’, which rejected French rule, as well as the Spanish regency, (under the control of Napoleon’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte). The junta acquired Simón Bolívar’s services as a diplomat and Bolívar was sent to Britain to request their support in gaining Venezuelan independence. However, this bid failed and Britain could offer no concrete support, citing their Anglo-Spanish relations as being more important.

Bolivar returned to Venezuela in 1811, where the country was debating whether or not to declare independence. Bolívar helped to create the Patriotic Society, an organisation dedicated to gaining independence and he campaigned passionately. After a vigorous national debate, the Venezuela national assembly declared independence on the 5th of July 1811. Bolivar was overjoyed. To mark the occasion he freed all the slaves in his family and called for the end of slavery in the western hemisphere. 

The declaration brought about a state of war between the Republicans and the Royalists in the new country. It was to be a prolonged and brutal war. Bolívar played a prominent role in the military at this time. Despite early Republican victories, the Royalists achieved victory. This was partly due to a huge earthquake that shook the country, specifically in Republican areas. The populace, on both sides, believed that the natural disaster was God’s retribution for Venezuela declaring independence. Republican forces finally capitulated and Bolívar fled. Aided by friends, he managed to escape Venezuela, across the border, into the ‘United Provinces of New Granada’, (Colombia).

In New Grenada, Bolívar wrote ‘The Cartagena Manifesto’ in which he called for renewed efforts for Venezuela to regain its independence from Spain.

With high-ranking contacts, Bolívar managed to secure a position as the commander of a 70-man garrison in a small town. New Granada was an ally in the fight against Spain, and Bolívar managed to secure permission to launch an invasion of Venezuela in 1813. 

His army quickly swept through the country and his forces captured Caracas within six months. He was able to enter Caracas on 6 August 1813 and was named ‘El Liberator’ and the Dictator of the Second Republic of Venezuela. 

His initial success did not last however. Many Venezuelans were nervous of the radical revolutionaries and preferred the stability of Spanish rule, (which they were accustomed to). Venezuela was not completely unified and was financially devastated. Many people of colour remained disenfranchised and refused to support the new government. Bolívar also had a powerful Republican rival in the east, Santiago Mariño, who was unwilling to subordinate himself. The newly installed dictator faced insurrections and war from multiple directions.

Spanish led forces succeeded in driving Bolivar out of Venezuela again and he fled to New Granada for a second time, where he was tasked with subduing the rebel territory of ‘The Free and Independent State of Cundinamarca’. The conflicts at this time were characterised not only by Republicans fighting against Royalists, but also by conflicting ideals of centralised and federalised governments. Cundinamarca supported centralism, while New Granada had a federal structure. This posed an ideological problem for Bolívar as he was a centralist. He captured the Cundinamarca capital of Bogotá, but made a truce with the Cundinamarcans, following which he resigned from his post in the New Granadan military and fled in exile to Jamaica.

Bolívar travelled to Haiti, after surviving an assassination attempt in Jamaica. 

In Haiti he met the country’s president, Alexandre Pétion and they became good friends. Pétion agreed to help Bolívar with financial aid and supplies, providing that Bolívar agreed to emancipate all enslaved people in Venezuela. Bolívar agreed and sailed back to Jamaica, where he met with Republican leaders to formulate a plan. 

In a letter from Jamaica in 1815, Bolívar wrote:

“A people that love freedom, will, in the end be free. We are a microcosm of the human race. We are a world apart, confined within two oceans, young in arts and sciences, but old as a human society. We are neither Indians, nor Europeans, yet we are a part of each.” 

Supported by Pétion, Bolívar returned to Venezuela with an army in 1816 and won limited victories. However, his army was defeated and scattered. In July he was forced to return to Haiti. Other Republican troops in Venezuela fled into the jungle and waited for Bolívar’s return.

Pétion again agreed to help his friend Simón and so Bolívar was able to return once again to Venezuela. Upon arrival, he issued a call for the new Third Republic to be created. The Republican military forces united under him, but there was much jostling for power. He was able to unite former Republican enemies and achieved a string of military successes against Royalist forces. Although Venezuela was not fully under Republican control, Bolívar was declared supreme leader of the Third Republic.

On the back of these more permanent military successes in Venezuela, Bolívar then decided to split his forces. Leaving his generals to complete the victory against the Royalists, he marched with 2000 soldiers into New Granada territories and met up with Republican allies across the border. Achieving a decisive victory at the Battle of Boyacá. Royalist forces then abandoned the capital of Bogotá, allowing the Republicans to capture the city treasury. 

Bolívar designed a constitution for what historians now refer to as ‘Gran Colombia’. This was the beginning of independence in Colombia.



What Does the Future Hold for Ride and Seek?

Greetings from a snowy Provence. As the snow fell earlier this month at our base in the shadow of Mont Ventoux we were being sent photos from sunny Australia where our Strzelecki Tour (Sydney to Hobart) had just embarked from Sydney. Life is full of contrasts and in that context, there was a sense of the surreal to think we are back on the road again – the 2023 season for Ride and Seek is a go! Indeed, the group has just wrapped up the tour in Hobart, Tasmania after a tour for the ages.

With this being our shortest ‘off-season’ to date, I thought it would be an opportune time to share with you our thoughts on moving forward as a company. With the pandemic seemingly behind us and demand for travel booming it would easy to simply jump back on the hamster wheel but we are trying to be more measured in our approach. Your appetite for exploring the world by bike is undoubted and our zeal for creating new itineraries is unabated. However, if 2 years of Covid reflection taught us anything it was the importance of maintaining perspective and identifying what we consider really important. 

Strzelecki group at Bondi Beach, Sydney
Snowy Provence

As such, we are keen to offer you a road map for what we are trying to achieve with our tours both in terms of the seeming paradox of consolidation and growth. Our in-house mantra has always been that you are ‘only as good as your last tour’. This lies at the heart of our striving to offer the world’s best cycling adventures with every tour we run and will continue to be the rationale that ensures we will never rest on our laurels.

Last year was our 10-year anniversary of running bike tours as Ride and Seek. I have actually been leading and designing bike tours now for almost 30 years so it is fair to say it is a vocation. From the inauspicious beginnings of running Hannibal for the first time in 2012 with a motley crew of family and friends, we celebrated the 10th edition of our signature tour with an awesome group of fideli and newcomers in September 2022. It was a proud occasion to reflect back on what we have achieved.

Hannibal – 10 years and counting!
10-year Anniversary Hannibal Group

Reflection has been a theme for us as we approached the 2023 season both in the context of how busy we were through 2022 and with the hindsight of lessons learned through COVID. Obviously, from a commercial perspective, the pandemic was not helpful to put it lightly. Like many in the cycling tour business, we went from having had our best year to date in 2019 to two years of roadblocks and uncertainty.

Rather than batten down the hatches though, as a team, we sought to seek out the ‘road most optimistic’ and constructively prepare for the future. The support we received from many of you who left tour monies in the business and in some cases, simply sent us money to keep us afloat was both humbling and confidence-building.

Through the pandemic, we looked to keep the team together by planning for the future and running tours that made little commercial sense. Hannibal with 2 riders was a all time low! The offshoot of this though is that we kept the proverbial wheels turning and were ready to roll once the travel became viable again. Unlike many companies post-pandemic we have not been impacted by the exodus of guides from the industry. All of those in the video remain in the Ride and Seek family, which we are very proud of. The only change is the kids have all grown up significantly!

We also trialled new initiatives such as a complementary weekly laundry service, coffee vouchers, more gourmet picnic lunches, and smaller group sizes. All of these were confirmed for 2022 and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. We also made plans for a range of new Epic Adventures that we will be launching over the next two months. 

The smaller group size commitment in particular made little commercial sense but was deemed important by us in our quest to run the best tours we can. To ensure the personalised nature of the tour experience we provide, we felt that we need to cap the Epic tour group number to 20. Whilst this runs counter to the general trend in the A to B cycle tour space where groups of 30 plus are common, we are committed to consolidating on the ‘full service’ epic historical cycling adventures we pioneered all those years ago.

More Epic Symbols to Come

It meant that an inaugural tour like the Conquest of the Moors sold out in record time and had a waiting list of 20 at one point but the result was a better tour as a result. With a return booking rate of around 75% we believe the long-term returns merit the short-term losses that we incur by adding more value to the tours through limiting numbers and adding more ‘frills’. Optional room upgrades, more massage options with our tour soigneurs, and the new titanium bikes are among the improvements for 2023.

The less is more approach has also been central to our aim of consolidating Epic Adventures as our core business. In this space, we have created our own cycling tour niche, and it is what we do best. As such we will be running fewer ‘Local’ adventures than before. 

We also plan to avoid too much crossover with the Epics that now run from February through to November. By this, we mean that even though we have a number of new tours, the calendar will not be too busy to ensure we can focus on one tour at a time. So while the Epic map has a few new symbols to be added, we will not be overlapping too many tours as a result. Rather, more tours will become bi-annual as a result.

Our 2022 Season Collage

Returning to the theme of reflection it is fair to say that these decisions are not only steeped in quality control though but are also focused on creating a more sustainable business model in terms of work/life balance and our environmental footprint. 2022 was a huge year for us in terms of tours run and guest numbers, but the team fatigue at the end of the season suggested we needed a reassessment.

There is a fair amount of lamenting one hears about some of the circumstantial positives that people experienced through the pandemic, such as more time with family, a slower pace of life, and a chance to explore other interests. Even though our business came to a standstill, we recognised at the time that getting off the hamster wheel was no bad thing. As we move into the future, the team and I are keen to heed those lessons.

That team is now made up of Ben manning the fort as General Manager and a new position being created for Benjamin as the Logistics Manager in Provence. Tiffany, Sarah, and Raffaella continue to manage the office, accounts, and hotels respectively. 

Design-wise Dean continues to work his magic, and Megan is focused on the customer experience. As stated previously, the guide team remains as solid as ever, and we now have more clearly defined Trip Specialist roles. With such a strong and capable team managing the day-to-day elements of the business has allowed me to indulge my passion for creating and planning new itineraries, which I have been doing with gusto! 

We feel well-positioned to grow in an organic and effective manner in the coming years.

Meeting the new 2022 Guides in Provence

So whilst you might end up cycling with us to the place pictured below in 2024, it won’t simply mean that we will add this tour to the calendar in addition to all the others – we already have 12 Epics to choose from – but rather it will slot in place of another tour.

Indeed, we have 6 new Epics to announce, so get your diaries ready for the upcoming ‘Braking News’ launches. Following the 2018 poll on ‘Where To Go Next?’ we think you’ll be pleased with the tours that have been chosen.

The first person who leaves a comment below with the country where the photo was taken will win a prize and a bonus for naming the city itself.

Our plan over the next couple of months is to set out our stall through to 2025, which will hopefully help you with your cycle adventure planning. With a clearer road map, we will also be able to develop our sustainability strategies which we have been working on both in-house and with Beatrice, who has taken on the role of our sustainability consultant

Mystery Destination – Where is this?  We’ll be here in 2024!

We presently cycle in 30 countries and plan to make that 38 by the end of 2025. We look forward to inspiring you with our new tours in the coming months. And we’ll also reveal more about our plans for the Mont Ventoux Cycling Club (MVCC), which is our logistics base, and so much more. As a club, workshop, and rental hub, we are excited to see how it develops over the coming years.

In part linked to MVCC we are pleased to announce some other improvements that we are delighted to announce. The bike fleet has been upgraded, with all bikes now running disc brakes. We’ve stayed with titanium but have moved across to Van Nicholas as our core road bike. In addition, we have also partnered with Merida and have a range of road e-bikes available.

Mont Ventoux Cycling Club

Continuing on the technological side of things, we also have the larger screen Garmin 1030’s as our standard GPS unit and have incorporated a number of digital elements that are geared towards improving your customer experience without compromising the personal touch. We look forward to introducing them.

And finally, whilst this is what we have in store, we will never forget that we are running tours for you, so I would be very grateful to hear from any of you that have any feedback on how we can improve your experience with us.

Onwards and upwards with the rubber side down we are delighted to have you along for the ride with us. The Epic List is in the process of being updated. We’ll keep you posted.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face.

See you on the road soon!

Dylan

 



Who were the Norsemen?

 

Who were the Norsemen?

While all Vikings were considered Norsemen, not all Norsemen were Vikings 

This simple question requires a slightly complex explanation.

A simple answer can be summed up in this way: The term ‘Norsemen’ indicates people who came from the Scandinavian countries, (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). However, the Old Norse word ‘Viking’ is not so much a name of a people, but a verb, meaning to pirate, (to plunder, steal, rob via sea routes).

While all Vikings were considered Norsemen, not all Norsemen were Vikings. However, the Vikings were a significant and influential subset of the Norsemen, who left a lasting impact on history through their exploration, trade, and conquests.

The Norsemen were a North Germanic ethnolinguistic group of the Early Middle Ages, during which time they spoke the Old Norse language. During the late eighth century, many Scandinavians embarked on a large-scale expansion in all directions, giving rise to what is known as the ‘Viking Age’. Norsemen set sail, (to go Viking).

The word ‘Viking’ comes from the Scandinavian term ‘vikingr’ meaning ‘pirate’. Contrary to a popular belief, the Norsemen did not constitute one unified nation back at that time. They were initially organised in small earldoms, each ruled by a local earl, (or jarl). The term ‘Viking’ does not, therefore, denote a population, or a particular race of people for that matter, but rather a profession; seafaring pirates.

 

5 Things you might not know about the Norsemen

1 – Skeletons from famous Viking burial sites in Scotland were actually local people who could have taken on Viking identities and were buried as Vikings. In a scientific paper published in Nature, (2020) scientists analysed more than 400 genomes from Viking burial sites. After DNA sequencing of more than 400 Viking skeletons, from archaeological sites scattered across Europe and Greenland, they found evidence for a major influx of Danish ancestry into England; a Swedish influx into the Baltic; and a Norwegian influx into Ireland, Iceland, and Greenland.

2- Many Norsemen actually had brown hair, not blonde hair.

3 – Norsemen identity was not limited to people with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe before the Viking Age.

4 – Who is the most famous Norseman? The name most associated with the Viking attacks and raids on the British Isles is that of Ragnar Lothbrok, (sometimes also written as ‘Lodbrok’), who has gone down in history as a fearless leader and unstoppable warrior.

5 –The genetic legacy of the Viking Age lives on today, with 6% of people in the UK population predicted to have Viking DNA in their genes, compared to 10% in Sweden.

‘To go a Viking’

To go a Viking meant that a Norseman would set sail on a body of water, (from open seas and oceans, to rivers and even lakes) in search of new, fertile lands to farm and subsequently permanently settle on, as well as trade with the neighbouring civilisations and cultures, ensuring social, political and economic links overseas.

The term ‘Norse’ generally refers to Norsemen, from the north of Scandinavia. They were full-time traders and accomplished seafarers. Norsemen settled in the islands north and northwest of Britain, Ireland, and western Britain, whereas the Danish ‘Vikings’, principally invaded and occupied eastern Britain. These Danes were not actually farmers but were part-time warriors, led by people of noble birth. They had a reputation for being more violent and ruthless than the Norsemen, (or Northmen) from the far north.

The majority of Norsemen were farmers, craftsmen, and traders who did not engage in seafaring raids. They were more interested in peaceful trade with other nations.

Modern descendants of Norsemen are the Icelanders, Faroe Islanders, Norwegians, and Swedes, who are now generally referred to as ‘Scandinavians’ rather than Norsemen.

 

The Vikings

The Viking Age generally refers to the period from A.D. 800, a few years after the earliest recorded raid, until the 1050s, a few years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Vikings changed the political and genetic course of Europe and beyond. Cnut the Great became the King of England. Leif Eriksson is believed to have been the first European to reach North America, 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

However, the British conception of the ‘Vikings’ origins was inaccurate. Those who plundered much of Britain actually sailed from the land which is known as Denmark today. The border between the northern Norse regions and the more southerly Germanic tribes, the Danevirke, is located around the current border between Denmark and Germany.

Most of the earliest Viking settlers in Ireland were Norsemen, but circa 850 AD, a large Danish contingent arrived. In 875 AD, Danes and Norsemen were competing for control of Scotland. Antagonism between Danes and Norsemen reached a peak in the mid-tenth century, as they battled over control of York.

Norse mythology

Norse mythology consists of tales of various deities, beings, and heroes derived from numerous sources, (from both before and after the pagan period). The source texts mention numerous gods such as the thunder-god Thor, the raven-flanked god Odin, the goddess Freyja, and numerous other deities. The cosmos in Norse mythology consists of Nine Worlds that flank a central sacred tree, Yggdrasil.

The afterlife is a complex matter in Norse mythology. The dead may go to the murky realm of ‘Hel’, a realm ruled over by a female being of the same name, or they may be ferried away by valkyries to Odin’s martial hall ‘Valhalla’, or they may be chosen by the goddess Freyja, to dwell in her field ‘Fólkvangr’ forevermore. The goddess Rán may claim those that die at sea.

 

Lofotr Viking Museum


Lofoten Islands – 10 Things You Might Not Know

Lofoten Islands

 

Protruding from the northwest coastline of Norway, 1500 miles below the north pole and 100 miles above the arctic circle, the Lofoten Islands rise from the icy, blue-green waters, as a wall of gneiss bedrock. The height of the mountains here reaches 1000m and the islands themselves are bordered by a white sandy coast. The Lofoten archipelago is known for its remote, rugged beauty. Painters and authors have long drawn inspiration from the islands. Intrepid cyclists are now being attracted to these islands, for a bike tour of epic proportions.

The landscapes are magnificent, with flocks of seabirds scattering the air in search of food and picturesque fishing villages nestled into protected bays. The population of the five main islands is 25,000.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Lofoten

Number 1: The archipelago took its name from the island of Westwogey, which was formerly called Lofoten. Lofoten is translated from Old Norse as ‘trot leg’. Probably, to the inhabitants of that time, the shape of the island resembled the foot of a lynx. 

Number 2: People came here relatively recently, around 6000 years ago. In those days, the conditions for life on Lofoten were very favourable; a cool, but generally mild climate, with a huge amount of fish in the sea and game in the mountains. The rocky islands of today would have been covered in coniferous and deciduous forests.

 

Number 3: In Svolvær, (midway up the archipelago) the sun is seen above the horizon continuously from 25 May to 17 July. When the midnight sun is seen in the Arctic, the sun appears to move from left to right.

 

 

Number 4: Approximately 70% of all fish caught in the Norwegian and Barents seas use the waters around the Lofoten islands as a breeding ground. The islands have been the centre of great cod fisheries for more than 1000 years, especially in winter, when the cod migrate south from the Barents Sea and gather in Lofoten to spawn.

Number 5: The world’s largest deep-water coral reef, The Rost Reef is located 60 miles west of the island of Røstlandet. The reef was discovered in 2002, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of the island of Røstlandet. 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, the reef is generated by the coral Lophelia pertusa, and is the world’s largest known Lophelia reef. 

Number 6: Lofoten has a high density of sea eagles, cormorants and millions of other sea birds, among them the charismatic puffin. It boasts mainland Europe’s largest seabird colony. Puffins mate for life. Every year, during the breeding season, pairs separated by thousands of miles, for months on end, somehow reunite at the same burrow. Puffins have special glands behind their eyes that filter excess salt out of their blood and excrete it through their nostrils. This adaptation allows them to remain indefinitely at sea with no reliance on freshwater sources.

Number 7: ‘Operation Claymore’ was the name given to a British commando raid on the Lofoten Islands during the Second World War. The islands were an important centre for the production of fish oil and glycerine, used in the German war effort. The commandos achieved their objective, of destroying fish oil factories and some 3600 tonnes of oil and glycerine. After the raid, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill issued a memo “to all concerned … my congratulations on the very satisfactory operation”.

Number 8: The first fishing houses, or Rorbu, were built here in 1120 by the order of King Oysten. Most of the Rorbu belonged to feudal lords at that time, who rented them out, along with tackles and a supply of food. Fishermen paid for the use of Rorbu with almost all of their catch. These days Lofoten fishermen are very wealthy people, and almost everyone has their own Rorbu, (often more than one). The houses are usually rented out to travellers in summer. The price for an overnight stay in a Rorbu is an order of magnitude higher than in an ordinary hotel.

Number 9: In Norse cosmology, all beings live in Nine Worlds that centre around the cosmological tree Yggdrasil. The gods inhabit the heavenly realm of Asgard, whereas humanity inhabits Midgard, a region in the centre of the cosmos. Odin is a one-eyed, raven-flanked god, holding a spear in his hand. Odin pursues knowledge throughout the nine realms. The most popular god among the Scandinavians during the Viking Age was Thor. He wields a mighty hammer called Mjölnir. Thor is associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength and the protection of humankind.

 

Number 10: The ‘Lofoten Insomnia’ is a summer bike race held each year in the archipelago. The 234 km race starts from a place called simply Å. This is the most westerly point in Norway. The race begins in the middle of the night and is illuminated by the midnight sun.  

+1 : The Coastal Route between Trøndelag and Bodø

Next-level outdoor adventures await in this cycling paradise. The Coastal Route between Trøndelag and Bodø, was voted one of the world’s most scenic roads.

 



Our first foray into Africa (Morocco) – 14 years in the making!

Morocco is now on the tour roster with the Conquest of the Moors

Some of our tours move quickly from conceptualisation to design and execution. Our Caesar Tour from London to Rome, for instance, went from being discussed over coffee in June 2015 to planned, scouted and on the website by September of that same year. We went on to run the inaugural Caesar Tour in May of 2016 with a turn around of less than 12 months for a 34-day Epic. It still holds the record for our fastest Epic Tour creation.

The creation of that tour though was aided by the fact I had already been running bike tours in Europe for 15 years. In addition, we had done a family bike trip back in 1988 from Cambridge to Cognac that incorporated much of the route we chose for Caesar as well. In a nutshell, the tour design had been done before we even came up with the idea of creating the tour. All that remained to be done was join the dots.

Joining those dots took rather longer with respect to our new tour that incorporates Morocco and marks our first foray on to the African continent. In this case, the tour idea dates back almost 15 years.  Back in 2006, I took part in a charity hitchhike with my sister, Anika, from Brighton (England) to Morocco and it was then that the idea was born.

The hitchhike itself was a wonderful experience to share with my sister and felt like a throwback to a more innocent time. Our parents had hitchhiked around Europe in their younger years but by the time we felt our own wanderlust bubble up, it was no longer considered a ‘normal’ way to travel. The chance to do it together though, and as a charitable endeavor convinced us to give it a go. Over the course of 5 days, 2500km and 12 lifts we crossed the English Channel and travelled down through France and Spain.

As an experience, it is one I’ll never forget and it left me with the lasting impression that it is a very hospitable world out there. There is a lot to be said, within reason, for leaving your comfort zone, just hitting the road and following your instincts. The hospitality that was extended to us on that journey and the great conversations we had along the way were a testament to what happens when you take on a challenge with a smile. Taking on challenges and smiling at those we meet is the bedrock behind the Epic List we now have!

Morooco hitchhiking

The undoubted highlight of the whole trip was Morocco. Our final lift got us to the enchanting city of Almeria in Andalucia (Spain) where we hiked up to the top of the Alcazbar castle -the second-largest Moorish fortress in Andalucia after Granada’s Alhambra. It was on this day that my interest in the Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula began, an occupation that was to last over 700 years from the year 707. In this context finishing the hitchhike in Morocco was an apt way to complete the journey. Until this trip, I had little idea of how great an influence the Moors had wielded over modern-day southern Europe.

Not that our initial arrival into Morocco wielded too many clues having caught a ferry from Almeria to the Spanish enclave of Melilla. In effect, we travelled from Spain, across the Mediterranean to once again arrive Spain! Melilla, alongside Ceuta, form the European Union’s only land borders in Africa and was an inauspicious start to our post hitch hike holiday in ‘Morocco’. It caused a fair amount of confusion when we disembarked that’s for sure 🙂

Once we got out of Melilla though we embarked on what, to this day, remains one of my best ever trips. There is something amazing about travelling with limited expectations about what you’ll see and experience. Back in 2006, the opportunity to tap into online travel review sites was limited and certainly not something I was familiar with doing. As such, I felt like I was travelling ‘blind’ and every new place we visited seemed to blow me away. Bumping into a camel in the tight alleys of the Fes Medina, seeing the ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaeun from afar and seeing goats in Argan trees were just three standout moments. From that point, I was hooked and determined to ride my bike in Morocco and run a tour there.

Riding my bike there was the easy part though and indeed, I did that the next year with a mountain bike trip through the Atlas mountains. Setting up a tour there was a different matter altogether. At that point, the tours I guided were all in Europe and my then employer had little appetite to venture any further south. Since that first trip to Morocco, I’ve been back 11 times and it never ceases to enchant me as a travel destination. Setting up Ride and Seek back in 2011 marked the point when I seriously started planning it in my head as a real possibility.

It was at the end of 2017 that we finally committed to running a tour in Morocco and the first round of scouting was a true family affair. I would like to thank our youngest guide Luka – my son- for his sterling work in helping to put this tour together! Here he is below getting into the spirit of things with his headwear in the knife quarter of the remarkable Fez Medina.

Morroco will be the 30th country that we have cycled in and from a personal perspective, it is the one I am arguably most excited about, particularly as it has taken more than 14 years to make it happen! The inaugural Conquest of the Moors Tour will run in October 2020 and I am delighted to be one of the guides on the Moroccan stage.  Through many wonderful hours of ‘scouting’ with the family, and now with the guide team, this tour is one we have waited a long time to realise!

Fez medina



FAQ CORNER: Do I have to ride in a group?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions we hear from prospective riders?

Riding on Korcula Island on Marco Polo

The answer is a categorical no! We pride ourselves on enabling you to ride at your own pace. Our van and bike guide support is structured to this end and with meticulously researched routes uploaded onto GPS units, we are very adept at managing a broad rider spread.

Picnic lunch at Lake Trasimene on Hannibal

We find that with designated coffee and lunch spots throughout the day the spread will ebb and flow but we are well versed in riders coming in at different times and actively encourage that to be the case. Whatever your ride style and ability we will facilitate you riding the tour at a pace that suits you.

Checking the Espresso Gradings

If you do like riding in a group you’ll typically find other riders in the group that roll at a pace that you feel comfortable with. That often becomes your own mini peloton during the course of the tour. One of the undoubted joys of these group tours is the opportunity to meet and ride with others but that choice is yours to make.

The Road Less Travelled through the Dolomites on Caesar

Another element of being able to ride at your own pace is that you don’t have to wait for your fellow riders. You are free to go as fast as you see fit and there is no requirement to stop at the top of cols for the backmarkers which some companies insist on. Grab that ‘col’ photo and then keep rolling.

Looking back towards France at the top of Col Agnel (2744m) on Hannibal 2013

Our tours are imbued with a sense of discovery and as such we actively encourage you to ‘smell the flowers’ along the way. Whether that means you are an avid photographer, a gourmet who wishes to take your time over one of our picnic lunches, or a coffee connoisseur the choice is yours as to how to negotiate the A to B of any given day.

Lunch stops to savour or just a grab and go



COVID-19 Self-Testing Kits for USA Travellers

Since the CDC issued new guidelines on he 7th May, anyone travelling back to the United States can now use certain self-administered tests to satisfy the requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test result. The test need to be taken within 3 days of the return flight. We’re currently recommending the Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit , and would advise ordering a pack of these self-admnistered tests at least two weeks before departure.

How to purchase and use a self-administered test to satisfy testing requirements on return to US.

BEFORE TRAVEL
Order your test kits before leaving the USA:

We would advise ordering your tests at least a week before your planned departure date, as shipping will take around two days within the US. A pack of 6 tests costs around $150, and allow around $15 shipping costs. You will need to bring your own test kit on tour with you.

When ordering, you will fill out a brief form giving your reason for ordering tests, for which you would select the option “To obtain pre-departure COVID-19 test results for re-entry into the United States as mandated by the CDC“. The site will approve the prescription – individuals only need prescriptions to purchase a pack of tests, but results are valid with or without a prescription. The tests will have an expiration date, but usually have a 9 month shelf life.

You can pack your tests in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Download the App
To take the test during your trip you will first need to download the NAVICA app, which should work on almost all iOS and Android smartphones. Downloading the app and creating an account can be quite time conusming, so we strongly recommend that you do this before departure. Once you have taken your test, the NAVICA app will save the result and create a timestamp, whch you will then need for departure check-in. Everyone in your group will need their own account in the NAVICA app.

DURING YOUR TRIP
Taking the Test

You will need to take the test within three days prior to your flight home.

To take the test go to the eMed website and click “start test.” You do not need to make an appointment, and the service is available 24/7.

Two devices are required to complete the test – the first is the smartphone with the NAVICA app installed, and the other will need a webcam and browser so that you can connect with a doctor. The second device can be a phones, tablets or laptops – we can help with this, so do ask us.

A doctor will connect with you via video chat to confirm your identity and to validate your test result. Anyone with their own personal NAVICA app account can use a self-administered test, and verify their results via eMed website.

Travelling back to the USA

Simply show your NAVICA app at the airport to confirm your certified negative test result.



Guide Soul Rides – Mt Buffalo (Australia)

Dave Moore lives in the country town of Cootamundra in NSW, Australia. He guides on our tours Down Under and co-led the inaugural Strzelecki Tour in 2021. His soul ride is from the spectacular Victorian Alps and is a legendary Aussie climb – Mt Buffalo. This climb features as an extra loop option on Strzelecki.

Mt Buffalo was Australia’s first ski field with the Chalet opening in 1910 and is approx 70km round trip from Bright in the Victorian Alps.

The start of the climb and NP entrance

Mt Buffalo National park toll booth signifies the start of the climb, with the road sheltered by tall stands of mountain ash and thick undergrowth, providing protection from the scorching sun and the buffeting winds.

Not long into the ride you pass the car park for trekkers walking the 20kms Big Walk trail to the Chalet. With smooth road surface following the ridge line, multiple hairpins, altitude is quickly gained. Mackeys’ Lookout has views towards Bright and brings a stark change in the landscape with The Font on the left, a rock face of striking granite that seems to rise upwards forever and valley views on the right.

View from the top

A short descent to Mt Buffalo plateau is where I turn left past the cricket pitch, several sharp ramps and just under 21ks you arrive at the Chalet with stunning vistas, making the hard work worthwhile. The joy of the ride can turn to momentary disappointment if the coffee van is closed, ask Cathy who I rode the mountain with on Strzelecki :).

Instead of turning left, you can ride straight on past Lake Catani, lined by smaller snow gums, subalpine grasses, and bogs to Dingo Dell, named due to resident Alpine dingos and onto The Horn, with the final 3kms gravel.

A well earned beer at the end of a legendary climb

A cracking descent followed by a refreshing ale at the Porepunkah hotel or the Bright Brewery brings my soul ride to an end.

Dave Moore


Guide Soul Rides – Provence (France)

Dylan Reynolds is the founder of Ride and Seek and is based in Provence, France. His chosen soul ride is a 75km(46 miles) loop ride with 1400 metres (4593 feet) of elevation – with an optional out and back from Chalet Reynard to Mont Ventoux!

A soul ride with an iconic out and back option 🙂

My go-to regular soul ride is an out and back up the Gorges de la Nesque which takes around 2 hours to complete. Whenever I’m short of time and need to clear my head this is my ride of choice. It combines all the elements that I consider important for a soul ride – great views, low car numbers, and not overly arduous. I have a nice warm-up on back roads to the Gorges to warm up the legs and then the climbing begins. The profile below confirms my comment regarding it not being too tough though.

Gorges de la Nesque elevation profile (credit Cycling Cols)

With Mont Ventoux in my backyard though it would be amiss to not include the ‘Giant of Provence’ on my choice of overall soul ride. I have taken the liberty of making the ride to the top an option though which is in keeping with the idea that a soul ride should not blow your legs off :). The ride I profile here is also my favourite loop ride when I have a bit more time on my hands. It incorporates the Gorges de la Nesque, a ride from Sault to Chalet Reynard, descent to Bedoin and then home to Mormoiron. The 6km climb from Chalet Reynard to the summit is an option!

View from the top of the Gorges de la Nesque (738m)

This loop ride is shown here on Strava https://www.strava.com/activities/5018922115/embed/c5c0b00b3ce553253ab7aeb5e5334c9f00b8a48b

The first part takes us from our village to the start of the Gorges de la Nesque via a series of back roads. Once on the gorge road, the great thing is that there is a trunk road that is more direct to get to Sault and so most traffic avoids it. In the summer the tourist traffic can be a little annoying – camper vans and motorbikes in particular – but if you ride it out of season or early in the day you have to yourself.

View from the Gorges with Mont Ventoux in the background

One of the surreal things about this ride is the boar you often meet at the top. For those who aren’t expecting it meeting a wild boar on arrival is something of a surprise. It is a common feature given the unofficial boar sanctuary that has been created by an American couple at the top though. Sadly Bill, who was an ex-Marine and member of the Foreign Legion, passed away in 2020 but his wife continues the project.

Meeting the locals

From the top of the Gorges, we ride towards the town of Sault. You can pass through the town for a coffee if you wish, or can turn earlier on to avoid the climb up. There is plenty of climbing to come so any respite is welcome although a pre-climb coffee can also hit the spot. The ride up Mont Ventoux from the Sault side is continued the ‘easy’ one of the 3 ascents. It’s all relative though! The profile below shows the whole climb.

Mont Ventoux from Sault (credit Cycling Cols)

You can see from the profile that the ride up to Chalet Reynard is fairly gentle in terms of gradient and hence the option to head down from there. The extra loop option to ride to the top of Mont Ventoux is more challenging and hard to resist if you’ve got as far as the Chalet though. I tend to do the final out and back climb to the top 50% of the times I do this ride. The ascent to the top is always emotional no matter how many times you have done it.

A 12km out and back up to the top – hard to resist?

Whether I go to the top or just call it a day with the climbing at Chalet Reynard I always grab a bite to eat or at least a drink there. The snack bar does a mean pizza and there is plenty of choice. From here it is time to put on the wind jacket for the super quick descent back down to Bedoin – the most celebrated side of the mountain as it is the classic Tour de France route.

Neapolitan pizza at the Chalet Reynard – anchovies anyone?

At this point, the climbing is done so enjoy the descent! At the bottom there is an option to cut the corner to head more directly back to the village in which we live – Mormoiron – or if I’ve got a bit of time on my hands a beer in Bedoin always welcome. I have hesitation in presenting this ride as an all-time favourite soul ride with or without beer and pizza.