The Dordogne. Why so few cyclists?

littledove44

I am currently pedalling around the southern Dordogne, scene of this years Tour de France stage 19.

Awesome weather, some of the smoothest Tarmac I have ever seen, beautiful countryside, almost no cars, great food etc....

But, on a 60km ride I am surprised if I see another road bike.

I am not complaining but am really puzzled.

Colinthecop

I read somewhere the sandwiches are poo and everyone has gone to ireland instead.

DiscoBoy

Perhaps because it is a Wednesday afternoon?

briantrumpet

I think that there really aren't that many active road cyclists in rural France - certainly further south. My regular French haunt (in the Drôme region, south east pre-Alps) is similarly blessed, but apart from Summer weekends I'll only ever see the odd cyclist, unless there's some event going on. And most of the cyclists I see are not exactly young. I don't think France is going through the reinvigoration of the cycling scene that Britain is enjoying. But all the more space for me and my friends...

littledove44

DiscoBoy wrote:

Perhaps because it is a Wednesday afternoon?

Not that, I have been here for a week.

Mikey23

There are usually zillions out on sunday am

littledove44

Mikey23 wrote:

There are usually zillions out on sunday am

I saw five, and four of them were Tibetan monks late for a service.

60k today and didn't see a single road cyclist. Two old ladies with baguettes in shopping bags only.

supermurph09

Is it flat or hilly?

y33stu

I've done some cycling around Cognac which isn't too far from there. It's pretty flat, but I still saw plenty of riders out. Mostly old timers though, very few young riders. Probably as rural France is largely farm land.

dabber

I spend about a third of the year in the department of the Lot... a bit to the east of where the OP is riding I think.
Very quiet roads but a reasonable number of cyclists about during the non-winter months. Varying from very casual riders, riders panniered up for touring to roadies. I see a few peletons around from both local clubs (Cahors) to those from further afield.
Lots of river valleys to ride and a nice assortment of climbs mainly cat 3 and 4.

goosey

The Dordogne. Why so few cyclists?

Shhhhhhhhhh!

andy9964

Might be the time of day.
Mad dogs and Englishmen etc.

rouleur23

I live there. Too hot for most. There are many BIG clubs and mornings are the French way.

il sole

there might not be many cyclists about in rural france, but have you noticed how courteous the drivers are?? In rural normandy I often use N roads, such is the respect they give cyclists.