Pascale Chollet: “Electric bikes open the door to travel”
At 65, Pascale Chollet is a devoted fan of electric bikes. After several trips to Switzerland, Italy, and as far as Strasbourg, she has just crossed the Alps with her friend Marie Marchand-Arvier, following a large portion of the Route des Grandes Alpes. For her, the e-bike isn’t a replacement for a regular bike—it simply offers a different way to enjoy traveling, explore the mountains… and take your time.
Has cycling always been a part of your life?
Yes, practically. I got my first bike when I was about 4 or 5 years old. Back then, it was how we got to school. I grew up in Roanne, in the Loire region, and I’ve always ridden a bike. Later, when I lived in Canada and then in Scotland, I also used my bike for my daily commute, especially when I was teaching.
How did you make the switch to road cycling?
When I arrived in Albertville in 1989, I bought a used road bike… that was way too big for me! I remember trying to ride up toward Beaufort. After a few hundred meters, I stopped and rode back down. I told myself I needed to start by buying a bike that fit me!
The mountain passes came one after another. I rode through the Beaufortain region, climbed the Cormet de Roselend, Les Saisies, the Col du Pré, the Madeleine, and the Glandon. I wasn’t much of a climber, but I loved those rides.
Has the e-bike changed the way you ride?
Yes, about ten years ago. It completely changed the way I ride. I like to say it’s “enjoyment with a level of effort that suits me.” You put in a real effort, but you never push yourself too hard. It’s an endurance-based activity that lets you fully enjoy the scenery.
How did you discover touring by bike?
Strangely enough, in Canada, and on a regular bike! I took my first trip there—nearly 700 kilometers in six days—from Montreal to New Brunswick, followed by a second one from Montreal to Mont-Tremblant. I immediately loved this way of traveling.
Then, in France, I got back into it with Marie Marchand-Arvier. We’ve known each other for about ten years. We started by traveling together in Switzerland, then on to Strasbourg, before heading to Italy. The Route des Grandes Alpes came naturally next.
What do you like about traveling by bike?
The change of scenery. Every day is different. You pass through magnificent landscapes, take the time to admire them, and move at your own pace. It’s a way of traveling that provides a true sense of freedom.
The Route des Grandes Alpes on an e-bike: is it difficult?
Honestly, no. The stages were long—sometimes over 150 kilometers—but I never found them to be a struggle. After a while, you find your rhythm. You almost fall into a kind of routine where everything becomes second nature.
Of course, there are still the usual cyclist’s aches and pains: your butt, wrists, fingers... But it’s not your legs that hurt the most!
Were you carrying a lot of gear?
My bike, loaded with luggage, weighed over twenty kilos. To move it or put it on its kickstand, you need a bit of organization!
I’d brought three batteries just to be safe. In hindsight, two would have been more than enough. I wasn’t familiar with those high mountain passes, so I preferred to set out with a good range of battery life.
Your Bosch motor: what’s your experience been like?
I find it extremely reliable. I’ve never had a single breakdown over several thousand kilometers. The range varies a bit depending on the temperature, but I trust it completely. It’s a very reassuring piece of equipment when you’re out for several days.
What are your fondest memories of the Route des Grandes Alpes?
I loved every single day. If I had to pick three mountain passes, I’d choose the Bonette, the Izoard and the Galibier. The scenery there is extraordinary.
The only somewhat difficult part was the return trip north, from Saint-Raphaël toward Valence. We rode for several days with an almost constant headwind. It wasn’t insurmountable, but it was much less pleasant than crossing the Alps.
Still hearing prejudices about e-bikes?
Much less than before. At first, I’d sometimes hear comments like, “That’s not real cycling” or “It’s too easy.” Today, that’s becoming rare.
I think people understand that it’s a different kind of activity. E-biking is a sport in its own right. It lets you explore beautiful routes without focusing on performance. It’s a wonderful invitation to travel!
Does the e-bike encourage touring?
Without a doubt. They allow many more people to set out on multi-day trips, cross major mountain passes, and share these adventures. In fact, I’ve come across several couples where the wife rode an e-bike while the husband rode a conventional bike. Everyone finds their own pace, and everyone enjoys the same trip.
E-bikes and regular bikes: how did you ride together?
Very simply. On climbs, I’d get a little ahead thanks to the motor assistance, but I’d wait for her regularly. On descents, she was often the one who’d zoom ahead—her background as a skier shows right away! On flat terrain, however, it was sometimes a bit frustrating for me, with the speed limited to 25 km/h.
But that’s never a problem. We know we’ll catch up with each other a few kilometers down the road. We each respect the other’s pace.
What does cycling travel mean to you?
They teach me to slow down. After a few days, you completely forget about speed or efficiency. You simply enjoy the scenery, the people you meet, and the pleasure of moving forward.
For me, that’s definitely the greatest reward of traveling by bike. You come back physically tired, but mentally refreshed.