We have tested an original way of cycling in Provence, a surprising experience where you change your perspective. Follow us, we'll take you on an elliptical bike !
An elliptical experience with a touch of Endorf’Inn in the Luberon
Discovering the elliptical bike on the Calavon cycle route
Please note
Endorf’Inn is no longer in business. This article is kept online as a first-hand experience of elliptical biking in the Luberon and as an invitation to rediscover the Calavon cycle route in a different way.
Starting from the Calavon cycle route in Robion, we meet Didier, manager of ENDORF’INN, a rental and resale company specialising in elliptical bikes and Stand Up Bikes. Three surprising rolling machines are waiting for us: two are identical, one red and one black, while the third really does look like a bike, in orange.
Seeing our doubtful expressions, Didier quickly reassures us: this activity is accessible to absolutely everyone. The only prerequisite is already being able to balance on a classic bike.
Our first moments with the bike feel a little unsettling, but Didier’s advice quickly works its magic.
To start, my feet are on either side of the bike. Then, with my hands on the handlebars, I place my leading foot on one of the “pedal-platforms” and, just like on a scooter, push off with my other leg. I straighten up on the bike, standing tall and looking ahead. My second foot settles onto the other “pedal-platform” and I can begin moving forward… standing up!
Strangely, my legs do not move in circles as they usually would, but in a back-and-forth gliding motion. It feels like running, but the exercise is much gentler, without the impact of the ground beneath my feet. Standing upright, I can enjoy the fresh air and the views over the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse offered by this type of bike.
Hesitant and a little unsteady at first, I quickly gain confidence because there is no real difficulty. I can look around at the landscape without effort. It almost feels as though I am floating. Standing upright, without my neck bent backwards, without my lower back stretched out to reach the handlebars, just the pleasant speed of the machine, paced by the soft sound of the platforms moving back and forth.
I can now allow myself to speed up and try a few 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, it is a saddle-free mountain bike version designed for all types of paths. It does have pedals for those who want to give it a try.
The standing bike combines the best of running and cycling. Fun and training come together for a gentle cardiovascular workout that is easy on the joints. The movement is truly simple, smooth and jolt-free, yet still sporty. The whole body works, especially the deep muscles close to the skeleton: the abdominals and lower back muscles help maintain balance, while the glutes and all the leg muscles keep you moving forward.
Didier is there to answer all your questions about this activity and help you discover Provence in an elliptical way!
The ElliptiGO elliptical bike is said to have been born from the imagination of Bryan Pate, a former long-distance runner and triathlete.
In 2005, after suffering hip and knee injuries, he is said to have created this bike so he could continue physical activity without putting strain on his joints.
Although this experience with Endorf’Inn now belongs to the past, it reminds us just how well the Calavon cycle route lends itself to original discoveries. Whether on a classic bike, a gravel bike, a hybrid bike or an e-bike, it remains one of the finest routes for exploring the Luberon in a different way.
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