The Glaudax Difference

The Basics

Glaudax, as its website will tell you, is “glamorous Audax”. Audax members ride unsupported over distances normally ranging from 100 km upwards, carrying their own supplies, managing punctures and other mechanicals, sheltering or even sleeping in bus shelters. The two brothers who run Glaudax take care of the luggage, transporting it from hotel to hotel, provide “van stops” with water and snacks, and provide whatever support riders require on the road as they cycle on their own or in groups. Richard and Tony plan the routes meticulously but of course there may be last minute road or ferry closures; they are ahead of the game, providing dynamic updates.

Sailing ship spotted while waiting for a ferry crossing.

Most of this you can of course find on the Glaudax website. Now for my personal view: I cannot recommend Glaudax too highly.

My Perspective

Great for Groups, Couples and Solo Riders

There are other organisations that provide routes and transport luggage but personally I have found it difficult to find self-guided trips with luggage transfer for solo riders. Perhaps it’s not economic, perhaps organisations are concerned about the safety and insurance implications of lone riders. For me as a solo rider, it’s similar to Audax events in that I can ride on my own or join others for part of the route. Groups, couples and solo riders are all welcome.

The Domestiques

Nothing is too much trouble for our two domestiques, Richard and Tony, both strong cyclists. Each day one would drive the van, transporting the luggage, making a couple of van stops to provide water and snacks and providing any support needed. The other “domestique” rode the route, sorting out any changes required by last minute road closures or changes to the ferry crossings of the River Seine.

Both Richard and Tony are fluent in French and had sorted out the best coffee and cake stops as well as arranging evening meals for those who wanted to eat with the group - which was most members on most evenings.

Support on the Road

The Glaudax van offers a rescue service, free, provided that riders stay on the route. On my 200 km rides I carry a range of tools that fortunately I’ve never had to use. It was such a relief to be able to carry just the minimum, knowing that if I had a serious mechanical I could get support.

Full Days - Value for Money

Glaudax trips offer really good value for money, not least because a six day trip is six days of riding. So often with other organisers, day 1 involves meeting the leaders and sorting out bikes with the riding starting on day 2. The last day is often a short ride after breakfast, followed by departure. So, a six day trip is actually four days.

Not so with Glaudax. With an overnight ferry the Normandy trip began with breakfast at shortly after 7 am for a full day’s cycling. The last day ended around 5.30 pm with a shorter ride that gave time for some sightseeing but probably also gave time for the two domestiques to rescue anyone who needed it without any risk of missing the ferry.