Les Pousse Rapières

Pousse rapière is an aperitif from Gascony in south west France made using an orange liqueur and sparkling wine (7 parts wine, to 1 part liqueur), just like a kir, and a nice alternative in summer. And, as the musketeer, D'Artagnan, also came from Gascony, we chose it for our name!

We, that's Astrid, Kerstin and Charlie, invite you to join us as we cycle along the Loire valley from Nevers to Nantes. Although Kerstin has already cycled here with friends after leaving school, this is going to be her first real cycling holiday and it's straight in at the deep end! Whether she's just brave, or mad, or both, well, only time will tell!

We're hoping for fair weather, fine wines, good food, lots of castles, great countryside and a lot of fun! But we'll let know you whatever happens.

Many people seem to have totally the wrong idea about cycling holidays. Yes, we do cover some ground - between 60 and 80 km a day, but it's best no to think about the distance but about the time: four or five hours of gentle exercise. Apart from lunch, we don't tend to have long breaks, preferring to get where we're going in the afternoon so we have time to explore.

And, no, we're not camping! When we get there, we want to get out of our cycling clothes, have a shower, relax and enjoy. I'd much rather be sitting in a bar with a glass of beer or wine in my hand, looking forward to a good meal, than putting up a tent and cooking small portions of pasta on a gas cooker. But whatever works for you!😃

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We hope you enjoy our ramblings!