Paul de Vivie (Vélocio) est passé par là | Un voyage biographique à vélo

[Eng subtitles available]
Paul de Vivie alias Vélocio est considéré comme le père spirituel de tous les voyageurs à vélo.
Ce film retrace mon parcours de Pernes-les-Fontaines, petit village provençal qui l’a vu naître en 1853 jusqu’à sa tombe sur les hauteurs de Lyon. En route, je dresse un portrait de ce personnage iconique et dont la philosophie n’a pas pris une ride depuis un siècle.

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If I cross this bump without setting foot on the ground, it’s because, straddling the 19th and 20th centuries, a Frenchman dedicated his life to spreading the joys of
long bicycle rides. His name was Paul de Vivie, and he passed through here. Here I am in Pernes-les-Fontaines; it is here that, in 1853, the one known as the apostle of cycling was born. And it is also here that my journey begins, which will take
on the characteristics of a pilgrimage. He loved riding far, he loved riding long. Imagine a mustache under a pair of blue eyes, sheltered
behind eyeglasses. Of average height, always elegantly dressed, enclosing a
curious, clever, cultured, and cheerful spirit. One fine day in the year 1881, he finds himself perched on a
big bike. And it’s a revelation; his life will be dedicated to
cycling. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the exact definition of being
in the right place at the right time. Barely has the sun set, and here comes the moon rising over
Mont Ventoux. Put a bicycle between the legs of anyone, and you will
develop in the mind of that person a new way of seeing, understanding, and apprehending events, beings, and things
that pass by him every day. In cycling, two species coexist. The racer mounts his
machine to elbow his way through the pack, break away alone in an Alpine pass, and triumph with arms raised at the finish line. Paul de Vivie is not one of them. He loves traveling alone,
facing the elements, drawing on his resources when the road
rises, breathing in the fresh air from dawn to dusk. Cyclotourism. The word appears for the first time in print in “Le
Cycliste,” the journal he created to disseminate his ideas. He then signs his articles with the name Vélocio. The legend
is underway. I love travels above all. That’s why I asked one of my
friends to cremate me after my death and throw my ashes at the top of Mont Ventoux. The wind will blow over my ashes, which will continue to
travel, me gone. Well, his will wasn’t respected, but still, he keeps an eye
on all the cyclists in the region from the top of the giant
of Provence. In the year of his 40th birthday, he decides that no pass
will hold him back. He adopts a vegetarian diet, bans alcohol and tobacco, and covers up to 20,000 km per year. He then enunciates seven commandments for all those who wish
to ride well and for a long time. 1- Rare and short stops, so as not to let the pressure drop. 2 – Light and frequent meals. Eat before being hungry, drink before being thirsty. 3 – Never go to abnormal fatigue, which is manifested by a
lack of appetite and sleep. 4 – Cover up before getting cold, uncover before getting
hot. And do not fear exposing the skin to the sun, air, or water. 5 – Eliminate from the diet, at least during the journey,
wine, meat, and tobacco. 6 – Never force. Stay within one’s means, especially during the first hours when one is tempted to
spend too much because one feels full of strength. 7 – Never pedal for self-esteem. The national day of cyclotourism is called Vélocio Day. A timed ascent without reward. The finish is at the top of the Col de la République, on the heights of Saint-Étienne, where he worked for most of
his life. Steel frame Leather saddle mounted on springs. Handlebar to fight against the wind. Two-chain disengagable transmission. Dubious brake pads. Not sure I would ride on that for 40 consecutive hours. He who loved to cover the distance, in all corners of
France, was caught up by fate this February afternoon in 1930. As he leaves his home, bike in hand, he is hit by a tram. So, here ends this journey. I hope it has inspired you to
hop on your bike and go on a few days’ ride. If you want to learn more about Paul de Vivie, I recommend
his grandson Charles’ book, ‘Le vélosophe’ And for once, I’ll finish with a quote. Doing useful work, that’s the justification for our
existence. And obviously, it’s from Vélocio. See you!