A group of mountain bikers explore the Monts de Gy - Vallée de l'OgnonA group of mountain bikers explore the Monts de Gy - Vallée de l'Ognon
©Mountain biking in the Monts de Gy|Pierre Pauquay

Practical info mountain biking

Choosing the right route, equipping your bike, practical advice and rules to follow: here you’ll find everything you need to know about cycling and making the most of your getaway!

The basic rules

Choose a route Tailored to your level

Make sure that the route you choose suits your cycling style. In addition to the level of difficulty, you can base your choice on the distance and the accumulated elevation gain. Allow plenty of time for unforeseen circumstances (punctures, bad weather, etc.).

Share your itinerary Travel in complete safety

Before you set off, tell someone else about your route. This is essential to ensure your safety, especially if you are setting off alone. In the event of an incident, it will enable those close to you to know where you are and to react quickly.

Check your bike Before you leave

To ensure that your outing remains a pleasure, it’s essential that your bike is in good working order. Remember to take a complete repair kit to cover all eventualities (inner tubes, pumps, tyre levers, chain riggers, etc.).

Take a look Weather conditions

Check the weather forecast before your outing, so that you can adapt your clothing accordingly and possibly your route.

Respect The highway code

For your own safety and the safety of other road users, it is essential that you obey the Highway Code and road signs.

Report Your changes of direction

Anticipate your changes of direction by extending your arm in the direction you want to go. This will help other road users understand your intentions.

Pay attention to the environment

On some routes, you will be in protected areas (Ballons Comtois Nature Reserve, etc.). Be aware of the different regulations in these areas before crossing them. Don’t throw your rubbish in the countryside.

Equipment and Emergency numbers

Getting your equipment right:

  • Start with the most important thing of all: a bike suited to your chosen activity! If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one from one of our hire companies.
  • A helmet, compulsory for children under 12. For older children, a helmet is highly recommended.
  • A first-aid kit for minor injuries
  • Water and snacks (cereal bars, fruit, dried fruit, etc.). If you are planning a lunch break in a restaurant, make sure it is open and available beforehand.
  • A GPS with a GPX track of your route, a map, a guidebook or the My Haute-Saône application.

Emergency numbers :

  • EMS: 15
  • Fire brigade: 18
  • Police: 17
  • SMS emergency: 114

Presentation and description of signposting for mountain bike trailsPresentation and description of signposting for mountain bike trails
©Mountain bike signs

Decode Mountain bike signposting

To ride a mountain bike route with complete peace of mind, you need to be able to understand the signposting. As well as showing you the direction to follow, other information is given on the marker. All official routes are numbered (except liaison routes).

The colour of the marker indicates the degree of difficulty of the route:

– LEVEL 1 – Green. Very easy. For families and beginners
– LEVEL 2 – Blue. Easy. Intermediate course
– LEVEL 3 – Red. Difficult. Sporty course
– LEVEL 4 – Black. Very difficult. Expert course

Mountain bike guide

Our Off-Saône guide offers a variety of routes to suit all levels, from families to experienced mountain bikers. Discover 19 mountain bike trails in our three emblematic Haute-Saône escapades: Vesoul-Val de Saône, Vosges du Sud and Vallée de l’Ognon.

Bike home A brand on the move

A mountain bike trip requires a bit of organisation and logistics. For that, you can count on the members of the Accueil Vélo network! Since 2015, the Département has been developing and structuring a network of bike hosts, and today the national Accueil Vélo brand has gone into full-scale mode. There are many different types of accommodation, rental and repair outlets, tourist offices and sightseeing sites, all guaranteeing you a warm welcome, dedicated facilities (secure bike shelters, repair kits, etc.) and all kinds of services (luggage transfer, bike washing, etc.).

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My Haute-Saône application

Take your phone with you to follow your route live with theMy Haute-Saône application!

Find all the routes and follow your itinerary in real time. Download the free My Haute-Saône app, then navigate to Visits > Itineraries and search for your route in the list. Then click Start to follow your progress on the route in real time. You can also see what there is to see and do in the surrounding area.