An original and inspiring circuit in the Champagne landscapes, this is the concept of the Raid Bulles mountain bike course. Driven by the Tourist Offices of the Côte des Bar, the Pays d’Othe and Armance and Troyes La Champagne Tourisme, supervised by the former pro Guy Gallopin, the itinerary, which can be broken down into different sections, is about to go from 300 to 410 kilometres.
“Why go so far when there are super beautiful places near us”. This reflection is somewhat the one that guides Guy Gallopin, a former professional runner, now established in Chaource, a town located in Aube near Troyes. He knows this territory as well as he loves it. And this is theTroyes Champagne Métropole Tourist Office who asked him about ten years ago to establish the first cycle routes in the region.
White paths punctuated by picturesque villages
Since 2013, these are some 300 kilometers of mountain bike and gravel routes which have been traced in the south of the department. The opportunity for the cyclo-hiker, in cool mode or in a more sporty version, to cross the plain of Troyes, the vineyards of the Côte des Bar and Montgueux, the forests and valleys of the Pays d’Othe-Armance. “It’s magnificent” enthuses Guy Gallopin who mentions “only 15% of road” on the whole route. Because for the rest, they are white paths or marked trails in the forest. An exceptional natural setting punctuated here and there by picturesque villages where many producers and craftsmen work.
The Raid Bubbles mountain bike trail, it cannot be invented, constitutes an ideal discovery circuit of Champagne, in total harmony with the territory and nature. On the weekend of June 10 and 11, it will also be possible to discover all or part of the route in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Guy Gallopin will of course be present. “For example, it’s an opportunity to teach people how markup works,” he explains.
If some, “the furious”, swallow the almost 4,000 meters of altitude difference and complete the route in one go, to fully enjoy its hilly landscapes and other wooded peaks, it is however advisable to do it in five or six days. “60 km stretches in the day, that’s good” recognizes Guy Gallopin who specifies that on Chaource, renowned for its cheese, “you can have fun doing loops of 19, 35 or 40 km” . Real oxygenating parentheses in the frantic race of everyday life. With of course the possibility of agreeing to a sparkling stopover in one of the many cellars scattered in the region.
A large loop of more than 400 km starting from Troyes
From 300 km, the Raid Bulles circuit is about to increase to 400 km. ” Everything is ready. Only a few authorizations in principle remain. It will be officially open in 2024” declares the former professional runner particularly proud of this great loop integrating different routes connected to each other. “It will thus be possible to From Troyes, continue to Chaource, continue to Bar-sur-Seine, Bar-sur-Aube, then Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, Les Riceys, Ervy-le-Chatel, before returning to Troyes » sums up Guy Gallopin who is striving, in conjunction with the associations, the French Cycling Federation, to “find the most secure circuits possible” because, he says, “with the car, today it is no longer possible”.
Important detail, the courses are classified by color, like the ski slopes. The Raid Bulles 400 km version, “overall, it will be red” confirms the specialist, delighted to see many mountain bikers walking the paths, but also “more and more gravel enthusiasts who come to have fun”. Have fun, exert yourself while traveling responsibly, listening to your sensations and nature. This is a nice program.
