Turn Right to Cycle (and sketch) by the Isere River
The Meek Family
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Having already tried turning left and cycling 7km km to Aime, we decided to completed la Voie Verte by taking a right turn and heading to Bourg St. Maurice, only 4km away. This short distance wasn't going to be a challenge or take very long so we decided to combine it not only with our usual litter pick but an art opportunity.The girls both packed their sketch books and pencils in the bag and we set off.
In the few days that we've been here the snow has rapidly decreased and there is little left in the valley now. The Hazel trees that line the river Isere are covered with catkins and there is a deceptively Spring-like feel in the air. The Voie Verte is in the base of the valley therefore relatively flat although this route did climb very steadily up to 810m. Sandwiched between fields and the river, you pedal through countryside until you reach the town of Bourg St Maurice. This is where the track ends and you pedal back on your return journey. Alternatively, this is a way to get to Bourg St Maurice. On other days, rather than take the free shuttle service or choose to drive the distance, we cycled there via la Voie Verte and then into the town where supermarkets, cafes and restaurants are more readily available.
Today the focus was on art and outdoor exercise. We stopped on three occasions when the girls felt inspired or compelled to sketch something that interested them. We propped up the bikes and they would sit gazing at the river, the stones, the tree or arched bridge and sketch what they could see. It wasn't about spending hours to create a finished product; it was about capturing an object or a scene as best they could. They were able to soak up the environment, appreciate it and record it on paper as a memory.
Cycling doesn't have to be about speed and getting from one place to another as fast as you can. Our "cycle and sketch" was a great afternoon out in the local area as a family.
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