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!
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.
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?😏
