We were already used to riding electric bikes, but this time we went off the bike paths for a mountain trip on assisted mountain bikes (electric mountain bikes).
To get the most out of the experience, we called on Jérôme, a state-qualified instructor.
He suggested that we go for a half-day discovery ride from the beach to the nearby mountains.
Electric mountain bikes are for everyone and put everyone on the same level!
Everything started with picking up our bikes, and what bikes!
These full-suspension electric mountain bikes are impressive, as their powerful motors will enable us to overcome all obstacles without exertion.
Jérôme handed us helmets and gloves, then briefed us on adjusting the assistance levels.
That’s the whole point of the electric bike, we all have different physical abilities and yet we’re all going to ride together at the same pace and on the same route.
Our guide favoured the small (sometimes hidden) paths and we avoided the main roads.
We cycled alternately on the sand, along tracks in the shade of the pines or between the reeds. We crossed various zones, there vegetable gardens, here small village lanes, and were soon to arrive at the Château de Valmy, the starting point for many DFCI trails (trails made for firefighters to help prevent fires in the area).
We then chose to take a wide track that heads up behind the castle and winds through the Massif des Albères.
We were quickly immersed in the heart of nature. Jérôme told us about the landscape, he described the rocks, explained the cork bark on the oaks, showed us the arbutus which makes good jams, and the sarsaparilla leaves whose young shoots can be eaten.
We reached the highest point of our ride. We weren’t doubled up from all the exertion, and we were still fresh to enjoy the magnificent view of the deep blue sea.
After taking a few souvenir shots, we set off again to tackle the part we were looking forward to:
the descent!
Jerome showed us the technique for tackling the trails that split the rock in places.
We engaged our head and shoulders in tight turns, we altered the lines we took and our bikes made short work of the obstacles.
We were down in no time, and our smiles said a lot about what we had just experienced. We shared the same kind of togetherness you feel as children, glad to have shared a wonderful adventure with friends.
These electric mountain bikes are amazing. Suitable for everyone, they open up new possibilities of exploration with maximum pleasure and minimum effort.
So, let’s all hit the bikes!
