Votre nuit la plus insolite durant un voyage à vélo?
by Bikos
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Salut ! Après l'astuce, quel a été votre nuité la plus insolite, voire dangereuse !!!
La plus insolite pour moi a été une journée de m.... Je crève 3 fois de suite en moins de 5 minutes et la pluie s'abbat sur moi. je suis dans le Pays Basque Espagnol (...) et il n'y a rien ! Pas de camping, pas d'auberge et pas d'hotel !!! Je dormirai sous le porche d'une eglise ... Une fois installé je décide de boire une bierre et de piqu-niqué lorsque les pélerins médusés affluent pour la messe !!! Je passerai une nuit épouventable ! Le carillon sonne toutes les heures et on est samedi soir et les espingouins font la fête toute le nuit ...
Salut Bikoss.
C'est vrai que ya pas mal d'occasion de faire des nuits étranges, inoubliables ou effrayantes. Mes souvenirs me rappellent... dans un village de la beauce, après une journée de pluie, notre petite bande s'est abrité sur les bords d'un lavoir..agréable.. Plus tard, en sologne, on s'est mis dans nos hamac, en forêt....quand soudain, on entend un pas lourd (le sol tremble...et je m'inquiète🤪)...silence....et d'un seul coup un grognement ENÔÔÔRME et effrayant, plusieurs fois aboyés de façon terrifiante (là on était touss figés dans nos hamacs, opinel au poing près à agir si fallait -enfin dans le noir j'sais pas comment on aurait fait😕)...silence...puis on entends le même aboiement au loin...et notre aboiement s'enfui rejoindre son collègue (ouf!🙁). J'apprendrais 5 ans plus tard que ça devait surement être un chevreuil (on a cru que c'était un sanglier) En belgique, seul, sur le retour de Hollande, en 1993, à l'époque où je flirtais avec l'herbe parfumée, je repère un bois, le long de la n1, pas loin de la frontière...une pinède, pleine de pin sec, des branches mortes de pin au sol...fatigué, j'installe mon hamac et, intuition ou parano du hashishin?, j'amasse les branches mortes en 2 murs pour me camoufler à hauteur de hamac.... la nuit tombe, je m'enivre de libanais rouge, quand soudain, un aboiement, au loin, face à moi!...l'aboiement persiste et une lampe s'allume loin devant! (je me tasse dans mon duvet, saisit mon opinel) les aboiement continue, et une seconde lumière s'allume sur mon côté...je suis cerné!!! je me cache dans mon hamac et...je m'endors....au reveil, il fera soleil😏 Sur la route du Périgord, entre beaumont et Villereal, je plante mon hamac dans un dolmen, face au lieu-dit "blanc". j'avais déjà dormis ici....mais là, c'est la pleine lune...les bestioles se déchaînent, boucan d'enfer, impossible de fermer l'oeil, je me tourne et me retourne dans mon hamac, je m'assoupis, m'endors presque, quand soudain, je sens une présence, j'ouvre un oeil, un loup blanc! en 1/10 ième de seconde chrono, me vla hors de mon duvet sur la pierre de couverture du dolmen, a pousser des cris pour faire fuire ce loup (qui tout compte fait était peut etre un berger allemend en maraude), lequel se retire, pataud...je passe le reste de la nuit sur cette pierre inconfortable, à combattre pour dormir, alors que les oiseaux et les canards (elevage avoisinants) braillent à la lune.
bonne route!😛
C'est vrai que ya pas mal d'occasion de faire des nuits étranges, inoubliables ou effrayantes. Mes souvenirs me rappellent... dans un village de la beauce, après une journée de pluie, notre petite bande s'est abrité sur les bords d'un lavoir..agréable.. Plus tard, en sologne, on s'est mis dans nos hamac, en forêt....quand soudain, on entend un pas lourd (le sol tremble...et je m'inquiète🤪)...silence....et d'un seul coup un grognement ENÔÔÔRME et effrayant, plusieurs fois aboyés de façon terrifiante (là on était touss figés dans nos hamacs, opinel au poing près à agir si fallait -enfin dans le noir j'sais pas comment on aurait fait😕)...silence...puis on entends le même aboiement au loin...et notre aboiement s'enfui rejoindre son collègue (ouf!🙁). J'apprendrais 5 ans plus tard que ça devait surement être un chevreuil (on a cru que c'était un sanglier) En belgique, seul, sur le retour de Hollande, en 1993, à l'époque où je flirtais avec l'herbe parfumée, je repère un bois, le long de la n1, pas loin de la frontière...une pinède, pleine de pin sec, des branches mortes de pin au sol...fatigué, j'installe mon hamac et, intuition ou parano du hashishin?, j'amasse les branches mortes en 2 murs pour me camoufler à hauteur de hamac.... la nuit tombe, je m'enivre de libanais rouge, quand soudain, un aboiement, au loin, face à moi!...l'aboiement persiste et une lampe s'allume loin devant! (je me tasse dans mon duvet, saisit mon opinel) les aboiement continue, et une seconde lumière s'allume sur mon côté...je suis cerné!!! je me cache dans mon hamac et...je m'endors....au reveil, il fera soleil😏 Sur la route du Périgord, entre beaumont et Villereal, je plante mon hamac dans un dolmen, face au lieu-dit "blanc". j'avais déjà dormis ici....mais là, c'est la pleine lune...les bestioles se déchaînent, boucan d'enfer, impossible de fermer l'oeil, je me tourne et me retourne dans mon hamac, je m'assoupis, m'endors presque, quand soudain, je sens une présence, j'ouvre un oeil, un loup blanc! en 1/10 ième de seconde chrono, me vla hors de mon duvet sur la pierre de couverture du dolmen, a pousser des cris pour faire fuire ce loup (qui tout compte fait était peut etre un berger allemend en maraude), lequel se retire, pataud...je passe le reste de la nuit sur cette pierre inconfortable, à combattre pour dormir, alors que les oiseaux et les canards (elevage avoisinants) braillent à la lune.
bonne route!😛
- Plus tard, en sologne, on s'est mis dans nos hamac, en forêt....quand soudain, on entend un pas lourd (le sol tremble...et je m'inquiète🤪)...silence....et d'un seul coup un grognement ENÔÔÔRME et effrayant, plusieurs fois aboyés de façon terrifiante (là on était touss figés dans nos hamacs, opinel au poing près à agir si fallait -enfin dans le noir j'sais pas comment on aurait fait😕)...silence...puis on entends le même aboiement au loin...et notre aboiement s'enfui rejoindre son collègue (ouf!🙁). J'apprendrais 5 ans plus tard que ça devait surement être un chevreuil (on a cru que c'était un sanglier)
Effectivement, les chevreuils, mais aussi les biches de cerf, "aboient" pour prévenir les copines et les "enfants" que quelque chose de potentiellement dangereux est dans le coin.... Si c'était vraiment dans les sons graves, c'était probablement une biche de cerf, question de "coffre"....elles circulent souvent à trois, la mère, le jeune de l'année et celui de l'année d'avant, et ils s'appellent en faisant peur aux citadins....🙂 En tout cas ce n'était ni la bête du Gévaudan ni le chien des Baskerville.... Les sangliers ne disent rien, ils foncent, soit pour se barrer, le plus souvent, soit sur vous, mais vraiment s'ils se sentent menacés.
Effectivement, les chevreuils, mais aussi les biches de cerf, "aboient" pour prévenir les copines et les "enfants" que quelque chose de potentiellement dangereux est dans le coin.... Si c'était vraiment dans les sons graves, c'était probablement une biche de cerf, question de "coffre"....elles circulent souvent à trois, la mère, le jeune de l'année et celui de l'année d'avant, et ils s'appellent en faisant peur aux citadins....🙂 En tout cas ce n'était ni la bête du Gévaudan ni le chien des Baskerville.... Les sangliers ne disent rien, ils foncent, soit pour se barrer, le plus souvent, soit sur vous, mais vraiment s'ils se sentent menacés.
Tu as forcé un barrage de police avec des herses avec un tricycle ?
Je crève 3 fois de suite en moins de 5 minutes
Je crève 3 fois de suite en moins de 5 minutes
Montée du col du Grand Parpaillon, face nord, cyclo-muletier célèbre.
Avec mon vélo de l'époque, roues de 700 X 28 lisses, gonflées à 7 bars, blindées au kevlar.
Météo favorable le matin.
Et paf, un orage me tombe dessus vers 16 heures, de ces orages qui arrivent sans prévenir.
La piste de terre sèche se transforme en quelques instants en une glaise super-collante qui vient bloquer mes roues contre les garde-boue. Littéralement scotché.
Une cabane de berger à quelques mètres de la piste, deux pièces, toiture en tôle en bon état, deux lits avec juste les sommiers métalliques.
Très bon refuge pour la fin de journée et la nuit, après une visite du berger en Panda 4x4, venu vérifier que des randonneurs n'étaient pas en difficultés, notamment dans le tunnel sommital, ce qui est très dangereux selon lui.
Il m'a dit de rester là si j'avais tout ce qu'il me fallait, et que le lendemain matin, ce serait grand beau pour les deux bornes qui restaient avant le col.
Et j'ai enlevé la boue de mes garde boue avec ma petite cuiller.....Ayez toujours une petite cuiller dans votre trousse à outils !
Dodo dans l'aéroport d'Helsinki!
On a réquisitionné une 15aine de sièges à 3. Le plus drôle c'était le lendemain les gens qui faisant la queue pour leur compagnie aérienne me regardais bizarrement manger mes céréales...
(nota : je n'ai pas dormi dans ma housse de vélo, c'était juste pour la photo!)
++
++
Une nuitée à la belle étoile, un peu au-dessous du Col de la Cayolle, donc vers 2000 m environ.
Nuitée normale (et givrée) jusqu'au réveil. Mais quel réveil !
Cà vous est déjà arrivé qu'une marmotte vous siffle quasiment dans l'oreille ?!!!! Putain, le bond que j'ai fait, juste le temps de voir son arrière train ! Curieuse comme le sont les marmottes, elle devait examiner cette "grosse chenille rouge" que je formais dans mon duvet sarko, non, sarcophage, quand j'ai bougé en commençant à émerger de mes rêves, et comme les marmottes n'aboient pas pour prévenir les copines d'un danger, elle a sifflé...
Ps : les sarkophages, ce sont ceux qui veulent bouffer du sarkosy ?
Cà vous est déjà arrivé qu'une marmotte vous siffle quasiment dans l'oreille ?!!!! Putain, le bond que j'ai fait, juste le temps de voir son arrière train ! Curieuse comme le sont les marmottes, elle devait examiner cette "grosse chenille rouge" que je formais dans mon duvet sarko, non, sarcophage, quand j'ai bougé en commençant à émerger de mes rêves, et comme les marmottes n'aboient pas pour prévenir les copines d'un danger, elle a sifflé...
Ps : les sarkophages, ce sont ceux qui veulent bouffer du sarkosy ?
Ma plus belle nuit heu sans aucun doute un échange inoubliable :
Apres avoir avaler pas mal de relief je trouve enfin un camping (il était que 15h mais j'étais incapables de rouler plus loin 🙁) je me traine donc jusqu'à mon emplacement et m'endort. je serait réveiller vers 20h par une famille inquiète que je n'es pas encore monter ma tente, et voila qu'après m'avoir aider a monter ma tente il m'invite à manger avec eux (un barbecue sa ne se refuse pas 🙂) une soirée mémorable et un moment inoubliable !
Apres avoir avaler pas mal de relief je trouve enfin un camping (il était que 15h mais j'étais incapables de rouler plus loin 🙁) je me traine donc jusqu'à mon emplacement et m'endort. je serait réveiller vers 20h par une famille inquiète que je n'es pas encore monter ma tente, et voila qu'après m'avoir aider a monter ma tente il m'invite à manger avec eux (un barbecue sa ne se refuse pas 🙂) une soirée mémorable et un moment inoubliable !
ça aurait pu arriver même sans vélo! mais bon on était en irlande à vélo donc, et la nuit dans un camping, bruits bizarres pas très rassurants: une renard qui avait chopé la poubelle accrochée au piquet de la tente et qui a fait tomber le piquet, a vidé tout le contenu de la poubelle en question dans tout le camping et un peu plus tard dans la nuit, le même renard qui revient et qui se prend les pattes dans les fils extérieurs et qui tombe contre moi... même si la tente nous séparait, ça faisait bizarre! j'ai eu du mal à me rendormir!
"Et parfois il me prend des mouvements soudains
De fuir dans un désert l'approche des humains"
Molière
L'Irlande m'inspire
Une nuit, dans la péninsule de Dingle, nous avons roulé jusqu'à tard et nous montons notre tente au clair de lune dans un champ pas très loin de la mer. Au bout d'une demi heure, des "souffles" se répètent tout autour de la tente. Rassemblant notre courage ( il faut quelques minutes pour y arriver ), nous sortons de la tente et on tombe nez à ... museau avec un troupeau de jeunes taureaux plus curieux que méchants. Me rappelant les jeunes années à la campagne, j'ai reconduit le troupeau de l'autre coté du muret et fermé la berge. Le lendemain, au réveil on se rend compte que parmi ces gros veaux froussards, il y avait un bestiau patibulaire qui approchait la tonne qui semblait nous en vouloir encore. Nous avons alors perdu notre confiance dans la clôture, la tente a été démontée en une minute et nous avons bravement fuit jusqu'au village suivant.
Une nuit, dans la péninsule de Dingle, nous avons roulé jusqu'à tard et nous montons notre tente au clair de lune dans un champ pas très loin de la mer. Au bout d'une demi heure, des "souffles" se répètent tout autour de la tente. Rassemblant notre courage ( il faut quelques minutes pour y arriver ), nous sortons de la tente et on tombe nez à ... museau avec un troupeau de jeunes taureaux plus curieux que méchants. Me rappelant les jeunes années à la campagne, j'ai reconduit le troupeau de l'autre coté du muret et fermé la berge. Le lendemain, au réveil on se rend compte que parmi ces gros veaux froussards, il y avait un bestiau patibulaire qui approchait la tonne qui semblait nous en vouloir encore. Nous avons alors perdu notre confiance dans la clôture, la tente a été démontée en une minute et nous avons bravement fuit jusqu'au village suivant.
J'arrive ... bientôt ... peut-être
Je roule heureux le vent dans le dos a travers le centre-Québec sur une route tranquille l'Automne en plein bois (je ne vous d'écris pas les couleurs...😛) . A un certain moment... Une grosse femelle (ourse) se dresse devant moi!!! Pas con, je suis arreté lje ui souris😊 austie que je suis souf!
La mere ours a récupérée ses petits . Et moi???? Culotte tout tremple,
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Return to Swedish Lapland: Trek on the Kungsleden and Crossing the Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, stress-free
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Back in Tunisia (live account)
More discussions
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.


Can you take an electric bike on trains in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland?
Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share with you the incredible feat my friend José, who’s 72 years old, is currently undertaking. He left Auterive near Toulouse on Monday, May 18, 2026, on his non-electric bike, heading for the North Cape in Norway!
You can follow his route on the link below—he’s currently in Sweden:
https://thierry-thomas.travelmap.net/jose-de-toulouse-a-nord-cap-2026
You can zoom in on the map and click on each stopover town to see the photos
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
hey everyone,
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
A shout-out to a cycling colleague from Savoie
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php

The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php


The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
Hi there,
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)

