You’ve perhaps noticed that I’m obsessing a little over water these days. It’s not drastic right now, but I’m keeping my eye out for drinking possibilities now that spring seems to be right around the corner – and my rides will be far longer than 2 water bottles can handle.
Below is a borne fontaine (standpipe) in the teeny tiny village of Russan, just on the northern side of the Nimes hills. It’s typical of water fountains (the potable ones anyway) in this part of France, with this guy having a nifty flywheel that you turn to get the water up and out and into your bidon. They look old – and many are, I’d guess – but this one has 2021 written on it. It’s made by the company Bayard (Lyon), who maybe make all these green fountains. They’ve been doing so since 1881, so they are probably pretty good at it. If you want one of your own, I just saw one on eBay for ā¬2000.
In France we usually expect to find free water on our rides. It sometimes takes a little persistence, but you know it’s out there. How is it where you live, Dear Reader/Rider?
The Vicious Cycle 
Hydrate or Die! Here in the hills of South Carolina, North Carolina in my experience you have to buy a plastic bottle of water and pour it into the bidon. Sometimes you can get water from the gas station/store bathroom sink but often the faucet is too low to properly fill the bidon and sanitary conditions are often lacking. Churches sometimes have an accessible outdoor faucet but many do not have a knob or handle to prevent unauthorized usage. Since I am currently unable to move to France, I am considering trying a hydration backpack for longer rides in the “boonies”. Always had one back in mountain bike days. Designs seem to have evolved to not be so cumbersome for road rides.
Like Rich says below, this is inconceivable for us (for now), as you know well. I’ve occasionally gone into bars/cafes to ask them to refill the bidon, but this is pretty acceptable and lucky most villages have at least a bar! The backpack sounds like a good solution.
And a Bianchi Infinito too!!! A great photo.
Gerry, I really appreciate your attention to these small details. I loved your post about the app with potable water postings and this one about the manufacturer of these fountains. That’s a choice little addition to your cycling blog that give it such color. Years ago, newspapers would report on small details about life like this. Sadly, it’s passing into history. So, please keep up this work. It gives you something to think about on long rides and truly reminds us readers of some of the nuances of France that make us return year-after-year. I can see those fountains in my mind’s eye, but haven’t really thought about them in great detail.
I tend to agree with Sam. In Minnesota, it’s the same as the Carolinas. You have to plan for the convenience store to buy a plastic bottle. I did a rural ride out of Duluth last June on a very hot day…….amazingly, I was so far away from civilization that there wasn’t a convenience store in any of the small towns I encountered. I was contemplating an Uber pick up when a bar (just over the stateline in WI) came into view. It saved my ride, one of the best last year. Who’s surprised that it was a bar in Wisconsin that saved the day? On that day, I definitely would have paid the 2,000 euros to have a proper French fountain about 10K before the bar!
Keep up the good work, Gerry! We’re all rooting for you!
Many a bar have ruined my day, so I’m glad one saved yours, Eric! I’ve heard from US clients that it’s usually the convenience store that comes to their rescue. I guess it’s good that you at least have lots of them…except near Duluth.
I’d recommend getting yourself a small water filter. The BeFree is my choice for hillwalking. It comes with a small water bladder that you fill and then filter into your water bottle. All of a sudden you’re able to use any water source with confidence. Also in areas with lots of streams you may get away with carrying only one bidon…
I used to use iodine + vitamin C tablets when trekking in Asia. I doubt good water filters were available back then. We don’t need filters in France for riding, but they could come in handy when hiking, definitely. Thanks.
In my area of Maryland, USA, there are a few water sources available to me, but nothing like what you show here. There is a nice water pump on top of a mountain near me in a State Park that has the Appalachian Trail passing through it, and that is frequently a goal of mine on rides. It’s a reward for making the climb, and on hot days (there are too many anymore) it’s a mini-shower as well. Ahhhhh….!!!
Right, another great thing about actual fountains is that you can stick your head under them…it could get expensive with a plastic bottle!
In Australia on long distance rides I know of some members of Audax who have purchased a tap handle at the hardware store to carry on the ride so they can get water out of the taps like the ones in the Carolinas that have had them removed to prevent unauthorised use
I’ve been caught out in Australia, but admittedly it was pretty outback. I was never happier to run into a town than that day. Your Audax folks are smart!
I suppose I am jaded or perhaps spoiled, but the thought of having to add to plastic waste just to have some water during a long endurance ride or run is very sad to me. In over 1000 bike rides in the south of france I think I have purchased a plastic water bottle less than 1% of the time (or maybe never?) and I can not honestly remember ever doing it. As for coke, I often buy from the pint can version and water from the same establishement as tap water. Water fountains in France are so abundant (at least now) that I could never imagine paying for water – what a waste of plastic and money…
Spoiled for sure. I also can’t remember the last time I had to buy water on a ride (other than on tours…and I don’t do that anymore). And by the way, I’ve got over 2000 rides (just on Strava) in France, so you have to be way over that!
Put a 3rd bottle in your jersey pocket
I could put all of them in my jersey pockets, thereby making my bike lighter so I can go faster! Literary reference, if you’re enough of a cycling geek.
Worked for Anquetil š
There you go!