Riding a bike through Champagne

Last week I received some pretty great news: I got the OK from the powers that be (my wife and my boss) to go back to Europe this summer to lead a couple of bike trips in France, Belgium, and a bit of Germany. As some of you may know, several years ago I used to lead trips just about every summer, but then life got in the way and, well, I just stayed at home to drink.

A few weeks ago, the company, Blue Marble Travel, dropped me a line saying that they were in need of a coordinator for their “Mousse Head” trip for the first two weeks of July. Was I interested in leading the trip?

Um. yeah.

It really did not take much convincing to get me to lead the trip–I have such great memories. I made many life-long friends and even met my wife as a result of my very first trip with Blue Marble.

**As of now, there are still a few spots left on the trip, so let me know if you might be interested (jeff (at) thedrunkecyclist (dot) com).** While there is no guarantee that you will meet your future spouse, there will be ample opportunities to ride (as much or as little as you would like), eat great food, and drink copious amounts of wine–particularly Champagne. Come for just one of the two weeks (or both)–let me know!

Here is the itinerary from the week in Champagne (taken from the Blue Marble website–I am pretty sure they don’t mind):

Day-by-Day Itinerary: *Champagne*
Day of the Week	Description	Typical distances, in km
Sunday	PARIS The trip will assemble tomorrow morning, but (unless you are coming in by overnight train), you will generally need to reach Paris on Sunday at the latest. If you wish, we can book a nearby hotel for you: see the trip’s Access Package for details. The day is yours for discovering the secrets of the city. Those not too jet-lagged can get together for dinner this evening, and size each other up. One of us (probably your Trip Coordinator) will advise your possible dinner plans. If you have landed in Europe today, start your battle with jet lag. Don’t sleep until tonight!Half Baggage
Monday	BIKE to BRIE Our trip assembles at Blue Marble’s office in central Paris, Monday at 9a. The only one of our trips to cycle out of Paris, this one exits the city following a bike path along theCanal de l’Ourcq, a once-industrial canal that exits the city to the northeast. Past the Cité de la Musique and the Museum of Science at La Villette, and through the suburbs on a poplar-lined tow-path. By afternoon you are passing through provincial towns and farm fields, which is something of a surprise, especially if you are from Los Angeles.Meaux, our first goal, is home to giant wheels of Brie cheese, and to a imposing cathedral. Finish the day with a ride along the Marne to a rural village, our home for two nights.	45 – 65 k
Tuesday	BRIE and the OURCQ VALLEY The day is yours to explore town and countryside. An ambitious triangular loop ride is on offer, across a plateau to the Ourcq valley, then downstream along the Ourcq, and home along the Marne. But it can be shortened by cutting off triangle points, or by judicious use of local trains.Stop in at the Romanesque churches that are centerpieces for every village and admire the flowerboxes which decorate the canal locks. World War I memorials are everywhere: life in this part of France is still marked by the “Great War” and its demographic aftermath.	40 – 85 k
Wednesday	The MARNE VALLEY Today we reach the vineyards in earnest, and the part of Champagne that everyone associates with the name. Our route along the Marne carries us through Château-Thierry and to Epernay, one of the viticultural region’s twin capitals. The ride is full of the sights and smells of the vineyards, cellar tastings are on offer at every farm, and a coupe can be had for the cost of a beer in any local bar.Half Baggage	60 k
Thursday	The MONTAGNE de REIMS Use the morning to recover from yesterday’s exertions, and to explore Epernay. Visit the Moët cellars and walk down the Avenue de Champagne, admiring the wine makers’ mansions.From Epernay, our bikes carry us through the vineyards, across the Montagne de Reims, and to the city of the same name, Champagne’s other capital. A ride that touches Champagne’s greatest vineyards, as well as an enchanted forest and a lumberjack house.Half Baggage	45 k
Friday	EXPLORING THE VINEYARDS, the ROUTE de CHAMPAGNE The stunning Reims cathedral, champagne cellars (and their associated tastings), the vineyards and other curiosities of the Montagne de Reims, and the Holy Roman Empire’s roots compete for your attention today, all accompanied by the omnipresent bubbles. Joan of Arc (was she Noah’s wife?) began a long tradition of crowning French Royalty here. Ride a little, a lot, or just wander around one of France’s most historically important cities.Half Baggage The trip disbands at the end of the afternoon in Reims.Guests continuing their trips with us, or those who subscribe to our “Access Package” will spend a second night in Reims. Dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast are part of the picture.	40, 55 or 90 k
Saturday	TRAVEL DAY Our Access Package includes the train back to Paris, whenever you want to make the trip. If you are continuing along one of our other itineraries (Northern Europe is the most common), you should now crumple this one up then get the new one out of your sock bag.

About the drunken cyclist

I have been an occasional cycling tour guide in Europe for the past 20 years, visiting most of the wine regions of France. Through this "job" I developed a love for wine and the stories that often accompany the pulling of a cork. I live in Houston with my lovely wife and two wonderful sons.

View all posts by the drunken cyclist →

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24 Responses to Riding a bike through Champagne

tomsimard says:

March 30, 2013 at 09:40

Sounds like it’s going to be a great trip. I’m looking forward to reading all about it.

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the drunken cyclist says:

March 30, 2013 at 09:41

Thanks Tom! Great to hear from you!

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Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat says:

March 30, 2013 at 10:23

Sounds wonder. My husband and I did a bike trip in Provence for my 50th birthday (this year will make it 10 years ago). It was one of the best trips we’ve done. I don’t think its in the cards for us this year. But I can’t wait to hear all about it from you. 🙂

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 10:31
  
  Thanks so much! My wife was on one of my trips through Provence and it was great (although the ride up to Les Baux was a tough one for her)!
  
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  - Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat says:
    
    March 30, 2013 at 10:34
    
    But coming back down was so much fun.
    
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talkavino says:

March 30, 2013 at 10:54

Looking forward more Ohmygod-type stories : ) Even though it seems that this trip doesn’t start from the train ride…

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 19:12
  
  Hopefully not too many Ohmygod stories!
  
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Red Wine Diva says:

March 30, 2013 at 18:18

What an awesome opportunity! Can’t wait to read about all the great wines (and food) you will experience on your trip. Enjoy!

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 19:12
  
  Thanks so much RWD!
  
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cupcaketravels says:

March 30, 2013 at 18:44

Sounds fab! Pity you aren’t doing Provence again though, we might have met up for a vin or two 🙂

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 19:12
  
  That would have been great!
  
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lignumdraco says:

March 30, 2013 at 19:54

Sounds great. Mental note about about this company for the future. Thanks.

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 20:03
  
  You definitely should–they are a great outfit and really know the less travelled roads….
  
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WordJacquieK says:

March 30, 2013 at 23:03

Can we have a Freaky Friday switch and I will take a trip to Champagne and you can work here in the City 😉 Looks like an AMAZING trip.

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 30, 2013 at 23:34
  
  You should just sign up for the trip and get out of the city!
  
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WordsFallFromMyEyes says:

March 31, 2013 at 07:19

Wow. What a life you are having. Bloody fantastic.

Clicked on you because of your blog name – great name. Cheers! 🙂

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 31, 2013 at 08:51
  
  Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, I really can’t complain (although sometimes I still do)….
  
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Small Businesses of America says:

March 31, 2013 at 08:51

Sounds like an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing.
All the best.
Shane

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  March 31, 2013 at 09:34
  
  Thanks!
  
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wineandhistory says:

March 31, 2013 at 20:11

That sounds like fun! Although the distances seem intimidating for someone who doesn’t bike.

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  April 1, 2013 at 12:35
  
  The distances are not really bad at all, plus they are usually backed up by trains if you get tired!
  
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Doug Pezzack says:

April 17, 2013 at 21:24

Jeff just heard you may be doing the July Blue Marble trip in Champagne and Belgium/ Luxembourg /Germany?
Look forward to meeting and riding with you. Staying at the BM apt for a few days before the trip so may see you around the office there. Been studying my Belgium beers so will count on your expertise for the Champagne.
Doug

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- the drunken cyclist says:
  
  April 18, 2013 at 21:41
  
  Hey Doug! Yup, I will be the fearless leader for those two trips–glad to hear you will be coming along! I will be coming into Paris likely Saturday morning so I will have a bit of time there. Definitely will swap Champagne trivia for Belgian beer insight!
  
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