Page 17 - PBCMarch2018
P. 17
Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 15 No.1 March 2018 !17
Starting from the Grand Palais, off the
Champs Élysée following the same route, but
on tarmac roads rather than the gravel tracks
of 1867. Passing the Eiffel Tower it was
interesting to reflect that it wasn’t built until
over 20 years later in 1889. The Velo Club de
Paris rode as outriders, stopping traffic to
allow minimal dis-mounting for the
Velocipedists, and helping with minor
mechanicals, like pedals falling off!
The climb out of the Seine Valley was certainly a challenge with gradients of 5%, but were
made possible by the excellent hospitality from the Mayor of Chaville en-route. The crowds
grew as we approached the Palais de Versailles, where the wide boulevard gave an
opportunity to gather as a peloton for the final ‘race’ to the finish. All of the 20 Velocipede
riders were winners on the day for achieving this historic ride. We have come a long way
since 1867 but all the bikes that we ride today have evolved from those original machines
with iron frames, wooden wheels, iron tyres which weigh up to 45kgs!
Vive Le Velo
And we say Vive Le Watty!
