What better place to ride a bike than on this French Caribbean island that celebrates cycling as the number one sport. In Guadeloupe, cyclists are cheered, local teams fill the roads and every year, life on the island stands still for the Tour Cycliste de la Guadeloupe, a late summer pro stage race that has been attracting front page coverage for more than 50 years.
All types of cyclists will enjoy Guadeloupe’s varied terrain, from coastal flats to steep, rolling hills. Easier rides follow the flatter roads through the cane fields and along the coast; more difficult rides cover the steadily rolling interior through the remote ravines of the Grands-Fonds or head north to climb the Porte d’Enfer. The hills here are short—from 200- to 400-feet—but challenging with regular 12-20% grades.
Sample Rides Your ride program can vary based on the number of riders and their relative fitness levels. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Chateaux Rock | This 61K/38M ride takes in the coastal flats of the central plains of Grande Terre. The out-and-back loop to the eastern tip of the island and the Pointe des Chateaux is a local favorite.
- Hell of the North | A flat to rolling 100K/63M route that takes us to the north coast of the island. There we tackle the climb up to the high cliffs of the Porte d’Enfer. Along the way we have the trade winds to make things interesting.
Guide-Support Structure | Besides being familiar with all the rides, our professional guides are in contact with each other and/or the support car. Full pro-style support also includes a racked follow vehicle that carries a full tool kit, provides daily “feed zones” and serves as a sag vehicle if needed. Optional massage services are available for the ultimate in recovery.
Professional-quality road bikes are available for rent during the program.
>Rental Bikes
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