Since 2006, the town of Montauban has paid tribute every March 8 to Olympe de Gouges, daughter of Montauban and author of the Declaration of the Rights of Women and Citizens.
Much more recently, in 2016, a cyclist, member of the departmental cycle tourism committee of Tarn-et-Garonne, the CODEP 82, decided to bring together “cyclotes” from all over the department for a whole day to cycle without any spirit of competition, record, speed or sprint. A day placed under the double sign of the discovery of “remarkable sites” and leisure. A cycle ride certainly but which does not avoid topographical difficulties!
Because women are among themselves, because it is women who organize this day, who are responsible according to the established expression, it was natural to name this day “Olympe de Gouges”. This day is reserved for any woman pedaling, in a club or not, with a road bike, mountain bike, VTC or e-bike.
This year, the organization and implementation of this beautiful day was entrusted to the VCM (Véloce Club Montalbanais). Practitioners from the Cyclo Club de Caussade, the Rayon Théopolitan (Lavilledieu-du-Temple), the CTM (Cyclo Touristes Montéchois), the Poumpils Beaumontois, the GVC (Golfech Vélo Club) and of course the VCM, as well as individuals were at the Meet at the Carreyrat village hall for a welcome coffee and administrative formalities. Then, in groups, the cyclists headed towards La Salvetat-Belmontet, Monclar de Quercy and its castle, Bruniquel and its two castles and the wash house then Montricoux and Bioule where the middle break was taken at the restaurant. Well weighed down by the fun, the girls got back on their bikes to reach Nègrepelisse and Montauban. The groups took a break on Rue Fraîche, the birthplace of Olympe de Gouges, and took a walk around the Place Nationale, respecting the regulations, that is to say on foot!
The VCM welcomed for this day As is tradition, the hostesses thanked their guests with some typically Montauban gifts, chocolates from Pécou, cakes from Poult as well as goodies offered by the town hall of Montauban, the Crédit Agricole and the departmental council. May each of them be thanked for their generosity.
