Martian preparation for the tour

To cycle up a mountain is to pedal into a world of paradoxes. Mountains are a playground and a torture chamber; a means of outdoor adventure and inner discovery; an opportunity for wonder, a guarantee

It’s hard to imagine a better place to start a ride. At 1,326m Briançon is the highest city in France. And with 300 clear days a year on average, it’s also one of the sunniest. To describe the morning

The Pyrenees reserves its best treasures for walkers prepared to venture off the well-beaten trail, says Teresa Levonian Cole, on a solo holiday in Ribes de Freser

But Tadej Pogacar has the speed and stamina to eat up the toughest climbs of the Tour de France, says Simon Barnes

The last word

Been somewhere inspirational? Ridden an amazing road? Email YourRides@ride.co.uk to tell us about your trip and your bike