Why are you putting your bike away for the winter? It’ll rust, and so will you…
Hi there, “youngster of 66”
Raynaud’s syndrome means my fingers turn white and numb as soon as it gets cold—I can’t even hold the handlebars. If anyone knows a remedy, I’m all ears.
Of course I’ll be following your blog faithfully.
A 70-year-old (who’s really struggling to get back in shape this early in the season, but I’ll keep at it)
I’ve been using aromatherapy for 35 years now—one of Dr. Valnet’s early book pioneers—and I’ve never heard of this treatment. You’re never too old to learn, so thanks! I’ll definitely give it a try, even if *Helycrisum italicum* S.I. costs an arm and a leg. I’ve been using it successfully for bruises and contusions.
This condition is really a nightmare for those who suffer from it. I’m actually thinking of starting a blog to share experiences.
Thanks again for your input!
As for fitness, when the first nice days roll around, I always feel like I’ll never get back in shape. But by the 3rd or 4th ride, things are rolling much smoother.
Why do you put your bike away in winter? It’ll rust, and so will you…
Hello, “young thing of 66”
Raynaud’s syndrome means my fingers turn white and go numb as soon as it gets cold—I can’t even hold the handlebars. If anyone knows a remedy, I’m all ears.
Of course I’ll follow your blog faithfully.
A little old guy of 70 (who’s really struggling to get back in shape this early in the season, but I’ll keep at it)
To the grand old guy of 70:
Yes, I’ve got a remedy—I have a very rare myopathy that causes (among other things) paralysis in the cold. I manage by layering up, which has the bonus of cushioning falls but the downside of getting laughed at when I’m dressed like the Michelin Man in 20 °C or warmer. It also means I have to keep a huge wardrobe since this condition doesn’t stop me sweating.
The worst is when my tongue freezes and I can’t speak, or my hands freeze and I can’t brake. Now I have hydraulic-assist brakes—absolute bliss. My bike is custom-made with the lowest possible frame because when my muscles are tired, I struggle to lift my leg.
Everyone deals with their own stuff in their own way.
I’m over 70 now—I don’t even know the exact number because it changes every year...
a die-hard cyclist and former racer (track and road), I’d love to share my experiences so anyone who’s doubting their abilities can stay optimistic.
Physio, osteo—phew! After 15 years in Africa, I got back in the saddle... and nearly blew my turbo (aka my heart)! The verdict: most of my coronary arteries were blocked (hereditary cholesterol).
The result: 5 stents fitted, plus another after a restenosis!
And of course, all the meds that go with it—5 pills a day for the past 12 years...
Plus a heart that only works at 60% capacity. Thanks to them, though, it’s stabilized.
Despite these setbacks (hip replacement, operated disc herniation, prostate issues, etc.), every day in my beloved Brittany, I’d ride 30–40 km, always listening to my body.
No problems—just regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and my meds, which, unfortunately, give me muscle cramps.
If this story can encourage anyone who’s hesitant, that’s great!
Right now, I live in Cambodia, and cycling here in 35°C+ shade temps would be madness for me (same goes for extreme cold with heart conditions!). But this summer, back home, I can’t wait to get back on my bike!
A centenarian just set an hour record on the track (we can’t really say he "beat" it since he had no predecessor).
What’s more, he’s been taking part in the Ardéchoise cycling tour for years—one of the cols was even named after him in his honor.
Anything’s possible, and I wish you many more kilometers ahead!
Hey 178jules,
I’ll try to come back to this discussion in about a dozen years.
For now, at 58.5 years old, after starting to cycle past 50 (needed to save some € and lose a few kg) to commute every day, all year round (almost 15 km)... and now for all my trips... after my last occupational health check-up, it seems my physiological age is just over 40 😎. And last year, I easily completed my first 200 km brevet (with my touring bike, but no luggage).
So, could cycling—a "supported" physical activity that’s easy on the joints and good for the heart and lungs—actually make you younger? For a future seniors’ club, we’d better stick to the age on our ID!
The replies are pouring in—let’s start a club and show those youngsters a thing or two! 😏
Hi everyone,
Without going as far as starting a club, we could share our travel plans with like-minded "colleagues" who might be interested.
At our age—I’m 68—we’re retired, we have time, and our pension comes in every month, which is very different from young people who’ve had to save for years to fund long trips on 10 € a day (I’ve met plenty of them in South America).
I’ve got a project for 2015, but I’d love to find some partners for it. It’s the "Great Divide"—crossing the U.S. from the Canadian border to the Mexican border.
It’s the longest off-road cycling route in the world, 4,700 km, following the Continental Divide.
Michael McCoy wrote a guide: *Cycling the Great Divide*, which you can find on Amazon for 11 €, and it suggests planning for 62 days.
The replies are pouring in—let’s start a club and show those youngsters a thing or two!!
A blog might do the trick for projects and trip reports—anyone interested?
Minimum age requirement???
Through these discussions, there’s a lot of encouragement from younger folks, but the group seems to close up around 70–72 years old. The example of the record-breaking centenarian is inspiring, but it’s not the same vibe.
Recently, I joined the sports retirement club in Beauvais and got closer to the cycling section:
First observation: pretty much everyone has a high-end bike worth 3,000–4,000 €, decked out like pros—carbon everything, with the latest gear and jerseys.
Then, when I mentioned traveling with luggage, they looked at me like I was an alien. The group that started the discussion (15–20 people) quickly thinned out, and I ended up finishing the conversation with just the cycling group leader (he’s very polite).
Cycling, yes—but different styles.
But I’m noticing more and more travelers with bikes + panniers, especially since this spring. And a lot on busy roads—it seems like planning a route on small roads and sticking to it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea?
To be continued
Hi Daniel,
Your message raises a ton of questions about age, different cycling practices, routes, and more.
I can just picture the faces of the members of a cycling club when you talk to them about bike travel with panniers—it’s usually a completely different mindset. The day cyclist is all about physical effort, whether for fitness or performance, while the touring cyclist with panniers is all about the journey and travel, even if they don’t mind pushing hard on the pedals at times and tackling endless climbs.
Age-wise, I thought as long as you’re healthy, there’s no age limit, and you can keep going. But in this post, I discovered that even when people aren’t doing so well (by our medical standards) or have serious disabilities, some still keep riding. Yesterday, I saw an interesting documentary on the *Montagne* channel about cycling in the cols. Of course, it was all about road bikes or racing bikes, even old clunkers, and day trips by amateurs—some of whom weren’t exactly well-trained. Clearly, what they described in response to journalists’ questions at the top of the Galibier, Ventoux, or other cols is something every long-distance traveler feels. The only difference is that the traveler goes a little further—once at the top of the col, instead of coasting down to their holiday spot or putting the bike on the car roof, they’re faced with the question of what comes next: where will they sleep tonight, on the spot or nearby if the weather looks good, or maybe they’ll have time to tackle the next climb?
In that documentary, aside from the guy who smoked like a chimney and whose wife dragged him up the slopes of the Ventoux (even though cycling wasn’t his thing), they showed a 45-year-old man with cystic fibrosis since childhood who, though a bit slower than his friends, still climbed the big cols.
I realize that, even though I’m a "young oldie" at nearly 62, I don’t necessarily travel the same way when I’m with people my age—who, like me, are lucky enough not to have financial struggles. Even though our panniers are packed with gear for comfortable bivouacking in nature (a little MSR tent and all the rest), we quickly give in to the temptation of hotels. And even if we make a point of sleeping outside sometimes, maybe once a week at most, I sometimes think we’d be better off traveling light with super carbon bikes.
But no, I’m keeping my panniers because we identify more with one group than another. On the other hand, when I’m with younger people, they have higher expectations and maybe (definitely) a little less arthritis, and for them, there’s no salvation without sleeping under the stars—so it keeps me young to push myself a bit.
This summer, to really put this to the test, I’m heading off with my 24-year-old nephew to tackle the cols of Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland in a 3,000–3,500 km loop starting from the Vosges. I’m sure I won’t let myself get lulled by the tempting comfort of hotels because Maxime will remind me of the harsh law of the bike vagabond.
As for routes, it’s true that sometimes we study maps to plan beautiful routes far from main roads, but once we’re on the road, a million good or bad reasons push us to take the shortest and fastest way—and suddenly we’re on major roads in the middle of cars, trucks, and buses. My most recent experience with this was crossing Bilbao in pouring rain in the middle of the afternoon. Once out of the city, we continued on a national road that felt like a highway, with no hard shoulder at times. It left me with memories I’d rank alongside cycling through Bangkok or Quito—yet the Spanish (sorry, the Basques) are very considerate of cyclists. I’d already noticed that in my various bike trips in Spain.
That’s what your post inspired in me, and the little dig at the "young’uns" from your "rather young’uns" had me laughing.
Luc
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…
😏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
Last bike trek 2026 for Claudio from La Faverges
Pretty but pricey!
Tough due to Z-route errors: damn GPS!
Here’s the deal: claudio finally did the bike trek he’d been planning for N+1 years, heading toward the Northeastern Region of France.
A few highlights: Jura Vesoul Épinal Arbois VéloRoute 50; Northeastern Canals (Saar Canal); Sarrebourg Saarbrücken Alsace Bossue Lorraine Vosges Jura Switzerland
Story and photos coming soon...
Story in progress...
Setting off from Geneva, a bit grumpy, toward the shores of Lake Geneva, we weave through the crowds of wild commuters, but calmly via Versoix, Tannay, Commugny, Founex, Céligny, and finally Genolier, where the real fun begins.
Indeed, while the road from Arzier to St-Cergue and La Givrine offers stunning views of the Lake Geneva basin, the climb is challenging.
But after atoning for a few sins, the village of La Cure is reached as easily as pie.
To avoid the main road and prolong the fun, we opt for the route to Prémanon and Morez via unlikely backroads.
Phew: Lons-le-Saunier at last! Still, quite a bit of meandering to find our campsite.
We lose not only our bearings but also our Michelin map, but eventually stumble upon the hostel—a bit spartan, but at least we’re sheltered.
I’m planning to bike around the Mediterranean.
I’m supposed to go through North Africa, but it seems a bit complicated.
Visas and travel in Algeria and Egypt only work if you book a hotel (no nights spent outside?).
Libya is generally very unclear, and it seems you can only travel there with a local guide (which doesn’t exist for bike trips).
If necessary, I’d skip Libya, but neither a bus ride nor a boat detour seems possible to enter Egypt.
Does anyone have tips on how to get around these issues and secure a visa?
Hi everyone, especially to fellow cycle tourists! I’ve just finished a 25-day bike trip from Tamatave to Diego along the east coast—about 1,300 km, including 850 km of pure dirt tracks and bush. I kept a travel journal, so I’ve got plenty of tips for anyone interested.
See you soon
Hello fellow cycle tourists,
Are there any campsites along the Somme cycle route?
Let’s say every 50/60 km starting from Tergnier.
Thanks for your help!
I’m considering applying for the next edition of the Silk Road (Let’s go crazy 😜). Nothing’s certain, of course—I think there’s a lottery for anonymous applicants.
I’m 67, and my goal is to take part and go as far as possible, without necessarily finishing, let alone making it within the time limits.
I already know Kyrgyzstan from cycling there before. The area’s tough, but the landscapes and vibe are stunning.
I’m open to any advice or suggestions. Also up for a race partner (as a duo or solo).
I live in the Monts du Lyonnais and train daily.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Thierry
When you think of traveling in Tanzania, you often picture high-altitude treks and 4x4 safaris. However, for those who prefer exploring on two wheels, the country’s vast network of dirt tracks, volcanic terrain, and diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa’s most rewarding cycling destinations.
Whether you prefer challenging alpine climbs, fast gravel trails, or coastal rides, here’s a look at what makes cycling in northern Tanzania so exceptional, along with some of the region’s best routes:
1. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by bike (Kilema route)
Terrain: Singletracks through humid rainforest, gravel paths in the moorland zone, and alpine desert scree.
* The experience: For experienced mountain bikers seeking a high-altitude challenge, the Kilema route is the official bike-accessible path on Kilimanjaro. The trail winds through lush rainforest before reaching the open heathlands near Horombo. Higher up, crossing the alpine desert toward Kibo demands endless bike carries and pushes, but descending through the forest canopy remains an unforgettable experience.
2. The full 360° loop around Kilimanjaro’s base
Terrain: Red clay earth, two-track trails, rolling gravel, and volcanic paths (total loop of about 360 km).
The experience: Circling Kilimanjaro lets you admire its landscapes from every angle. The route meanders through Chagga farmlands, coffee plantations, dense forests, and the open Maasai plains of the western side (like the West Kili area). It offers stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru while passing through local villages.
3. From Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron (descent into the Great Rift Valley)
Terrain: Technical gravel, dry riverbeds (wadis), unstable volcanic rock, and acacia scrub.
The experience: This route takes cyclists from the fertile high slopes of Kilimanjaro to the dramatic, arid scenery of the Great Rift Valley. As you approach Lake Natron, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God”) dominates the horizon. The final stretch across the Rift floor leads to the saline, serene shores of Lake Natron, a prime breeding ground for large colonies of lesser flamingos.
4. Wildlife zones and corridors
Terrain: Packed dirt tracks, animal trails, and undulating bush paths.
The experience: Pedaling through the northern circuit’s wild buffer zones and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path cycling safari. Riding through acacia woodlands often provides sightings of savanna wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
5. Coast to coast: From Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Terrain: Varied surfaces—from highland dirt tracks to coastal asphalt and sandy island trails.
The experience: Combining the cool mountain air of Kilimanjaro with the tropical Indian Ocean coastline, this long-distance route transitions from mountainous foothills to rural towns before ending at the coast for a boat crossing to Zanzibar. There, you can cycle along white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and through the historic heart of Stone Town.
Practical tips for cycling in Tanzania
Bike choice: A sturdy hardtail MTB, full-suspension MTB, or gravel bike with ample clearance (tires at least 2.0 inches) is ideal for tackling loose rocks, sandy patches, and corrugated tracks. Mid-drive e-MTBs are also popular for handling steep climbs.
Navigation: Using offline mapping apps (like Maps.me) alongside pre-downloaded GPX route files is essential for navigating rural tracks where mobile signal may be nonexistent.
Best time to go: The dry seasons—June to October and December to March—offer the best trail conditions, firmer ground, and clear mountain views.
Tanzania delivers the perfect mix of technical riding, impressive elevation, and cultural immersion right alongside local communities. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about trail conditions or gear to bring!
Hi there,
who has already done the EURO VELO 1 in Norway from the south to the North Cape, and what are the main difficulties:
elevation gain, etc.......
Otherwise, who has already done the EURO VELO 7 from south to north, crossing Sweden up to the North Cape? If so, what are the difficulties, elevation gain, and does it pass through villages for supplies, etc.......
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 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?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Madagascar in early October to cycle from Tana to Diego along the east coast.
I really want to visit the Masoala Peninsula and its primary forest. If anyone’s interested, I’m open to company.
Maybe see you soon!
I’d been watching this ultra-light travel movement or trend for a while.
So I gave it a try—goodbye to the 5 panniers and rear racks.
A 15L saddle bag for clothes and a stove cookset.
Two cages on the fork blades: 2x5L—mattress on one side, tent on the other.
A 5L frame bag for miscellaneous items: battery, camera, small bits and pieces.
And one on the handlebar for the sleeping bag.
I tested it this summer on a crossing from Valence to Perpignan via the Massif Central.
My conclusions:
The obvious advantage is the reduced weight. In total, I had 12 kg on the bike, which makes climbing in the mountains much easier.
Another benefit I hadn’t considered is the significantly lower wind resistance compared to a traditional setup—you really feel it when the wind’s against you.
Of course, it’s not all perfect...
For example, it’s impossible to carry a food stock. You buy just enough before each meal or go to a restaurant!
You also have to accept a more spartan comfort level at stops.
In conclusion, I think for summer trips in regions where resupplying is easy, it’s an interesting option—especially if there’s significant elevation gain.
On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for enough autonomy, so some trips are off the table.
On the bike side, I swapped my Shimano 11/34 cassette for an 11/40. Even though Shimano doesn’t recommend it with a 105 derailleur and a 46/30 double chainring, it works really well.
The only limit is avoiding the 46/40 gear ratio.
Hi,
what are the easiest ways to get back from Nordkapp without pedaling—
train, boat, or plane?
Has anyone already done this?
Thanks for sharing your tips!
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.
Hi,
I need to arrive in Thessaloniki by bike at the end of September and I plan to head to Istanbul along the coast.
Could anyone help me pick the best route? Safety, difficulty.
Thanks in advance.
Marc
Hi everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the forum :)
I’m preparing for a long trip heading to Nepal, with stops along the way depending on my mood, work needs, and the season. I cycle a lot, but this will be my first big touring adventure. I’d like to camp regularly to keep costs down, so I’ll be riding on all kinds of surfaces: smooth and rough roads, main highways and rocky paths to find my camping spots, flat terrain and the occasional steep slopes.
For my bike model, I’m prioritizing durability, versatility, and repairability. From that perspective, I prefer a steel frame and fork with rim brakes since I’m used to them. I’ve narrowed my choices down to four models:
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur T-700 LTD (1400 €): steel frame, aluminum fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 28" wheels, 40mm tires, 36 spokes (2 mm), lightweight rear rack (max 20 kg), no front rack included, smallest gear ratio of 0.72, weight of 13.9 kg.
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (2200 €): steel frame and fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 26" wheels, 50mm tires, 36 spokes (2.34 mm), front and rear racks included (40+18 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Genesis Tour de Fer 30 (2150 €): steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, 28" wheels, 36 spokes, 40mm tires, front and rear racks included (27+10 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.77, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Rockrider ADTV 900 from Decathlon (1700 €): aluminum frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, USB port, 28" wheels, 47mm tires, 28 spokes, front and rear racks included (40+20 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 17.1 kg. This is the successor to the Riverside Touring 900, which was a hit.
I’ve got a few questions:
1/ Should I go for 26" or 28" wheels for my trip? 26" wheels seem better for rough terrain, but 28" wheels feel more comfortable on roads. I’ve also read that 26" tires/tubes are easier to find.
2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
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!
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!
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,
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.
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?😏
