The Tour de France

The joys of Cycle Tourism

Cyclo tourism is a hobby that combines tourism and cycling, and is practiced by the cyclo-tourism. The activity is to discover new sites, landscapes and places, or to visit the lands and countries using the bicycle as a means of transport. Cyclo tourism should not be confused with long distance sports racing events like the Tour de France, which is first and foremost a leisure activity, additional exercise is an added bonus, but not the main and only objective cyclo-tourism. However, it is a form of ecotourism.

Cycle forms of tourism

Cyclo tourism is characterized by the distance traveled, travel time and the nature of the equipment used.

The short trip is a single or half-day outing. It requires no specialized equipment, apart from the tire repair kit standard water bottle and maybe a light snack.

The long trip can be up to a few hundred kilometers walk with camping equipment, a bicycle repair kit broader and clothing and special clothing to face the possibility of weather changes conditions. In this way a cycle tourist can avoid entire countries, cross borders or travel between distant cities. Some tourists even cycle as far as travel the world and crossing several continents to plan the future with great accuracy for all eventualities and scenarios.

In France and continental Europe a network of roads Cycling for tourists called "veloroute" is under construction to facilitate the movement of cyclists from across Europe. These roads are especially designed to be away from highways and high traffic for ways to use common tourist cycle routes providing access to tourists attractions conventional, such as campgrounds, museums, restaurants and accommodation. The economic benefits to local economies help to finance and develop the veloroute. "
History

Cyclo tourism was started by Paul lived in France in the late 1890's, the first excursions were Lyon-Nice and were executed within 24 hours. He is the founder of the seven commandments of Veloci (tourism cycle): – Take short breaks and rare – Have numerous and frequent light meals, eating before you are hungry and drink before you are thirsty – Never push until the abnormal fatigue that leads to lack of sleep and appetite – Cover before it's too cold and find yourself before be too hot – During the excursion, limiting or eliminating the consumption of snuff and alcohol

Team

The bike is the most important element of tourist cyclist. Must be comfortable and durable to accommodate the additional weight requires long trips. The seat is particularly important because if not ideal for long trips cause blistering, bruising and pain on long trips. The frame is generally of high quality steel class companies such as Reynolds, Vito and Columbus. skirts must be wide and sturdy, Ball bearings must be of high quality, must be broad and bags are usually made of high quality leather. Most of the long trek bicycles are usually made as to support the special and extenuating conditions and circumstances that tourism can provide cycle. Lighting should be complete with head lamp and lights off, tires must be of high quality and made for both street and mild off road conditions.

Robert Millar – Interview – 1986 Tour de France

The playful adventure of the island in the Loire Valley Castle in France Charming

Loire Valley in France has the largest selection of castles fifteenth and sixteenth century. With fifty to sixty "must see" castles scattered on both sides of a sweep of 100 miles of the river Loire, the first-time visitor may feel overwhelmed. Details of five of the most famous castles are below.

Chambord Castle

King Francis I was not content with only the castles of Chenonceau and Amboise. Acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting grounds and decided to build the world's most magnificent "flag hunting. "Chambord was built over decades by Francois and his successors, Henry II and Charles IX in the sixteenth century.

Fully restored, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the castles of the Loire – 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 chimneys. The great central staircase that was supposedly designed by the great Italian Vinci Leonardo da. Double spirals has two parts that allow people to upload and download simultaneously without meeting. Chambord awarded to any visit to its grandeur and extravagance.

Chenonceau Castle

Chateau Chenonceau surprised with its two floors, 260 meters from the Grand Gallery of arc over the river Cher. Originally "Acquired" by King Francis I, who then passed to his successor, Henry II, who in 1547 gifted his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane extended the castle and built a bridge over the River.

When Henry II died, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took revenge on his opponent forcing Diane to exchange Castle Chenonceau, near the castle of Chaumont. Catherine then ordered the construction of the gallery deck. Incredibly extravagant galas were held here until Catherine's son, Henry III, was assassinated. His wife, Louise of Savoy, placed the castle of mourning, the provision entirely in black and white.

History jumps as you tour the rooms and gardens. In World War I the Great Gallery became a hospital. In the Second World War the castle marked the boundary between occupied by the Nazis and the Free French and became the site of exchange of prisoners. Today the castle and grounds are maintained at its height as if they were under Catalina de 'Medici.

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in the 15th century by Lord Amboise at the site of a tenth-century feudal fortress, Chaumont offers incredible views of the Loire Valley. Later it was home to both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici of the famous Chenonceau Castle. Enjoy this castle that his feeling strength, drawbridge, with furniture, upholstery, and incredible views.

Amboise Castle

Amboise of small cobbled streets wind at the base grand. Although only 25% of the original castle survives, the walls of the fort with colors flying, looking down into the town and the neighboring river. I was here King Francis I hit his head on a low arch, fatally wounding him.

Castillo Clos Luce

No more than a mile and a half of Le Chateau Amboise is Clos Luce, a castle built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here, under the patronage of Francis I. The rooms are equipped with 40 models of Leonardo's inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers 500 years ago.

As you remember jumping castle take the time to go to some local wineries, for "tasting" or sample Take time to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Fabian Cancellara Tour de France 2009 Etappe 15 Verbier