Lifesparkz Bike Tour

Duration: ~5 hrs

Starting Point: Nice, France

Guide: Tina Baltzer

Tour Website: Lifesparkz

Distance: ~25 km

During the summer of 2021 I was biking 80 plus miles a week, most of that on rail trails with no elevation. I knew I wanted to see some of the French Riviera by bike but I don’t have routes, I don’t speak French and I was a bit concerned about hills and the potential flat tire. A guided tour at a leisurely pace on an electric bike was the perfect solution!

After I reserved my day Tina and I messaged about what to expect and what size bike I would need. She handled the bike reservation and when I got to the bike shop the morning of our ride everything was ready to go. She switched easily between English with me and French with the bike shop person (neither her native tongue) and we were off!

Tina knows this route well. The pace was very comfortable with the electric motor off for most of the trip, but when there was a hill I was glad to have the boost. I am sure she could have held a much faster pace but I never felt that I was slowing her down. She had planned stops at several scenic viewpoints as well as a short walk near the lighthouse. I had been concerned about riding on the roads. It turns out most places that were busy had a bike path and the most of the motorists left ample room when passing. When on the less traveled roads we were able to ride side by side and have a very enjoyable conversation. 

 On our return journey we stopped at Villefranche-sur-Mer for lunch in a cafe near the water. We both tried a soup that is typical of the area and she showed me how the accompaniments were meant to be enjoyed. Delicious by the way!

Going back into Nice she gave me the choice of returning on the same route or weaving in an out of the newer bike paths in Nice which had been installed during Covid. These paths had large plants, were very clearly marked and often separated from cars by a barrier. It was a really different perspective of the city.

Highly recommend Lifesparkz Tours! If you have the inclination to ride on your own Tina sells a booklet of routes on her website as well!

“Cyclists] see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.”

Dr K.K. Doty