The Call of the Mountain: Brice and I have been watching the weather maps closely for the past few days, hoping for mild temperatures and little wind. We can see it coming, our two-day window, which promises to be bright and summery!
We had this plan to cross the mountain range together by bike, but the weather conditions and our personal availability weren't quite aligned at the moment. It was when we saw these two beautiful days ahead of us that we decided to do a sort of training for crossing the Pyrenees: The Call of the Mountain !
We put everything on hold, loaded up our bikes, and spun our legs and wheels for two days.
First Day
We set off at dawn to ride 60 km each on our own (from Mirepoix for me and from Ille-sur-Têt for Brice) to meet up in Axat and begin the climb of the Col de Pailhères together. The smiles are there, we are happy to be pedaling, the sky is blue and the mountains are green and flowery. Life on a bike is simple and gives us so much happiness !
I like to think that the best adventure will be tomorrow's. And in reality, I think the adventures we can experience and relive are probably priceless. Within reach, by opening the door of your home , sometimes taking the same path again in a different season, it changes everything: the type of terrain, the intensity of the effort, the difficulties must be overcome differently. For me, opening the door of the house and leaving in all simplicity is priceless... and we are lucky to have the Ariège and the Pyrenees as a backdrop!
For this first day, we cycled, glided down the descents, listened to more birds than cars, and contemplated the peaks rising around us. We crossed the Col de Pailhères at an altitude of 2,001 meters, rode through the Ax-les-Thermes valley, crossed the Col de Port to glide down to Massat, and followed the river to Saint-Girons for a beautiful night's rest.
Second Day
The next day, we made our own transhumance via Aulus les Bains, the Col d'Agnès followed by the Port de l'Hers, a well-deserved resupply at Vicdessos, and a change of valley to go and observe the Roquefixade castle up close.
Then, a bit of freshness in the Picaussel maquis forest towards the Sault plateau, and a smooth descent where we will have to separate again, the time to go home has arrived.
I never tire of the freedom we can feel with these two-wheeled vehicles. Having on the bike what we need to eat, keep warm, protect ourselves from the sun. Eating by the side of the road, pedaling, thinking in this repetitive movement so simple and pleasant...
During this escapade between Ariège and Aude, I rode 408 km and climbed 6,000 meters in two days. As for Brice, he added the Pyrénées-Orientales to the loop with approximately 430 km and 7,000 meters of elevation gain.
The photos don't do justice to what we saw. We both love to cycle and don't stop, so many of the photos are etched in our memories...
But, we invite you to go, to take in your open arms this invitation to live adventures close to home.
In Bikepacking mode
Bikepacking, a form of minimalist cycle touring, invites you to experience adventure by bike, exploring the great outdoors with ease and autonomy. It combines the spirit of adventure cycling with the practicality of reduced equipment, allowing you to cover longer distances and access varied terrain, including unpaved trails.
Minimalism and lightness
Bikepacking is distinguished by its philosophy of minimalism. Unlike traditional cycle touring, which uses bulky racks and panniers, bikepacking favors lighter bags attached directly to the bike frame, saddle, and handlebars. This configuration allows for better maneuverability and greater freedom of movement, essential for technical terrain and long days in the saddle.
Essential equipment
Choosing the right gear is crucial when bikepacking. Bags are specially designed to optimize space and weight distribution. Ultralight clothing and camping gear are preferred to reduce the load without compromising comfort and safety. Good gear also includes a repair kit, multi-tools, and reliable navigation devices.
Autonomy and freedom
Bikepacking offers a high degree of autonomy . Cyclists can camp wherever they like, in the wilderness or in designated camping areas, freeing them from the constraints of accommodation. This autonomy comes with a deep connection to the environment, encouraging a more sustainable and nature-friendly way of traveling.
Exploration and discovery
Bikepacking opens up endless possibilities for exploration. Cyclists can take less-traveled roads, discover breathtaking landscapes, and experience authentic adventures far from the classic tourist routes. It's an invitation to discovery and improvisation, where each day brings its share of surprises and challenges. Bikepacking is an exhilarating way to discover the world by bike, combining adventure, freedom, and minimalism for a unique and enriching experience.
Velocidade is the feeling of freedom given by speed, the wind that makes your eyes water, the sound of the air blowing near your ears, a little taste of adrenaline that makes you feel good.
At Velocidade, we believe in cycling as the future of transportation! We've created a set of responsible bike and backpack luggage, designed and handcrafted in our workshop in Mirepoix, Ariège. To learn more about our commitments, click here .
MADE IN FRANCE
We wanted to create our bags with a waterproof and UV-resistant canvas certified Oeko-Tex made in France.
DESIGN
Products designed to last a long time with savings on raw materials and that can be repaired, a sustainable design.
REPARABLE
If it breaks, don't worry, we'll repair your bag!
COMMITMENT
As a committed brand, we donate 1% of our turnover to help preserve the environment.
RICARDO VIEIRA - FOUNDER/DESIGNER/COUTURIER
Ricardo has long been thinking about reducing his environmental impact, whether through his sporting practice of cycling, running, or in his everyday life, having decided to be vegetarian more than 20 years ago. Curious and passionate, he started creating and manufacturing his first objects when his grandfather gave him a sewing machine for his 17th birthday, and since then, he has worked to create, repair, and manufacture with the same energy and in the same direction, that of sobriety and localism. Convinced that the bicycle is the ultimate low-carbon solution for everyday travel, Ricardo decided to create Velocidade, and began designing and creating handmade bags, in a completely artisanal way.
