There’s no age limit for bikes! Last time I came across a cyclist who was 86 and still crushing those climbs! The key is finding a comfortable position, the right bike, the right saddle, and not pushing too hard!
... And with so much traffic on major roads, it seems that planning a route on smaller roads and sticking to it isn’t something everyone can manage?
To be continued
It’s true that avoiding busy main roads:
means cycling a bit slower: slightly more elevation, roads not always in as good condition (→ not for those who like to "cruise" at a steady average speed)
and requires:
preparing a detailed route sheet, with TOP100 IGN-style maps handy for navigation (on multi-day trips, this can add up in weight and bulk)or using a GPS, which means:plotting a route on mapping/routing software (www.calculitinéraires.fr, www.openrunner.com, etc.)planning power for the GPS—the best option is a dynamo hub with a buffer battery to avoid running out of juice
Could be, but luckily, it isn’t.
Freedom’s at the end of the pedal.
IGN map—I agree, but after that, it’s all about the vibe. You shouldn’t plan everything, or it’s a killer.
Hi everyone,
At 62, I travel by bike with or without my dog in a trailer—no athletic feat, just the joy of travel, camping, etc.
About fitness, I just read a book about very elderly, highly trained women who run marathons (70 and over). *Older, Faster, Stronger* by Margaret Webb. The idea is that with intensive training, you can extend your athletic performance age much further, and endurance can improve. What I take from it is that even if the training intensity isn’t that high, you should still be able to do sports—cycling, in this case—for a very long time. Anyway, I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
I’d love to read blogs and chat with other "older" cyclists. How do we do that? Should we ask VoyageForum to create a new category?
My blogs:
http://enselle1.blogspot.frhttp://enselle2.blogspot.frhttp://renaclarochelle.blogspot.fr
Enjoy your day!
Catherine
We could ask VoyageForum to open an extra section, but I doubt they’d accept it. Or we could start a blog and give access to cyclists who fit the category. Maybe a better idea????
To be continued…
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
😏We’re not in a special category. Just wellness enthusiasts.
If I’m doing a bit less bike touring these days, it doesn’t mean I’m giving up cycling altogether. Just that I’ve got other irons in the fire right now.
Rushing to the other side of the planet doesn’t require super training, just a bit of quick thinking—the kind that lets you do it on foot or by bike too.
Hello everyone,
I’m a kid who’s just turned 60. This weekend, I was happy to get my first “senior” discount when I took the train with our bikes. We traveled from the Lille metro area to Boulogne-sur-Mer by train + bike (50 km by train and 80 km by bike). We took the lovely LF1 (the North Sea route) between Watten-Eperlecques and Wimereux. We returned two days later in the opposite direction. So far, so good for me. Long may it last! ! ! !
During the summer holidays, I’ve got a week planned on the Véloscénie with my bike and tent, between Alençon and Mont Saint-Michel, and back. LONG LIVE EVERYONE.
A few years back, we cycled part of South America to mark Bruno’s retirement. When we reached Ushuaia, we were as proud as punch (Coluche’s expression).
At the guest house, there was a photo of two guys with white beards: they’d cycled from Alaska at 82 and arrived in Ushuaia two years later!!!!
It really blew us away.
So you see, as long as you’re in good health, don’t set limits for yourself. Hats off to Frannycyclo on that note.
Hey everyone, I’ve been super optimistic up until now, but at 66 I’ve gone and broken a lumbar vertebra. Forced to admit the old bod just isn’t keeping up anymore...
Happy trails to all,
Françoise
Hi Françoise
Hope it heals, even if it takes a while.
Four years ago, when I ended up in the fire brigade’s stretcher, I cried thinking I’d never ride a bike again. They reassured me even before the surgery.
Since then, I’ve been cycling way more than before—retirement has its perks, even if the years keep flying by.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hi Jules,
Statistically, cycling does so much good for the body (oxygenating both body and mind) that you still have plenty of great rides ahead of you!
I’m a bit younger than you (43) but travel with the same gear, and along France’s canals I’ve met loads of people your age.
There’s no limit—you just need to pick the right route.
I recommend checking out: http://www.velocanauxdodo.fr
What an incredible feat! Harriette Thompson, 92 years and 65 days old, finished the San Diego marathon on Sunday. She’s now the oldest woman to complete such an event, according to the organizers.
Yes, the reflection on nutrition is spot-on: you can find vitamin D in ampoules, and some pharmacists will sell it without a prescription.
Otherwise, when hiking, eating sardines and eggs (high in protein and easy to carry) works great!
😎A balanced diet, sure, all year round, but no deprivation.
Bike touring, sure, but at my own pace. Climbing the Galibier, the Little or the Great St. Bernard, or even the Col d'Izoard, yes, but not too fast, just taking it easy. I don’t follow any special diet, before, during, or after, and definitely no dietary supplements, which can sometimes be harmful to your health.
When you’re cycling abroad, especially in Asia, you can imagine it’s not always possible to choose your food, and in some countries, it might even be inappropriate. That doesn’t stop you from pedaling, though. The main thing is to enjoy yourself.
For me, no "artificial" supplements—I just make sure to eat a balanced diet.
A GOOD breakfast in the morning,
a light meal at noon, often raw veggies and fruit... before a little apéritif—I mean, a *small* one!!
In the evening, I make up for it, 😏 while staying reasonable... a little less than at noon.....
Bad luck—near home or while traveling? Watch your vitamin D levels; it’s crucial at our age.
Daniel
While on a cycling trip, I was trying to reach my little village in Georgia, with some hope that if I could get visas, I’d make it all the way to Beijing.
It happened to me in Germany—I at least learned one German word: *Inkontinenzprodukte*… Lots of twists and turns before getting a proper diagnosis and treatment… I’m now in my fifth hospital… The repatriation assistance dragged their feet to bring me home, and in the end, a friend came to get me, turning his station wagon into an ambulance…
The doctors painted a very grim future for me… But in a few months, when I’m feeling better, I’ll be back on the road.
My vitamin D levels are normal; they gave me an Aclasta injection to help calcium bind to my bones. I’ve done a lot of research online and plan to cut out dairy—its calcium isn’t easily absorbed—in favor of calcium-rich water and foods.
Bottom line, my friends: getting old isn’t for the faint of heart…
Best to all you old-timers…
Not only would it not be absorbable, but worse, it would block the absorption of calcium from other foods.
Check out the books *Milk, Lies, and Propaganda*, *Be Less Dairy*, or *Milk: A Fine Mess* for more on this.
I’ve been living without milk (all dairy) and gluten for 15 years now, and apart from arthritis (which I think I’ve stopped progressing), everything’s fine. You’ll find all the info on this topic at www.lanutrition.fr.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more miles to ride!
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
It’s always frustrating to cut a trip short, especially when it’s for health reasons.
Take care of yourself and keep your spirits up.
Your bike’s waiting for you—it’s a loyal companion.
This probably wasn’t the goal of this discussion, but the profiles of the participants here make me want to share a 3-month cycling trip project starting in early 2016. The dates aren’t set in stone yet, but we’ll be leaving in the first half of January and returning in the first half of April.
The destination is Mexico. The planned route—though it could change before or during the trip—should take about 64 cycling days. It sometimes passes through regions flagged as risky on the travel advisory site: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/...-pays/mexique-1.... So, I’ll do more research and plan alternate routes to avoid those areas if needed.
For now, there are two of us—men aged 64 and 65. Like the past three years, we’ll be riding trikes (recumbent bikes with three wheels). The group could grow, and anyone interested can reach out to me on this forum or via private message. There’s no issue mixing trikes with traditional bikes—we’ve ridden together for days or even weeks with standard bikes without any problems. That said, trikes are noticeably slower on climbs.
To give you an idea of our travel style, details of our past trips (all in Southeast Asia) are available on two sites. I don’t know Mexico yet, but it seems more expensive than Southeast Asian countries. So, the 2016 travel budget will likely be higher than previous trips.
I’ll wrap up—but I probably should’ve started with this—by wishing Françoise (Frannycyclo) a speedy recovery. I really admire her determination and perseverance.
While this probably wasn’t the original purpose of the discussion, the profiles of the participants here have inspired me to share a 3-month cycling trip project planned for early 2016. The exact dates aren’t set yet, but we’ll be leaving in the first half of January and returning in the first half of April.
The destination is Mexico. The route is planned but may change before or during the trip, with around 64 cycling days. It occasionally passes through regions flagged as risky on the travel advisory site http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/...-pays/mexique-1.... I’ll do more research and prepare alternate routes to avoid those areas if needed.
For now, there are two of us—men aged 64 and 65. Like the past three years, we’ll be riding trikes (recumbent bikes with three wheels). The group could grow, and anyone interested can contact me here or via private message. There’s no issue mixing trikes with traditional bikes—we’ve ridden together for days or weeks at a time with standard bikes without problems. That said, trikes are noticeably slower on climbs.
To give you an idea of our travel style, details of our previous trips (all in Southeast Asia) are on these two sites. I don’t know Mexico yet, but it seems pricier than Southeast Asia, so the 2016 budget will likely be higher than past trips.
I’ll wrap up—but I should’ve started by wishing Françoise (Frannycyclo) a speedy recovery. I really admire her determination and perseverance.
Jean Marie
Ignore travel advisories.
I’ve cycled in Mexico—the biggest hazard is the *topes* (speed bumps, or “sleeping policemen” as they’re poetically called).
Avoid dairy, especially cow’s milk.
Gluten (wheat) is easy to skip since corn dominates Mexican cuisine.
Steer clear of medical mistakes and cortisone treatments.
Cycle to your heart’s content—no limits!
Listen to yourself, listen to your body.
Adjust your route on a whim.
Do what makes you happy.
Learn Spanish—it helps...
If you go in the dry season, pack light. If you can handle a hammock, bring one (though you’ll find plenty there).
We always found a place to sleep—except once, but a ride from a passing car saved us.
And don’t worry about dogs in Mexico—they’re not even mean...
Safe travels!
I’m recovering after two months in the hospital and a rough time, but I’ll get there.
Cyclist greetings,
Françoise
Of course! Contrary to what moms say, milk is bad for your health—hard to digest and lacking in protein.
On a trek, you should fuel up on sardines and eggs.
As for health insurance, France covers you for up to 3 months as a tourist.
Beyond that, you’ll need to take out private insurance, or if you're in the EU, register with the embassy.
I’m not exactly young either, but I trust my doctor completely. He solved problems similar to yours with a single approach, where batteries of tests had done nothing:
Cut out all cow-based products—meat and milk. Eat only frozen vegetables if you can (you can find freezers for 70 €), and as many dried legumes as possible (white beans, lentils, split peas—not canned, cooked in a pot) with white meat or line-caught fish. Stick to this diet for 4 weeks, and I guarantee you’ll feel the difference.
Okay, here's a half-humorous reply... If your average was 35 km/h five years ago, you've still got plenty of room. I know a guy who had hip arthritis—he got a prosthesis (titanium for weight), and the surgeon guaranteed it'd last 15 years. Now he's got his old flexibility back (true story, except for the titanium part...). Hang in there!
“I’ve got a year of recovery ahead after two months in the hospital and sheer hell, but I’ll get there.”
Of course you’ll get there. Hang in there. I know it’s not the easiest thing.
Your bike’s waiting for you, and it won’t let you down.
Don’t try just anything—listen to your doctors; they know what they’re doing.
Thanks Françoise for the info on Mexico and also for the dietary tips.
For Mexico, I’m sticking with the planned route for now, with an alternative to avoid Acapulco and the state of Guerrero if needed. From past trips (southern Thailand), we’ve noticed that travel advisories tend to exaggerate the risks a bit. We’ll see on the ground if the same holds true for Mexico. My eldest son traveled there for three months this year with a friend on bikes, and they really enjoyed it. In fact, it was on their recommendation that we chose this destination.
We’ll watch out for *topes* (speed bumps), but they should be less risky on a recumbent trike than on a regular bike.
I don’t have a problem with hammocks. I have a lightweight parachute-fabric hammock with a mosquito net and tarp. I only used it once in Cambodia a few years ago—it wasn’t comfortable and was very hot. I’ve since replaced it with a lightweight tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. For Mexico, I don’t have any experience yet, but I think nighttime temperatures vary a lot between the coast and the plateaus above 2,000 meters. For now, we’re planning to bring our lightweight camping gear and buy a hammock locally if needed.
I’ve started learning Spanish, but languages aren’t my strong suit. Still, I’ll try to leave with at least a basic knowledge and improve along the way.
Health-wise, I also have a minor issue with numb hands on a regular bike. I think that’s common for a lot of older cyclists. That, along with neck pain, is what led me to switch to a recumbent trike. My last trip on a regular bike was in 2011, and I had to take some descents at reduced speed because I couldn’t brake properly. With the recumbent trike, I don’t have those problems anymore, but climbs take about a third longer than on a regular bike.
For a few years now, I’ve been eating very few dairy products, but I need to cut back on bread.
Don’t worry about your hip. I had a hip replacement in 2002 (age 65) and since then I’ve cycled about 3,000 km a year and done lots of hiking, including the 800 km to Santiago de Compostela on foot with a backpack. My prosthesis, checked every two years, is still like new.
Hi (or good evening) Françoise,
We’ve just returned from a 3,200 km tour of France with a brand-new Vaude tent—
35 set-ups later, it’s leaking and has three broken poles!
Considering what we paid, that’s one expensive outing!!!
So, like you, Vaude is DONE for us………!
Other than that, all’s well. Fun fact: my partner is 65 and I’m 71,
and we’re not planning to stop anytime soon.
It's all in the title—I'm 70, and I've been traveling by bike (tent and cooking gear) for five years now. Statistically, how many more years do I have left to plan my destinations and see (almost) everything?
Question is half realistic, half humorous.
To keep it simple: how old are you, fellow senior cyclotourists still on the road? And what are your biggest challenges?
I'm in good physical shape, though my cruising speed has dropped from 3 to 4 km/h over the past five years.
But arthritis (hip) is starting to make it hard to swing my leg over the frame.
Your post is really nice. I'm almost 69, and while I don’t travel by bike anymore, I ride almost every day to explore my region—Burgundy—or Mexico when I stay there. That’s why I started this blog: http://monpetitjournaldicietdailleurs.over-blog.com/ (copy it into your browser).
I manage about 6,000 km a year, and to push myself, I occasionally do time trials—like 100 km in 4 hours and 5 minutes this year.
I don’t have hip arthritis, but for yours—which doesn’t stop you from pedaling—you might want to try a women’s frame. It’ll make things easier, and there’s no harm in that suggestion!
Best regards,
Dominique
A pied, à cheval, en voiture, mais surtout à vélo !
I manage to cover 6,000 km a year, and to give myself a boost, I occasionally do some long-distance rides—like 100 km in 4 hours and 5 minutes this year.
I don’t have hip arthritis, but for yours, which doesn’t stop you from cycling, you should try a women’s frame—it’ll make things easier for you. No offense meant in this advice!
Thanks for your message. Personally, I stopped keeping track of my mileage compared to time a long time ago (to avoid losing morale). I’ve noticed that during my first trips, my speedometer was constantly at 20–22 km/h, but this year, 18–20 km/h was more realistic. But it doesn’t matter.
The women’s bike frame has been a great change since July—it’s perfect for me. I had a hard time finding a large women’s frame at a recycling center or dump, so I settled for a medium one, which is a bit short (my toes barely touch the front fender, and I’ve had to move the panniers back as far as possible to avoid my heels). But I don’t feel at all uncomfortable with a women’s frame.
I’m wondering whether I should go under the knife for my hip or not. I’ll try other options before looking into Chinese medicine—apparently, it has spectacular results for joint problems.
I’ll check out your blog soon.
Daniel (178jules)
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
Thanks for your kind reply. I’d be delighted to have you as a reader!
Regarding your hip, prosthetics work really well, but if you can try a gentler approach first, that’s a great idea.
Either way, whatever your performance level, the main thing is just getting those legs moving in nature—I wish you lots of beautiful rides. Cheers!
A pied, à cheval, en voiture, mais surtout à vélo !
I’m slowly recovering from a spinal fracture. Taking the chance to write my book about my trip through Latin America.
I’m starting to break free from the prison my body had become... I’m doing everything I can—complete diet overhaul, bike torture (30 minutes of stationary bike every day)... Still managed to get lost on the Vercors high plateaus. A worried friend called rescue services... My phone was dead. The mountain rescue team couldn’t geolocate me... I made it out on my own after 13 hours of walking, including 3 in the dark, without ever putting myself in real danger... Didn’t get a working phone until 24 hours later... Total embarrassment... But there’s hope—hope that I still can...
At our age, maybe we don’t have the physical strength anymore, but we’ve still got the mindset...
Best to all,
Françoise
Françoise, I’m in awe! Take care of yourself, take it easy for now while you recover fully. Let winter pass (like me), as I’m preparing for another adventure! Oh, what an addiction! I still have plans—I’ll definitely talk about them when the time comes. One thing’s for sure, I’m heading out again in June 2016, God willing!!! (and if the people listen to me, as the general used to say)!
Good health,
Jean-Marie
Thanks Claude
Sorry I’m so late!!!
Tons of issues on the way back, but all’s well now.
Training’s back on; we’ll let winter pass, but new plans are already brewing!!! Oh yeah, cycling’s a real addiction—for me, at least!
Take care
Jean-Marie
Interesting discussion... We’re two Quebecers, 65 and 68 years old. We met a year and a half ago. We just finished our first bike adventure in South Korea—three months on the road, wishing it would never end... So we’re doing it again! In March, we’re setting off on a year-long trip starting from Miniac Morvan, this time on a recumbent tandem with all our camping gear...
1. We bought the bike from Bentokaz, shipped from Quebec
2. We’ve never tried this type of bike before
3. This will be our first bike-camping experience
4. No set destination...
We’re just heading out, laughing as we go. We might turn left, right, or even backtrack to meet and chat with other "crazy old" folks... Seems like there are still a few of us out on the roads... So, how old is too old? ???? Well, as long as possible, of course!
How are you? Any cycling plans for 2016?
At the moment I'm torn between Roscoff–Hendaye in a group with other seniors, or picking up solo where I left off in 2014 in Prague and continuing through Poland, or finally going to see Vesuvius—but the coasts there scare me. I'm still mulling it over.
Best,
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
Thanks for this post. Traveling without a set destination is something I’ve never done (not even on "regular" vacations, actually), so I’ll have to give it a try while I’m still around.
Cheers
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
hi there
get your hip operated on!
an ex-physiotherapist is telling you this (32 years of experience and hundreds of hip replacements rehabbed!!). I had the surgery myself and I'm SO SATISFIED!!
Back to cycling and activities with NO problems at all!!
sorry for the mistakes—I live in CAMBODIA and have a US keyboard I don't really master!
I'm 73 and in great shape....
CHEERS
hi daniel
I’ll be 70 this year and I’ve every intention of not stopping my bike travels—I just go at my own pace!!
keep pedaling for a long time to come
Well, I’m not alone—there are other septuagenarians still traveling by bike. But from reading the various posts, it seems bike trips tend to end around this age. I haven’t come across many octogenarians, but maybe that’s because this practice has only become relatively popular recently.
How does this adventure end? Who gives up first—your mind or your body, or do both go quietly together? This is a call to those who’ve hung up their helmets.
178Jules
"Ne cherche pas à suivre les traces d'un autre, cherche plutôt à savoir ce qu'il cherchait."
Good evening, everyone.
In my opinion, and from what I see around me, let's not kid ourselves! An 80-year-old man is "shaken up."
A Europe tour at 65, from France at 72, from Belgium at 75, and then just the garden and the dining table!!!
That’s our destiny, all of us. (Laughs!)
The energy in this discussion really shows how much interest there is in the topic—no doubt about it.
Funny enough, I was asking myself pretty much the same questions, and all the replies have helped shed some light, so thanks to everyone.
The context isn’t the same for me—I’m only 60, but I’m in the middle of a round-the-world bike trip, and we’ve still got quite a few years ahead of us, especially since we often get held up by things "beyond our control." The upside of our age is that we’ve got time, though biology will catch up with us eventually, and we’ll have to stop one day...
We’ve ridden with New Zealanders who were 73—they were full of energy and still lugging just as much gear as we were. It’s inspiring!
Our journey is on recumbent bikes—we’d never go back to a regular saddle now that we’re so comfortable on our rolling lounge chairs. We’re getting ready to leave Brittany in a few weeks to spend a good while in Australia, then New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, and after that... we’ll see. More on http://cyclomigrateurs.fr
Kenavo! !
Les Cyclomigrateurs. Tour du monde de 2014 à 2019... ou plus.
Je planifie cet été un voyage à vélo pour aller jusqu'à la région d'Istre qui est à cheval sur la Croatie et la Slovénie, et j'ai quelques questions à ce…
Voyager à vélo › Espagne / France › Sud-Ouest · 1 reply
Je suis en train de plannifier une sortie en vélo. J'aimerais faire le Canal du midi pour continuer vers l'Espagne. Il peut être intéressant de connecter avec…
Je me présente Dimitri en tant que nouveau sur votre forum! Alors je suis venu vous voir car je souhaiterai partir cet été à vélo d'Amiens (Picardie) jusqu'à…
Nous comptons partir à vélo jusqu'à Saint-Pétersbourg, et ensuite voyager en Mongolie. Nous comptons prendre l'assurance de voyage AVI international, ce qui…
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17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳
From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets...
I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters.
Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits.
Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Bonjour
quelles sont les moyen les plus simple pour revenir du Cap Nord sans pédaler
train, Bateau, avion ?
qui à déjà fait l’expérience ?
Merci de nous renseigner
Hi,
can anyone give us some tips on how to get to North Cape from Lyon Gerland?
What’s the best route to join the EuroVelo 7?
How many kilometers is it from Lyon to North Cape via EuroVelo 7?
The best month to leave—we’re thinking early May.
Thanks for any advice!
Looking for a female travel companion for a cycling trip (arriving by plane in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and cycling toward Montevideo, Uruguay, returning by plane to France from Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 1,500 km
Hello everyone!
I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.
Experience:
I already have solid experience in bicycle touring in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, I maintain excellent physical condition by cycling an average of 250 km over 3 days per week (4 hours a day at 20 km/h).
The trip & the pace:
Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore.
Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.
Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!
I’m planning to leave Nice for Toulouse around 10/15 and I’m looking for tips / great deals regarding:
- The route: I was thinking of taking Nice - Grasse - Draguignan - Salernes - Cadarache - Cavaillon - Arles, then the Camargue, Sète, and the Canal du Midi to Toulouse. The idea is to avoid high-traffic roads and too many steep climbs. Are there any spots to avoid or must-see stops? Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the road, I was thinking that sleeping indoors might be preferable. If you have any budget-friendly accommodation suggestions along part of the route, don’t hesitate!
Thanks in advance, and if you’re in the area around that time, we could ride together... Ciao.
Another long-time dream of Claudio’s: the Petit Mont Cenis pass and the dam at the eponymous lake.
A place where many Italians, including my father, worked in the 1950s–60s.
Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne → Lanslebourg → Petit Mont Cenis → return. 315 km, 3 days. Bivouac at St-Michel-de-M.
Brouter link
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne
Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel
Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
🇷🇼 Cycling in Rwanda: 4 episodes, an off-the-beaten-path adventure
After 3 weeks and nearly 1,200 km by bike across Rwanda, I made 4 videos to share this adventure in a different way: the landscapes, the encounters, the villages… but above all, all those incredible scenes of everyday life.
The 4 episodes are available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnfbxjccWAg
The 4th episode focuses on rural Rwandan life: simple, authentic, and sometimes surprising scenes that you only truly discover when you take the time to travel by bike.
If you have a few minutes, let yourself be transported to Rwanda…
Hi, I'm looking for info on cycling to Nordkapp via the EuroVelo 7. Has anyone done it already, and where’s the best place to start the EuroVelo 7?
Thanks
Hi,
We bought the MSR bike tent model (2-person + large awning that can fit 2 bikes) back in 2005. It’s served us really well, especially during a year-long trip in Africa. Now, one of the poles is broken, and we’d love to replace it since that’s the only issue with the tent—we still love it! The poles are 9.35 mm in diameter, with 8 sections of 49 cm and 2 sections of 28 cm. Total length when assembled: 416 cm. Actually, two large sections are broken: one straight and one curved. It’s a pain to find replacements since this model is no longer sold anywhere.
Would anyone have this model lying around unused and be willing to sell me a pole?
Hi everyone,
In early April, I’m redoing the Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Ouistreham), and then I’d like to cycle along the Cotentin Peninsula (which I don’t know at all), follow the coast up to Cherbourg, and then head back down to at least Saint-Malo. I’d love to know if it’s pleasant for cycling—are the roads nice? Not too windy? What are the must-see spots? Any great campsites? All your tips and advice are more than welcome, and I thank you in advance.
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike to meet some friends in Côte d’Ivoire in early November.
I’ll be starting in Abidjan and heading to Abengourou, which is close to the Ghana border.
I’d like to take the trails. Does anyone have recent info on eastern Côte d’Ivoire?
Any tips, safety advice, or must-see stops? I’m open to all suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Fx
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.
I just took a trip in Tunisia from Tozeur to Douz, skirting Chott el Jerid to the south. I’m back with the urge to keep going further south via the 4x4 tracks to connect Douz to Ksar Ghilane. Has anyone driven this route recently or explored southern Tunisia?
Thanks for your tips!
fix
😎Fellow traveling cyclists or not, all of you who love travel, the pleasure of physical effort, nature, beautiful machines, people with true passions they seek to fulfill, and who also enjoy reading great literature about all this—the *200* magazine is for you just as it is for me. I should mention I have no financial or other interest in this (in an era where we accuse our politicians of all sorts of vile interests, I prefer to take precautions). I’ve been subscribed since the beginning, and every three months, I get my 130 pages of dreams (the magazine just went from 110 to 130 pages).
It covers everything from the trans-America route to the TCR (Trans Continental Race) from Belgium to a small town in Turkey, with mind-blowing averages—4,000 km and 80,000 m of elevation gain in 8 days and 15 hours for the winner. Let that sink in, and all of it without assistance—accepting a patch could penalize you. There’s also a story about crossing Iran, encountering one of the world’s most welcoming populations, following in the footsteps of Nicolas Bouvier, as well as retirees leisurely traversing France. The common thread in all these stories? Beautiful writing. Take, for example, a stunning article: *"Passengers of the Cold: From Edinburgh to Thurso, at the very north of Scotland, 550 km of moors, coasts, and icy wind. In Thurso, the road ends at a quay, facing the Orkney Islands. We wanted a November trip, off-season. We wanted to surprise winter. Just before the snow."* A sublime piece on the experience of facing adversity and the chance encounters along the road and in the elements.
Before I embarked on my own bike trips, I dreamed a lot about them—from the Atacama to the Gobi, along the Mekong, and not forgetting France. And now, these 130 pages every quarter keep those dreamy vibes alive through stories written in the most beautiful prose.
I’ll stop here because it might sound like I’m advertising, but if you don’t know *200*, I invite you to discover it. It’ll give you wings for the most incredible challenges or simply reinforce your desire for slow rides with your eyes open to others and nature.
A little news to wrap up: Axel Carion and a friend just broke the record for crossing South America from Colombia to Ushuaia in 59 days. On its own, that doesn’t mean much, but I can’t help it—it makes me dream. You should see how he talks about it, the flashes of that wild nature he’s stored away: a snowstorm at Paso Jama and the surreal sight of the suddenly snow-covered Licancabur!
Luc
PS: The magazine is called *200* because a day’s ride starts at 200 km—well, I’ve never done a ride like that since my longest was 167 km (with 18 kg of luggage, mind you), but why not one day? The magazine will explain how to tackle your first 200, and then the question in conclusion: when will you do your first 300?😏
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?
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.
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
Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
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
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.
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!
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
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?
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
