There is a specific kind of magic that happens about four weeks before a bike trip. It’s the moment you stop looking at the globe and start looking at the street corners.
As we prepare for our upcoming return to Nice, France, the basics of the trip are done. The flights and accommodations are booked. We have built a wish-list itinerary. Now, we enter the most rewarding phase of the Sparhawk Velo Adventures process: The Route Build.
Starting with the “Why”
In our SVA frameworks, we always start with the Intent. For this trip, our “Why” is twofold. First, we are there to tackle the Paris-Nice Challenge on Saturday—an event that requires fresh legs. Second, we are there to experience the culture, not just the kilometers.
Because we have a “Big Objective” on Saturday, our mid-week planning is strategic. We aren’t looking for 100-mile sufferfests every day. We are looking for the “Grand Classics”—the rides that define the Côte d’Azur.
The Nice Collection: Quality Over Quantity
Our “Nice Collection” in Komoot is currently growing. Since we are staying in Nice, we believe in over-planning out routes then picking what feels best when we get there. We are currently mapping about 10 different options for a 5-day riding window. Why? Because travel is unpredictable. Whether it’s an unexpected spring rain shower or a body that needs a recovery day, having a “menu” of routes allows us to choose the perfect ride for the moment rather than being slaves to a rigid schedule.
Our Current Highlights:
- The Italian Border Run: A coastal cruise from the Port of Nice all the way to Ventimiglia and San Remo. The goal? Find the perfect Italian lunch spot, then hop on the train for a scenic rail recovery back to France.
- The Waterfall Route: Heading West and North into the Gorges du Loup. This route is a “Lollipop” that takes us through the medieval stones of Vence and St. Paul de Vence.
- The Quick Classics: When we want to stay close to home, we hit the Moyenne and Grande Corniches. These are the “view per mile” champions of the world.
Lessons Learned: Heat Maps & Head Units
Last time we were in Nice, we struggled with the “Urban Exit”—finding the smoothest way to get to the West side of town without getting trapped in stop-start traffic.
This year, I’m leaning heavily into Komoot’s new Heat Map feature. By seeing where the local cycling community actually rides, we can find the “veins” of the city that lead to the open road. While Strava and MapMyRide offer similar tools, the user-uploaded photos in Komoot have become a vital part of my “Anticipation Phase.” Seeing a photo of a café at the turn-around point makes the trip feel real before I even pack a bag.
A Note on Hardware: If there is one thing that can ruin a perfect route, it’s a faulty head unit. On our last trip, my Garmin failed me despite having the correct map cards. It created unnecessary “route anxiety.” This year, I’m switching to my Wahoo unit, which handles international map loading with much more simplicity. SVA Pro-Tip: Check your maps TWO WEEKS before you fly. Don’t assume the “Global Map” covers the street-level detail of the Maritime Alps.
The Joy of the Custom Build
The best part of planning your own routes isn’t just the ride itself—it’s the anticipation. Every hour I spend in the mapping software is an hour I spend “virtually” riding in France. Once I build a route, Komoot plugs in photos that users have uploaded of the same places. I can cruise the views before I get there. More than anything else, that gets me excited to get there.
Ready to build your own masterpiece? If the thought of GPX files and heat maps feels overwhelming, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. My Route Building Guides (2.1–2.5) walk you through the exact system I’m using for this Nice trip—from defining your “Why” to mastering the digital tools of the trade. Learn the foundation, pick a format (Komoot, Strava, etc), then start practicing to figure out the little details, tips and tricks.
Planning your own adventure is worth every minute of the learning curve. See you on the Corniche!
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