My week in Provence

[maillotpois]

Bikerbarb - I don't want to complicate your decision making, but you should know that some of the Backroads trips have longer options than 20 - 30 miles a day. We did an "epic" Tour de France trip a few years ago and it was great. Riding was up to 70 - 80 miles a day and hard. I think even if the "planned" rides are shorter than you want, the guides can also always give you suggestions for a longer ride. One of the guys on our tour had done an easy trip the year before and was able to get in a lot more riding than advertised.

I do think doing it on your own wuld be fantastic, though. You have the independence to stop anywhere you want, turn down any road that looks interesting. If you have the equipment to do it, I would do it self supported.

The logistics of the bike boxes is always the tough thing!

Have fun. I So wish we were going again this year. Maybe next year.

[bikerbarb]

Yes, I know they do have longer mileage options, but the the ones they sent us kept you in the same hotel for a few days while you do loop rides. I really don't want to stay in fancy hotels, I want to experience local people and have a less Americanized experience. Also, I don't want to deal with small group dynamics. The last 3 summers we did week long tours in the US with organized biking that had us sleeping in tents or on the gym floors of schools. Little b&B's will be a step up--and yes, we are so looking forward to the spontaneity of being on our own. And self sufficiency in hauling our own gear. My daughter is now fluent in French, so I want to take advantage of that, too.
I'll be sure to post the pros and cons of how it turns out. I'm going in 3 weeks.

[maillotpois]

If you get down near Carpentras, go to this nougat factory: http://www.nougat-silvain-freres.fr/01/nougats.php

They have the most wonderful (funny in a way) movie about the brothers making the nougat and stuff, and the candy is great!!