Get on your bike

At the start of the Calavon cycle route in Robion, we met Didier, manager of ENDORF'INN, a company that rents and sells Elliptical Bikes and Stand Up Bikes. Three surprising rolling objects are waiting for us: two are identical (red and black), a third one actually looks like a bike (orange).

> Fact number 1: none of them have a saddle but very high handlebars.

> Fact number 2: we are looking for the pedals on the red and black ... but instead, a clever mechanism combining a long spatula and articulated metal arms makes us think of a grasshopper.

> Fact number 3: this morning we are almost alone on the cycle route so we have room to train!

Didier quickly reassures us that this activity is accessible to absolutely everyone; the only prerequisite is that you already have good balance on a classic bike.

Levez-vous et pédalez debout dans le Luberon

Les premiers rapports avec le vélo sont un peu déstabilisants mais les conseils de Didier font leur effet.

Au démarrage, mes pieds sont de chaque côté du vélo. Puis, guidon en main, mon pied d’appel se place sur une «pédale/spatule » et comme sur une trottinette je me propulse à l’aide de ma deuxième jambe. Je me redresse sur le vélo, bien droite en regardant devant moi. Mon deuxième pied se cale sur l’autre « pédale/spatule » et je peux commencer à avancer…debout !

Etrangement, mes jambes ne font pas de mouvement circulaire comme à l’accoutumée mais un mouvement de balancier d’avant en arrière. J’ai l’impression de courir mais l’exercice est beaucoup plus doux, sans l’impact du sol sous mes semelles. Mon corps droit, profite de l’air et de la vue sur le Luberon et les Monts de Vaucluse que nous offre ce type de vélo.

Hesitant and a little unbalanced at the beginning, I quickly gain confidence because no difficulty appears. I can look at the landscape around me without effort, I almost feel like I am floating. Standing up, no neck bent backwards, no lower back stretched out to hold the handlebars... just the pleasant speed of the machine, punctuated by the light sound of the spatulas doing their balancing act.
I can now afford to accelerate and do some handling and balance exercises. And yes, in a very short time I have mastered this new activity. As for Didier's orange Stand Up Bike (SUB), it's a saddle-less mountain bike version that allows you to ride on all types of trails. The pedals are well present for those who want to start.

Practice elliptical cycling in Provence

The standing bike combines the best of running and cycling. Pleasure and training are linked for a cardiovascular workout that is gentle on the joints. The movement is really easy, fluid and smooth but very sporty! It is the whole body that works and in particular the deep muscles close to the skeleton: abdominal and lumbar muscles to keep your balance, the buttocks and all the leg muscles to move forward.

Didier is here to answer all your questions about this activity and to help you discover Provence in an elliptical way!

HISTORY

The ElliptiGO elliptical bike was born in the imagination of Bryan Pate, a former long-distance runner and triathlete.
In 2005, after injuring his hip and knee, he created this bike to practice physical activity without traumatizing his joints.

OUR ADVICES 

- On average you can do between 20 and 50KM on an elliptical depending on your level,
- The average speed on an elliptical is between 17 and 20km/h on flat ground,
- At the same speed, the effort is on average 30% greater on an elliptical than on a conventional bike,
- Before tackling a climb, place your feet on the back of the pedals, the climb will be easier!

THE 3 MODELS OF ELLIPTICAL
ELLIPTICAL BIKES AT ENDORF'INN

- Long Stride Bike: a smooth, elliptical motion, the long stride bike is particularly suitable for runners and fitness enthusiasts,
- Compact Stride Bike: features a hybrid elliptical pedal stroke. It is the ideal partner for all sportspeople who target different muscle groups,
- Stand Up Bikes: a pedal stroke similar to that of a bicycle, without the pain in the neck, back and seat.