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

Hello young cycling enthusiasts, I’m starting a thread about the bike route known as venaissia.

Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.

Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/

The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.

He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)

overall impression: good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras... Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track... Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.

Great news that the forum is back—we’ve been waiting for this for ages! Now we can chat again with the die-hards like Claudio, Luc Bertand, and everyone else... Voyager à vélo

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum! I’d like to buy some panniers for bike travel made of Cordura. I initially went for the Ortlieb Back Roller Plus, but while browsing the cylo-randonnée website, I came across the Extrawheel Wayfarer Premium panniers. They’re also made of Cordura, manufactured in Poland with German materials, and each has a 25-liter capacity—10 liters more than the Ortliebs. Has anyone here tried them or knows this brand? I know Ortlieb is super reputable, but I figured there might be other brands that are just as good. 🙂 Gabriele

Hello fellow cycle-tourers! First post on this site for our first big family cycling adventure with our two teens (12 and 16 years old) over 2 months. We're preparing to leave in June/July from Erdeven by bike, then take the train from Auray to Paris, followed by a FlixBus from Paris to Copenhagen with our 4 bikes. After that, we're looking to refine our route: Should we go to Sweden via Helsingborg and then head up to Stockholm along the west or east coast? Maybe passing through the Gotland islands, then via the Åland Islands, why not Turku? Then off to Estonia to Tallinn, ride a bit along the coast, and return by bus if we can find one that takes 4 bikes. :))

Could you share any tips on routes in Sweden: west coast or east coast to prioritize in the south? We’ve heard it’s a shame not to go up to Norway, but we’re worried about the elevation and don’t see how to make a loop work in our 2 months / 1500 km. Any ideas? And the southern Finnish coast: should we go all the way to Helsinki or not? Maybe at the expense of Estonia?

In short, we know choosing means giving something up, but if we can do it with advice from fellow cyclists, that would be amazing! Thanks in advance for your tips! Anne-Sophie and the whole Breton family: David, Axel, and Maude

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 there After covering thousands of kilometers over the years with front and rear panniers, I’m now facing a problem: broken spokes on the rear wheel. Once, twice—imagine the hassle of fixing it when you're in the middle of nowhere in the Cévennes! So, drastic times call for drastic measures! I switched to a reinforced wheel and, following my bike mechanic’s advice, fitted a tire that’s a "tad" wider than the front one.

We set off on our summer adventure feeling confident, and guess what—"BAM"—a broken spoke after just 200 km. Seriously?! Not even that heavily loaded—just around 30 kg, plus my 80 kg. Even with the sturdier wheel, I still ended up with a broken spoke after 300 km! Back to the bike mechanic, and the only explanation: "It’s your pedaling style..." Not convinced at all! So here’s the idea: a Bob trailer! I’m done with this sword of Damocles hanging over my head—it’s a real buzzkill. Has anyone here tried a Bob trailer? Could you share your experiences—pros, cons, etc.? Thanks!!!

Hi there, We're thinking of cycling from Lisbon to Vila Real de Santo António in March. Staying at campsites along the way. I have two logistics questions: 1) Where to leave the van in Lisbon? Would it be okay to leave it a bit outside Lisbon if needed? 2) Can we take the train back from Vila Real de Santo António to Lisbon with our bikes? Thanks for any insights! Momo

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Chile this coming November and I’d love to spend a few days cycling from Santiago (Chile) to Mendoza (Argentina).

Has anyone done this route before? If so, do you have any tips (stages, gear, accommodation spots, etc.)?

Also, to avoid carrying too much stuff, I’d like to rent a bike in Santiago. Any recommendations for a good rental shop?

Thanks so much in advance for your help :)

Clément

Hi fellow bike-packers, so I’m heading out solo by bike this spring, like I do every year—around 1,500 to 2,000 km in total. This time I want to explore the south of France. I’ll start by meeting up with a buddy in Ariège, and after that the road’s wide open toward the east, aiming for Drôme. If anyone has route ideas—especially quiet backroads, places I can wild-camp pretty much anywhere, and climbs that aren’t too steep—I’m all ears! Thanks, and see you around here or on the road. Take care.

Hi there,

The full route from Burgos to (just before) Murcia is 1,300 km.

If you’ve done the whole thing, do you think the entire route is worth the trip, or can some sections be skipped?

Thanks.

France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria via Claudia Augusta and Italy via the Padana (AIDA) Alta Italia... http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2025-via-augusta/ 2024 already done, 2025 in sight

About 2,460 km with the Alps to cross, of course.

Faverges, Annecy, Geneva, Yverdon, Bienne, Bodensee, Danube sources, Ulm, Donauwörth, Augsburg, via Claudia Augusta, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Trento, Nervesa, Treviso, Mestre, Venice; Via AIDA (Alta Italia da attraversare / Padana) Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia, Milan, Novara, Vercelli, Chivasso, Turin, Susa, Mont Cenis Pass, Maurienne, Albertville, Faverges. A fantasy of Glaude’s for n+1 years For 2025? The story is already formatted

To be seen

Hey fellow cyclists, Cyclists on trails, paths, or greenways—why do so few (if any) of you use your bells to warn walkers, runners, and other pedestrians when they’re moving in the same direction as you? I exercise every day (brisk walking) among you in France and abroad, and it’s something I’ve noticed—often with a few scares (and I’m guessing some accidents between cyclists or with pedestrians). Personally, I always stick to the rules, walking on the left (facing traffic) so I can see you coming, but not everyone does that—neither pedestrians nor cyclists, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. 🤪 Your bikes make little to no noise, so why take risks and put others at risk too? A quick, light *ding-ding* would be enough to warn people—what do you think? 😅

Hi there, We’re leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route. Any ideas for loops so we don’t have to return the same way? We’re thinking of a one-week trip. Thanks in advance for your tips! Rachel

Hi there! I’m really keen to cycle from Bruges to Amsterdam. Has anyone here done it before? We’re a group of three—is it easy to find accommodation on the go, or should we book ahead? If we do a round trip and take our bikes, would it be simpler to plan two different routes?! Thanks so much! Laurence from Bayonne

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!

Hello,

I’m planning to cycle from Paris to Prague in three weeks. It’s the worst time of year temperature-wise, especially since I’m pretty sensitive to the cold. But I don’t have a choice about either the timing or the destination (it’s a break between two jobs that just happens to fall during this period, and I’m heading to Prague to meet friends for a specific event in mid-February).

So it’s going to be *very* cold. And while I’ve done a few relaxed one- to two-week bike trips before, I’ve never cycled in winter. That’s why I’d love your advice on two things! :)

1- Accommodation along the route On my previous trips, the weather was more forgiving, so I always brought my tent and didn’t have to worry about accommodation logistics. But this time, it’s a whole different story—I won’t be able to sleep outside (too cold + it gets dark too early). So I need to plan all my lodging in advance.

I’ve looked at a few existing threads about cycling from Paris to Prague, but they all focus on campsites/tents since the timing allowed for outdoor sleeping. Does anyone know: 1- If those campsites, which seem to be fairly evenly spaced along the route, have winter facilities (I assume most close in winter, but you never know)? This is especially important for the German and Czech sections (I’ll be fine in France). 2- How easy it is to find affordable youth hostels everywhere, and if so, whether I should book them in advance?

2- Winter cycling gear Since I’ve never cycled in winter before, I don’t have the right gear. I’m particularly concerned about gloves and shoes, since my extremities will take a beating. What shoes would you recommend for temperatures around 0°C? I don’t plan to cycle in winter again after this, and all my other trips have been in regular running shoes, which worked just fine for me. So I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on super technical gear that I’ll only use once. But I also don’t want to skimp on cold protection—being freezing could ruin the whole trip. So if the only solution is "super technical" shoes, I’ll go for it.

> What shoes do you wear or recommend for simple bike trips that keep your feet warm and dry? > Does the overshoe option (over a pair of regular sneakers, for example) seem like a good solution? (I just discovered overshoes—I have no idea how effective they are.) If so, are Decathlon’s overshoes good enough, or should I go to a specialty bike shop?

Thanks so much!

(Oops, sorry for the novel...)

Hi there, I’m traveling to Denmark this July with my three boys, aged 12, 14, and 17. I’d like to plan a little cycling trip and I’m thinking of doing the Copenhagen–Malmö route via Helsingborg. The idea is to take our time and stop along the way based on points of interest or for a swim if the weather allows. I have a few questions: - How many days should we plan for? 2, 3, or 4? - What are the recommended stopover towns? - What are the points of interest along the way? - Do we need to take a ferry for the Helsingør–Helsingborg stretch? Should we book in advance? If anyone has great tips for accommodation along the route, I’d love to hear them! Thanks! !

Hi fellow travelers! I’m planning a trip to Japan from March 22 to April 12 and really want to bike the Shimanami Kaido starting from Onomichi, but I don’t cycle regularly. Has anyone here done it and could share their experience or tips? Is the weather in March-April favorable? Should I plan for 2 or 3 days? Electric or regular bike? What’s better—having my luggage forwarded along the route or leaving it in a locker? Any recommendations for accommodations or bike rentals? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Assalamu 'alaykum, Hi everyone,

This thread is to echo some posts I’ve read on this forum while researching a potential bike trip from Annecy to Mecca. I came across several discussions where members mentioned being very interested in cycling to the holy city.

So, God willing, I plan to attempt this journey from January to June next year. The idea is to head to Turkey first, then assess the most reasonable routes based on the geopolitical situation around Palestine and as far as Iraq. Since the Turkish-Syrian border is closed, the only remaining (and I mean *only* remaining) overland option would be to go through Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, then Jordan, and finally Saudi Arabia.

That’s the first major challenge of this project. The second is timing. Due to the schedule, I’ll be starting in the middle of winter across Europe and finishing in the peak of summer in Saudi Arabia. If I’d had a choice, I’d have waited a good dozen years—but well, twelve years...

I won’t go into too much detail about the planned route in this post, but here are the broad strokes already set: Annecy to Istanbul. The rest is a bit too far ahead to map out properly. Crossing the Italian border via the Montgenèvre Pass. Straight through northern Italy as quickly as possible (not necessarily very pleasant) to reach Ljubljana. The fastest route through Croatia to spend as much time as possible in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia via the Sandžak region. It crosses the Pešter plateau, which intimidates me at this time of year—its nickname, the "Siberia of the Balkans," says it all... Then Kosovo, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.

I’m open to any advice on this itinerary. The choice was made to pass through as many Muslim-majority regions as possible. In the middle of winter in the Balkans, I don’t feel mentally up to bivouacking alone in that climate. So, I’ll try to find accommodations in mosques or even with locals as much as possible.

That’s the project in a nutshell. The big catch—some of you may have already noticed—is that I’m doing this solo. Yet, this is strongly discouraged by our Prophet—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. So, I invite anyone interested in joining this project, whether closely or from afar, to reach out and contact me. Any contribution is welcome, whether it’s company for the whole journey (one can always hope!) or just part of it. Advice, contact suggestions, places to stay, and information about Hajj or Umrah are also appreciated.

Thanks for reading this far. I’ll try to check my VoyageForum account from time to time to see if anyone has responded to this thread and will happily reply to your messages and questions.

Take care, Assalamu'alaykum.

Sam

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a cycling trip in Algeria and looking for concrete firsthand accounts from cyclists who’ve recently traveled there (or residents who know the terrain well). My goal is to map out a realistic 2–4 week itinerary that prioritizes discovery, safety, and solid water/bivouac management.

My profile and gear

Semi-bivouac autonomous cyclist (light tent + sleeping bag + stove), with the option of simple accommodations in towns.

All-road/gravel bike with a rear rack, 40–45 mm tires (I can go up to 47–50 mm if needed).

Compact drivetrain with a small gear range for climbing while loaded.

Modular water capacity of 4–7 liters (soft flasks + bottles), plus a filter and purification tablets as backup.

Navigation via offline maps + GPS, GPX tracks if available.

Planned period

Late winter/early spring (timing to be refined based on your feedback about weather, wind, and day/night temperature swings). I’d love a seasonal breakdown: which areas are more pleasant/rideable during this time? Are there zones to avoid while others become ideal?

Preferred itinerary style

High plateaus and accessible Saharan fringes for a loaded bike, alternating between secondary roads and rideable tracks.

Moderate pace (60–90 km/day depending on terrain and wind), with stops in resource towns to restock, shower, and rest.

Safety and logistics (water/supplies) take priority over pure athletic performance.

My specific questions for those who’ve cycled in Algeria 1) Routes and areas

Which roads/tracks did you enjoy for their scenery and interest without being too rough for a loaded gravel bike?

If you’ve ridden the high plateaus: which connections do you recommend to avoid traffic and stick to small roads?

Saharan fringes: which sections are realistic for partial autonomy (reasonably spaced water points, rideable tracks, not too much soft sand)?

Areas to avoid by bike (recently) due to security, road conditions, katabatic winds, construction, etc.?

2) Water and supplies

How frequent were water points on your routes: reliable wells? taps? sources in towns/villages?

In “desert” sections, how many liters did you carry between secure points? Does a 6–7 L capacity seem comfortable, or should I aim for more on certain stretches?

Food: small shops, markets, availability of basics (semolina, sardines, dates, biscuits, powdered milk, etc.) — how often can you reasonably restock?

Filtration: did a filter + tablets suffice? Are there areas where you’d advise against filtering from unprotected wells?

3) Bivouacking and accommodations

Tolerance for discreet bivouacking (far from dwellings, leave-no-trace): recent experiences?

Simple alternatives: guesthouses, small hotels/hostels, campgrounds (if any), municipal lodgings?

Practical stopover towns for restocking, resting, and securing your bike overnight: reliable spots or neighborhoods to prioritize/avoid?

4) Roads, tracks, and weather

Road surface quality on secondary routes: generally decent or highly variable?

Tracks: rideable (compact gravel, laterite) or sometimes sand/washboard? At what tire width would you recommend switching (45 vs. 50 mm)?

Prevailing winds this season: direction, strength, most exposed hours; do you adjust your departures to ride “before the wind” in the morning?

Temperatures: day/night range; sun protection (long gloves, buff, sunscreen, sunglasses), managing nighttime cold at altitude or in the open desert.

5) Safety, formalities, and connectivity

Recently discouraged zones (please note the date if possible).

Roadside checks: which documents to keep handy; are there specific registrations or declarations required upon arrival or when moving between wilayas?

Local SIM/data: which operators work well on the routes you took; tips for recharging/buying credit.

Useful apps/maps on the ground (and reliable offline maps) for locating water, grocery stores, garages, accommodations, rideable segments, etc.

Bike security: how did you handle anti-theft and parking during errands/overnight stays?

6) Gear and adjustments

Recommended minimum gearing for loaded climbs on local roads/tracks.

Ideal tire width and casing (puncture resistance on gravel and rocks).

“Sweet spot” water capacity based on your experience (and tips: frame bags, extra bottles on the fork, bladders in frame bags, etc.).

Maintenance: dust/sand — greases/seals, drivetrain cleaning frequency, breathable filters, protective socks for zipped panniers.

Sample itinerary outline (to validate with your feedback)

Week 1: Arrival, adjustments, high plateaus, linking resource towns to get into the rhythm, test supplies and water.

Week 2: Accessible Saharan fringes, alternating road/track, nights in discreet bivouac when possible + simple accommodations every 3–4 days.

Week 3–4 (optional): Extend toward a second Saharan area or head back to a more temperate zone depending on weather/wind, prioritizing routes known to cyclists.

If you have GPX tracks (even partial), waypoints (water, grocery stores, accommodations), or a travel journal with dates, I’d love to see them. Dated info (year/month) will help me weigh what may have changed recently.

What I can share in return

After the trip, I’ll publish a detailed report with:

Final itinerary + cleaned GPX tracks,

List of confirmed water points and open supply spots,

Gear review (tires, gearing, water capacity),

Notes on bivouacking/accommodations and safety,

Budget and daily distances, to help future travelers.

Thanks in advance for your tips, warnings, good addresses, and updated feedback. Your experience is invaluable for planning a safe, smooth, and enjoyable cycling route in Algeria. Happy trails! 🚴

Hi, We’re planning to start the Camino del Cid from Vivar del Cid (Burgos) to Atienza in April. How can we get back and pick up our car, which we left in Burgos? I haven’t found any info on this. Thanks for your tips!

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.

Hi everyone, I’m seriously considering going bikepacking with my Brompton (6-speed model) on a mixed route of roads and bike paths for a trip lasting a few days or even a week. I know the Brompton isn’t the typical touring bike, but its compactness and practicality really appeal to me for combining train + bike travel and staying super mobile. I’ve got a few questions, and I’d love to hear your experiences or tips:

What panniers or luggage setup do you recommend for a Brompton in travel mode? Have you run into any specific limitations (comfort, carrying capacity, elevation gain, etc.)? Should I adjust any components (tires, gearing, saddle) to make it more durable for multi-day trips? Do you prefer wild camping or lightweight accommodations (hostels, campsites, etc.) with this kind of setup? Finally: what types of routes do you think a Brompton handles well? (And what should I absolutely avoid?)

I’d love to chat with others who’ve tried (or are considering) the Brompton bikepacking adventure. Thanks in advance for your insights! 🚴‍♂️ Happy riding,

Who among you has explored northern Italy along the Mediterranean, in Liguria? I’m dreaming of cycling there from Nice, crossing through villages like Menton, Ventimiglia, Dolceacqua, Apricale, Monte Ceppo, Triora, Ponte di Nava, Ormea, Garessio, Ceva, Mondovì, and Cuneo.

Beyond that, it’s the route toward Queyras in France via the Col dell’Agnello, on the slopes of Monte Viso.

A few questions for those who know the area: Is it interesting by bike? Is the road surface decent? Is car traffic low, or at least manageable?

We had this plan back in 2009 as part of a Nice-Rome crossing, but we ended up doing it differently. I might get to revisit it this summer (solo this time, not on a tandem like we usually do).

Looking forward to your thoughts and comments!

Hi there, Last spring, I set off from Villeréal (47) on a road bike and reached the North Cape after 6 weeks of cycling. I had a particular concept: I’d cycle each stage (averaging 140 km) and then return to the starting point either by carpooling, hitchhiking (not often), bus, or train. I’d meet up with my van (a Trafic) and then drive the same stage to eat and sleep there. This approach let me choose where I stayed for the night and, most importantly, ride the distance I wanted—my longest stage was 217 km—without carrying any weight, since I can’t imagine doing a fully self-supported bike trip. I did a first 3-week stretch that took me to the top of Denmark using this method. Then I drove back to Hamburg in my van, left it there, and flew back to Bordeaux. I spent two weeks at home because my autistic son was staying with me, then my wife and I flew to Hamburg. We picked up the van and drove back to the top of Denmark to catch a ferry to Oslo. For this second leg, my wife drove the Trafic, and we met up along the stages, which allowed me to focus solely on my ride. I chose to go through Sweden—it would’ve been much more complicated going up through Norway because of all the tunnels, frequent small ferries to cross the fjords, and a lot more elevation gain. I had favorable winds most of the time, a few hiccups, but overall everything went smoothly, and I stuck to my route and schedule. I kept a travel journal on My Atlas—here’s the link: https://www.myatlas.com/danielcramay/du-47-au-cap-nord

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

Hi there, In 2022, I went to Japan where I planned to buy a bike (you need to know a trusted Japanese resident or similar, otherwise it's impossible, but you get a registration in return). There are many websites selling second-hand bikes, accessories, and parts at all price points that you can find online. I bought a suitable bike, the right size, for around 600 €, which allowed me to cover the 850 km I had planned. For transport, you absolutely need a soft bike bag, because you must dismantle it to board any train or bus! And even to move it around the station! For express trains in certain regions, you need to make a reservation for oversized luggage (check at the station), and in return, there will be a reserved space. Keep in mind that Japanese people travel with little luggage since they rarely go away for more than a week. So, if you don’t end up with a crowd of tourists... (watch out on tourist routes in Tokyo and Hiroshima). Avoid tourist areas during GOLDEN WEEK in April-May—trains and hotels are fully booked. Take the opportunity to escape to the countryside... For hotel bookings, Booking and Agoda are safe options—you can confidently choose the cheapest ones. In small towns, street life shuts down at sunset, so plan ahead for restaurants. Otherwise, there’s always the konbini! For ferries, there’s no problem, but you may have to pay in some cases. Otherwise, it’s all very pleasant: drivers are very respectful. Bear in mind that driving is on the left side of the road. I took a few trips around Tokyo and its suburbs without any issues, except for orientation. A GPS is essential because many people don’t speak much English or know exactly where they are in relation to your destination. But luckily, there’s the KOBAN—a neighborhood police box where an officer has a big book of maps, and their mission is to help you find your way if you know the address, the neighborhood name, the subway station, or even the name of a bar (!) Otherwise, I cycled on very small roads away from main routes, through small villages, and that’s where you really discover "deep" Japan. Japan is a mix of landscapes, often wilder than what we’re used to in Europe, but also signs of an aging population, with rural exodus and many abandoned houses in the mountainous countryside of SHIKOKU or NOTO. I explored or took rides from town to town, sometimes ahead of or behind my partner, who traveled by train or bus on her own. I met few Japanese cyclists (with very basic bikes) or non-Japanese ones, except for cyclists on the SHIMANAMI route with amazing bikes. No need for a heavy lock—you can find them there. There are also shops for second-hand parts. For safety, ideally, you should get a local SIM card. It’s good to know that in an emergency, your phone will work to call for help—dead zones are rare. I brought the bike back to Europe as checked luggage in a properly sized box with no special formalities, for a transport cost of around 150 €. I got the box from an international bike shop in Tokyo after some searching and resizing it (with a knife and packing tape).

Hello, I spent a month cycling in Thailand earlier this year with a touring bike equipped with two rear panniers. I loved being able to ride and stop at a hotel every night, and eat just about anywhere. I tried India two months ago but gave up because of the road conditions and chaotic traffic.

I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!

I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!

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.