Hey fellow cyclists,
Cyclists on trails, paths, or greenways—why do so few (if any) of you use your bells to warn walkers, runners, and other pedestrians when they’re moving in the same direction as you?
I exercise every day (brisk walking) among you in France and abroad, and it’s something I’ve noticed—often with a few scares (and I’m guessing some accidents between cyclists or with pedestrians).
Personally, I always stick to the rules, walking on the left (facing traffic) so I can see you coming, but not everyone does that—neither pedestrians nor cyclists, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. 🤪
Your bikes make little to no noise, so why take risks and put others at risk too?
A quick, light *ding-ding* would be enough to warn people—what do you think? 😅
Here’s an answer that isn’t really one…
Lots of pedestrians—joggers, especially—wear headphones to stay in their own bubble, so bells are inaudible or even useless.
As a pedestrian (without headphones), I find bells pretty unpleasant and even rude because I (and others) believe it’s up to cyclists to watch out for pedestrians and avoid them without bothering them—not for pedestrians to move aside at the sound of a bell. Here, bike paths are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, *and* e-scooters, and everyone just ‘keep left’ without too many issues!
Come on, a reply... that isn't really one...
Lots of pedestrians, or rather joggers, wear headphones to stay in their own bubble... so bell rings are inaudible or even useless.
As a pedestrian (without headphones), I find bell rings rather unpleasant and even impolite because I (and others) believe it's up to cyclists to pay attention to pedestrians and avoid them without bothering them, not for pedestrians to move aside at the sound of a bell. Here, bike paths are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters, and everyone 'keeps left' without too many issues!
A light bell ring isn’t impolite at all and can prevent many accidents.
I don’t know where you live, but where I am, on the paths, people pass each other with smiles, say hello, and even exchange a few words.
A very light bell ring isn’t unpleasant and helps warn a pedestrian who, for any number of reasons, might step aside just as a cyclist comes up from behind (I met a gentleman two days ago who confirmed there are accidents)—either bike vs. pedestrian or bikes colliding with each other. Long live the individualistic world, we see where that gets us
Oh yeah, you're absolutely right—it's a real jungle out there on the bike lanes!
Our bike horns don’t go *Ding-Ding* but *Toot-Toot* when you press them (metal bell with a rubber palm, like soccer fans use). We bought them when we cycled through India.
That said, you’ve gotta ring them in advance, or there’ll be a lot of heart attacks and fewer cyclists as a result.
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr
Oh yeah, you're absolutely right—it's a real jungle out there on the bike paths!
Our horns don’t go "Dring-Dring" but "Pouet-Pouet" when you press them (metal bell with a rubber palm, like soccer fans use). We bought them when we cycled through India.
But you’ve gotta ring them in advance, or there’ll be a lot of heart attacks and fewer cyclists as a result.
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr
Hey, regarding forest trails and paths, it’s fine—no crowding there.
But when I want to go fast for my workout, I’ve got a greenway near me that crosses two whole departments (and there, it’s total chaos—can’t even say the word…).
I’m the only one acting like I’m walking along a road (always on my left, facing traffic to see what’s coming).
None of the pedestrians or cyclists respect each other—that’s why I started this little thread!
The worst in terms of danger are the "pro" cyclists. I call them pros because their excessive speed on a shared path, plus their outfits, make me think they’re training or something (they haul *serious* ass). One day, I’ll try to see if they even have a bell (I’m pretty sure they don’t—it’d be a "stain" on their sleek racing bikes and their skin-tight, borderline-ridiculous gear 😄).
They’re not the type to give a quick nod or even crack a smile .
Same goes for the others (joggers, walkers, etc.). They act like there are no rules, so it’s basically a lottery when it comes to accidents. (I also think the most at-risk are those with earbuds in—I can’t even imagine what it’s like in the city, with the risks *and* pollution.)
Personally, I don’t know if road rules apply in these places, but out of caution and logic, I act like they do…
These people remind me of airplane passengers—most of them just stare blankly (and in those moments, I daydream about some serious turbulence that’d "loosen them up" a bit, so they’d finally turn to see who they’re about to die next to—human stuff, you know? 😄).
Anyway, your Pouet-Pouet is like a smile to me—something totally adorable 🥰.
(In this world of indifferent individualists.) On bike paths and greenways, some people confuse freedom with right-of-way. If they fall, I’ll be the one who didn’t see a thing. My little eco-friendly gesture: recycling their cluelessness. 😉
You're right, it's total chaos. The worst part is the electric scooters going full speed without helmets, while us cyclists were told on TV that we're no longer allowed to have a flashing red light on our helmets—it has to be fixed or we get fined. But a flashing light is so much more visible!
This country’s really lost the plot. Everything’s about squeezing money out of those who work.
In India, where the roads are pure chaos, people showed us way more respect than here.
I go to the gym to stay in shape too, but soon I won’t be able to talk to anyone—everyone’s got earbuds in or is filming themselves on their phones.
At this point, if my honking gives people heart attacks, that might not be so bad. The corpses could turn into obstacles, and bike lanes into a BMX track.
The other day, I heard that in Korea, they’ve put traffic lights on the ground because people are so glued to their phones while walking.
You're right, it's total chaos. The worst part is the electric scooters going full speed without helmets, while we cyclists were told on TV that we can't have a flashing red light on our helmets—it has to be fixed or we get fined. Yet a flashing light is way more visible.
We're really going off the rails in this country. Everything's about squeezing money out of those who work.
In India, where the roads are pure chaos, people respected us way more than here.
I go to the gym to stay in shape too, but soon I won't be able to talk to anyone—they all have earbuds in or are filming themselves on their phones.
At this rate, if my honking gives people heart attacks, that could be fun. The corpses will turn into obstacles, and bike lanes into BMX tracks.
I think I heard that in Korea, people are so glued to their phones while walking that they installed traffic lights on the ground.
We're heading straight for it. 🏴☠️
Noses buried in phones, ears plugged, helmets optional. Joggers, cyclists, scooter riders—everyone’s charging straight toward stupidity. And when it ends under someone’s wheels, it’s always the fault of the world moving too fast. 😄
And just like that, everyone’s gone. The greenway behind my house is all mine now (no more strolling tourists, clueless joggers, or cyclists) 😔
Perfect track for rainy days like this morning, and no slipping in the mud in the woods for a good fifty kilometers 🚴♀️
Rest assured, cyclists who don’t have a bell are breaking the Highway Code.
Article R313-33 of the Highway Code states that every bicycle must be equipped with a warning device consisting of a bell or gong. The sound of this device must be audible at least 50 meters away. The use of any other sound signal is prohibited. The absence of this equipment is punishable by a fine for a first-class offense (a fixed fine of 11 €, which can be increased). A huge number of cyclists are breaking the rules: no bell, no reflectors, no front or rear lights, no helmet for some. Unfortunately, it’s very common. I have a bell on my Surly, but I rarely use it because I prefer to slow down when I pass a pedestrian—more for my own sake than theirs, really, because I’m afraid of taking a spill. The other day, I was cycling from Nantes to St-Fiacre along the Sèvre, where there are lots of walkers by the river. I was pedaling at a good clip, about to pass a couple with a dog—they were on the right, so I moved left. The owner called their dog, and as I slowed down to pass them, the dog suddenly darted in front of me to the left. If I’d rung my bell at full speed, that dog might’ve ended up under my wheel.
Rest assured, cyclists who don’t have a bell are breaking the Highway Code.
Article R313-33 of the Highway Code states that every bicycle must be equipped with a warning device consisting of a bell or gong. The sound of this device must be audible at least 50 meters away. The use of any other sound signal is prohibited. The absence of this equipment is punishable by a fine for first-class offenses (a fixed fine of 11 €, which can be increased).
Hey, thanks for the info—I didn’t know that! Same goes for what I recently learned (on roads, cyclists are allowed to ride side by side).
The ones on this greenway never use theirs, though—they just zoom along, heads down, probably to go even faster.
The problem is that even with the law, if they crash into us at that speed, sure, the costs from the accident will be on them or their insurance, but we’re using these paths to avoid roads and *should* be able to relax (which is *not* the case, especially in season)
It’s the same as drivers on the road who don’t use their turn signals (or only put them on at the last second, like they’re saving bulb life 😂).
Incivility is everywhere, and it’s getting super stressful to get around, no matter the mode of transport—even on foot.
On FB, I do my small part when someone warns about a speed camera (which saves lives). In the comments, I tag @gendarmerie du Gard or other departments (and the post warning about the speed camera at such-and-such a location) disappears like magic 😂
You're absolutely right. Anyway, when you're cycling, you need to be visible and heard, and in all cases—whether it's a greenway or a towpath—the pedestrian always has priority. That's why you should brake and ride at a walking pace.
So I just learned a bit more about these greenways. And I’m breaking the rules by walking on the left out of fear of getting run into—ughhhhh.
Same on roads where I also walk on the left to see oncoming traffic (which seems less dangerous than what the law says—I should walk on the right) .
But seriously, this law is dangerous for pedestrians and totally illogical (I’m so done) 😤.
By trying to be extra careful because of cyclists who don’t announce their arrival, I’m not following pedestrian rules by walking on the left—ughhhhhhhhh.
https://codedelaroute.io/blog/voies-vertes-code-de-la-route/#:~:text=Comment%20marcher%20sur%20une%20voie, de%202%20c%C3%B4te%20%C3%A0%20c%C3%B4te.
You can generally assume that the rule of the road is to keep right, since the greenway is defined as a route reserved for non-motorized users. This aligns with cyclists keeping right on a traffic lane, but you’re a pedestrian—you’re not breaking any rules by walking on the left. You can walk on the left to see oncoming two-wheelers and leave the right side free for those cycling. If two cyclists pass you at the same time—one coming toward you and another from behind—you can step onto the left shoulder. If you don’t see the one coming from behind, one of them will have to yield to the right when they pass you. On the Sèvre in Nantes, I often see walkers on the left or right. Either way, it’s up to the cyclist to watch out for you—pedestrians have the right of way.
You can generally consider that the rule of keeping to the right applies, since the greenway is defined as a road reserved for non-motorized users. This is consistent with cyclists riding on the right side of the road, but you're a pedestrian, so you're not breaking any rules by walking on the left. You can walk on the left to see oncoming two-wheelers and leave the right side free for those cycling. If two cyclists pass you at the same time—one coming from the front and another from behind—you can step onto the left shoulder. If you don’t see the one coming from behind, one of them will have to yield to the right when they pass you. On the Sèvre in Nantes, I often come across walkers going left or right. Either way, it’s up to the cyclist to watch out for you—pedestrians have the right of way.
According to the law (in the link), pedestrians must walk on the right on roads and greenways, so I’m in the wrong even if I do it for my safety, since in this thread, no cyclist uses their bell.
On a road with a reflective strip, you should walk on the right-hand shoulder. On a greenway, a towpath, or any other path without a usable shoulder (a sidewalk, basically), it’s not illegal to walk on the left. The highway code doesn’t prohibit pedestrians from moving to safety when they see cyclists coming, as part of sharing the road and coexisting.
I asked the following question to an AI, here's its answer.
For a pedestrian, is it an offense to walk on the left side of a towpath or a greenway?
This is a great question about sharing space on these paths.
On a Greenway:
The greenway is defined in the Highway Code as a "road exclusively reserved for non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and horse riders" (Art. R110-2).
In the absence of specific signage or lane separation, the default traffic rule applies, which is to keep to the right (as on a road).
However, as a pedestrian, if the greenway is considered a roadway where general rules apply, the Highway Code states that when there is no usable shoulder or designated area, pedestrians must stay near the left edge of the roadway (outside urban areas) to see vehicles (bikes, scooters, etc. on a greenway) coming toward them (unless it compromises their safety).
In practice, on a greenway, the goal is coexistence and sharing. Cyclists are encouraged to ride on the right, and out of courtesy and safety, pedestrians are often advised to walk on the left to face other users (mainly bikes) coming in the opposite direction, making crossings easier.
Is it an offense? It’s hard to call walking on the left on a greenway a clear-cut offense for a pedestrian, especially since the aim is to ensure their safety against other users. The Highway Code mainly emphasizes the need to use designated areas when they exist and, if not, to take necessary precautions.
On a Towpath:
Towpaths have often been converted into greenways or rural paths open to soft mobility. Their exact legal status may depend on the managing authority (often Voies Navigables de France - VNF) and local regulations.
Generally, they are treated like greenways or shared paths where the same principles of caution and sharing apply.
The same logic of walking on the left to see cyclists coming is often considered the safest for pedestrians.
Conclusion:
Pedestrians are strongly advised to walk on the left on a greenway or towpath when it’s not strictly reserved for pedestrians and other non-motorized vehicles (bikes, etc.) are using it, in order to see users coming toward them and avoid surprises from behind.
It’s unlikely this would constitute an offense punishable by a fine, especially since this practice is often seen as the best for pedestrian safety, following the logic of the Highway Code for pedestrians on roads without sidewalks. The key on these paths is caution and sharing among users.
Hi there, even though my bike is equipped with a bell, I don’t use it—I find those rings a bit intrusive, even rude, like they’re saying, "Watch out, I’m coming through, get out of the way!" Actually, my bell is just mounted on the back handlebar of my bike (it’s a tandem) to stay on the right side of the law.
I’ve never had any issues with pedestrians on greenways or trails. My foolproof technique: first, I slow down (with a tandem, panniers, and a trailer), then I greet them with a loud and cheerful "Hello, folks!", a big smile, and when they kindly step aside, I always thank them and wish them a great day/hike/walk.
Sometimes, I even stop to chat with them—there’s always something to gain (directions, tips, etc.). Never had a problem! What do I lose? A few seconds, maybe fifteen minutes? Anyway, greenways aren’t velodromes or speed circuits, and the speed limit is 20 km/h.
I rarely see road bikes preferring main roads—each to their own.
I’m more concerned about e-bikes, not all of them of course, but some ride fast on greenways without fully realizing their momentum, which doesn’t allow for immediate stops and can put both themselves and pedestrians in danger. But that’s another discussion! !
Generally, I don’t use greenways for cycling, at least not in the summer when they’re really busy.
The reason is that they’re often too narrow for bikes and pedestrians to share comfortably.
Also, a lot of cyclists on them don’t handle their bikes well, which makes passing or crossing paths tricky.
Plus, it’s hard to ride faster than 20 km/h without bothering other users.
Actually, greenways are great for families with young kids or people who are nervous about riding on the road. We live in a country with one of the densest road networks in the world—just get off the main routes and plan your own path on smaller roads to avoid traffic. Sure, it takes more effort than following a ready-made route, but it lets you be independent and pass through small villages that greenways often skip. The worst are towpaths—they’re so monotonous...
I don’t have a bell on my bike; if I need to, I whistle—just as effective!
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!
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!
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.
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
