In this internet (of things) age, this weird, wired and wireless world, the idea that the most powerful recommendations are still those delivered face to face might be considered a radical concept by some. But it’s clearly the Velo Pavé way and the proof of the pudding is, as always, in the eating.
We sent our own Dane Jackie north to Farum to take part in the Vélo Pavé Café du Cycliste 100 Women’s ride, with the 100 of the title referring not to the distance to be covered but the number of participants. You have to ask yourself : when was the last time you saw a peloton of 100 (or a close as dammit) female cyclists other than on the TV ?
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Jackie was the ONLY new rider in the event. Every other cyclist in the group had already been absorbed into the female cycling scene curated by Vélo Pavé partner, Carsten and his wife, Mette, the resident expert for any and all the questions and demands from female cyclists that come Vélo Pavé’s way.
She’ll ride with one or 100 cyclists. Just as long as she rides. And like her husband, she is a firm believer in the advantages of a well regimented group ride whilst at the same time being fully aware that sitting in the wheels for the first time can be a nerve racking experience. The guidance offered covers every element from cleat choice to cadence, from saddle height to multi-tools and, of course, to attire.
Globally speaking, the climate in this part of Scandanavia might be described as ‘temperate’ but from our vantage point ‘au bord de la mer’, it ranges from ‘quite’ to ‘extremely’ cold for most of the year. Average temperature in February? Zero degrees celcius. Which helps explain the abundance of merino long sleeved Yolandes and Claudettes along side the abundance of pre-ride pastries (or Danish, or course).
Inevitably the route to this point is slightly different for everyone, there’s no one size or one road fits all here. But certain themes emerge about how so many female riders have converged in this way, at this time and in this place. And whether it be after starting to ride in nearby Copenhagen (slated, after all, as the most cycle friendly city on earth), after accompanying husbands, boyfriends and partners or simply moving from two feet running to two wheels rolling, there’s a real sense that however the fire was lit, the flames were soon burning brightly. Fanned of course by Mette and Carsten and Vélo Pavé.
Their passion and enthusiasm has played a significant part, along with their attention to detail. Evidenced on this particular day by the four (yes, four) motorbikes which clear the road ahead and lead out the peloton along with the support vehicles bringing up the rear, dispensing mechanical aide and non-mechanical encouragement in equal measure.
And perhaps too that climate is actually a help rather than a hindrance. Because the brooding skies which lend the landscape an ethereal quality all of it’s own and threaten to pour forth at any moment or the wind which blows in four directions at once and tries to rattle teeth, feel every bit as much a part of the ride as the riders themselves and brings with it an added, and unbridled, sense of adventure.
In a way that’s what Velo Pavé have created more than anything, in that distinctive face to face way of theirs, in a town in the north. A place to adventure from, a place to strike out from against the elements. Alone, in smaller groups or in an event such as this. And a place to return to when spurs have been won and spirits enriched .
Maybe that’s why almost one hundred female cyclists, who got here from almost the same number of different directions, have done all of that and more today.