A few days before Christmas, the Valencian Guidon enjoyed a pleasant moment of conviviality at Tee Gourmet, the restaurant at the Espalais golf course. This meeting was an opportunity to take stock of a busy year, marked by kilometers covered, shared efforts and numerous cycling adventures. There are around twenty regular members, passionate about cycling and the landscapes of the region. Every week, on Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m., they meet for outings of around 80 kilometers across the superb hillsides between Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. And there is no shortage of choice of routes! These weekly meetings combine solidarity and adaptation to the level of each participant, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Memorable extras
Alongside the weekly releases, 2024 was also marked by exceptional moments. A week in Najac, for example, allowed members to cycle 350 km for nearly 6,000 meters of elevation gain! While the cyclists climbed the hills, those accompanying them enjoyed walks through this magnificent region. The program also included local events, such as the Round of the Two Towers of Golfech, as well as other friendly Sunday outings. These moments strengthened the bonds between members, while offering everyone the opportunity to discover new horizons.
Projects for 2025
The coming year promises to be just as rich and dynamic. The club's leitmotif remains unchanged: ride to maintain and have fun. The two weekly meetings on Tuesday and Thursday, with a departure always located at 29, avenue de Bordeaux, will continue to be the heart of the activity of the Valencian Guidon. In addition to these regular outings, a day excursion will be scheduled to discover new routes. A great end-of-summer week will take place in one of the two exceptional settings under discussion: the Lot or Lozère. These regions promise splendid landscapes and motivating sporting challenges. Furthermore, from January 12, the club will participate in the traditional Ronde des crèches, a cultural route punctuated by eight stops across the Gers and the west of Tarn-et-Garonne, to discover local crèches.
A smooth transition
The end-of-year general meeting also marked a significant change in the organization of the club. As president, Didier Oper bows out after years of investment, giving way to Didier Louda, who takes over with enthusiasm. He will be assisted by Michel Vannier, while Christine Najac continues to fulfill her role as secretary with dedication. As for the treasury, it remains in the expert hands of Jean-Philippe Laroussinie.
