Ce soir TV France, chaine L'équipe (21) - 21 h .. un reportage ... Même si c'est limite, ça reste quand même dans la logique des "200", légers et sportifs ... Pour moi, hélas, je garde pour ma prochaine vie !!!
À la limite de notre activité, mais quand même... (à vélo)
by Lethieu
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bien sûr, c'est limite, mais ça peut inspirer les adeptes du bike packing un peu sportifs ....
Vous connaissiez les raids "BIKING MAN" ...
C'est là :
https://bikingman.com/fr/
Ce soir TV France, chaine L'équipe (21) - 21 h .. un reportage ... Même si c'est limite, ça reste quand même dans la logique des "200", légers et sportifs ... Pour moi, hélas, je garde pour ma prochaine vie !!!
Ce soir TV France, chaine L'équipe (21) - 21 h .. un reportage ... Même si c'est limite, ça reste quand même dans la logique des "200", légers et sportifs ... Pour moi, hélas, je garde pour ma prochaine vie !!!
michel mathieu
www.lethieu39.fr
a mon avis
les course c'est le FFC (en france) les autres formules sont des dérivés pour coursiers limités dans ces courses
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
C'est vrai ...
Cela dit, aux participants à ce genre de raids de ne pas se prendre pour des "coureurs",
il n'empêche, ça reste encore dans l'esprit "randonneur" des belles années (et encore d'aujourd'hui pour les Paris Brest Paris, Bordeaux Paris ou flèches pascales ) ... et (nous les avons sans doute fréquentés) il y a beaucoup de voyageurs ou grands voyageurs parmi les adeptes ou anciens adeptes de la "grande randonnée" ...
Perso, il y a qqs (trop) décades, les deux allaient de pair.
michel mathieu
www.lethieu39.fr
Il me semble que l'esprit est un peu différent des randonnées longues proposées depuis longtemps par la FFCT . par le kilométrage, le terrain souvent difficile (pistes) la météo parfois extreme et surtout l'autonomie (pas ravitaillement).
On est vraiment dans l'extreme et contrairement à Claudio je ne suis pas sur que les coureurs pro soient capable de faire ce que le vainqueur de l'atlas Mountain race (Sofiane Sehil) vient de réaliser:
665 km d'une traite sans dormir sur un total de 1145km en tout terrain et 25000m de D+ !
Il gagne en 3j et 21h soit un dénivelé de plus de 6000m/j
Je n'ai pas l'impression qu'on puisse parler de coureur de seconde zone , je crois que les efforts sont justes incomparables
Je n'ai pas l'impression qu'on puisse parler de coureur de seconde zone , je crois que les efforts sont justes incomparables
Salut
Mon sentiment est partagé.
D'un bon côté il y a le bel aspect raid, autonomie, paysages, effort, voyage, aventure. Je viens d'ailleurs de télécharger le gpx du parcours corse (tout sur goudron). C'est ce que j'aime dans le voyage à vélo ou la rando, et qu'on retrouve très bien dans ces ultra-raids : découvrir ce que son corps et son esprit sont capables de faire si on les sort du confort et qu'on leur impose de trouver des repères hors des habitudes dans lesquelles on évolue par facilité. Le plaisir qu'on en éprouve est bien plus intense que la jouissance facile d'un confort issu du luxe et même de la mollesse, de la surabondance.
Mais de l'autre côté, il y a dans ce championnat de cyclisme d'ultra-endurance la cruelle réalité de notre société marchande où tout est transformé pour devenir une activité commerciale. Le sport devenu spectacle en est le plus clair des exemples. Sport désigne à l'origine une activité physique faite pour le plaisir, pour le défi, pour tout autre chose que pour l'argent. Il nous en reste la belle expression "pour le sport" qui désigne tout activité que l'on fait alors qu'elle n'est ni nécessaire ni avantageuse financièrement. Le voyage à vélo (en ultra comme en balade) en est un bel exemple, on force, on endure parfois la rudesse des éléments, mais on se régale. Dans nos sociétés où quasiment tout n'est calculé qu'en fonction du paramètre économique ou de la rentabilité, du spectacle m'as-tu-vu et de l'affichage sur les réseaux dits sociaux, dire qu'on passe ses vacances à faire à vélo les quelques centaines ou milliers de km que d'autres font en voiture, train ou avion en quelques heures, c'est sûr, ça dénote, mais c'est ça justement l'esprit du sport qui est un des moteurs du voyage à vélo.
L'esprit sportif est maintenant dénaturé (argent, sponsoring, compétition, dopage, ect.) pour faire fonctionner l'économie, extrême dévoiement de la notion de sport. Le sport professionnel est pour moi une expression antinomique, si c'est professionnel, ce n'est plus du sport. Le cyclisme d'endurance est le dernier des sports à rejoindre ce système professionnel, je ne trouve pas ça positif. Traverser le désert d'Oman à vélo en allant le plus vite possible, c'est du sport, faire le tour de Corse en autonomie en moins de 3 jours, c'est du sport. Mais faire ça en étant sponsorisé par RedBull comme un champion à GoPro, en créant par son activité un spectacle vendu à des chaines TV ou internet, le faire pour générer des bénéfices sur investissements, ce n'est plus du sport. C'est une activité économique du domaine du spectacle se servant des sportifs comme hommes et femmes sandwichs pour engraisser des compagnies industrielles, des médias, des publicitaires et tous leurs actionnaires.
Bref, je regarderai sans doute par curiosité (peut-être pas en entier) l'émission de ce soir, mais avec un mélange d'admiration pour les sportifs (comme Sofiane Séhili) et de dégoût (pour ce type de spectacle). Le meilleur sport, c'est celui qu'on fait soi-même, même s'il consiste à faire 2 km pour aller au boulot ou quelques centaines pour passer une agréable semaine de mini-aventure sur un vélo et ses sacoches sans être filmé, suivi à la trace et exposé sur divers sites ou canaux médiatiques.
Désolé pour la longueur.
Mon sentiment est partagé.
D'un bon côté il y a le bel aspect raid, autonomie, paysages, effort, voyage, aventure. Je viens d'ailleurs de télécharger le gpx du parcours corse (tout sur goudron). C'est ce que j'aime dans le voyage à vélo ou la rando, et qu'on retrouve très bien dans ces ultra-raids : découvrir ce que son corps et son esprit sont capables de faire si on les sort du confort et qu'on leur impose de trouver des repères hors des habitudes dans lesquelles on évolue par facilité. Le plaisir qu'on en éprouve est bien plus intense que la jouissance facile d'un confort issu du luxe et même de la mollesse, de la surabondance.
Mais de l'autre côté, il y a dans ce championnat de cyclisme d'ultra-endurance la cruelle réalité de notre société marchande où tout est transformé pour devenir une activité commerciale. Le sport devenu spectacle en est le plus clair des exemples. Sport désigne à l'origine une activité physique faite pour le plaisir, pour le défi, pour tout autre chose que pour l'argent. Il nous en reste la belle expression "pour le sport" qui désigne tout activité que l'on fait alors qu'elle n'est ni nécessaire ni avantageuse financièrement. Le voyage à vélo (en ultra comme en balade) en est un bel exemple, on force, on endure parfois la rudesse des éléments, mais on se régale. Dans nos sociétés où quasiment tout n'est calculé qu'en fonction du paramètre économique ou de la rentabilité, du spectacle m'as-tu-vu et de l'affichage sur les réseaux dits sociaux, dire qu'on passe ses vacances à faire à vélo les quelques centaines ou milliers de km que d'autres font en voiture, train ou avion en quelques heures, c'est sûr, ça dénote, mais c'est ça justement l'esprit du sport qui est un des moteurs du voyage à vélo.
L'esprit sportif est maintenant dénaturé (argent, sponsoring, compétition, dopage, ect.) pour faire fonctionner l'économie, extrême dévoiement de la notion de sport. Le sport professionnel est pour moi une expression antinomique, si c'est professionnel, ce n'est plus du sport. Le cyclisme d'endurance est le dernier des sports à rejoindre ce système professionnel, je ne trouve pas ça positif. Traverser le désert d'Oman à vélo en allant le plus vite possible, c'est du sport, faire le tour de Corse en autonomie en moins de 3 jours, c'est du sport. Mais faire ça en étant sponsorisé par RedBull comme un champion à GoPro, en créant par son activité un spectacle vendu à des chaines TV ou internet, le faire pour générer des bénéfices sur investissements, ce n'est plus du sport. C'est une activité économique du domaine du spectacle se servant des sportifs comme hommes et femmes sandwichs pour engraisser des compagnies industrielles, des médias, des publicitaires et tous leurs actionnaires.
Bref, je regarderai sans doute par curiosité (peut-être pas en entier) l'émission de ce soir, mais avec un mélange d'admiration pour les sportifs (comme Sofiane Séhili) et de dégoût (pour ce type de spectacle). Le meilleur sport, c'est celui qu'on fait soi-même, même s'il consiste à faire 2 km pour aller au boulot ou quelques centaines pour passer une agréable semaine de mini-aventure sur un vélo et ses sacoches sans être filmé, suivi à la trace et exposé sur divers sites ou canaux médiatiques.
Désolé pour la longueur.
Pas de deuxième vague en Europe : https://tinyurl.com/y5ytqzej
Il me semble que l'esprit est un peu différent des randonnées longues proposées depuis longtemps par la FFCT . par le kilométrage, le terrain souvent difficile (pistes) la météo parfois extreme et surtout l'autonomie (pas ravitaillement).
On est vraiment dans l'extreme
Un Paris Brest Paris (1200 km - plus de 12000 m de +) ça s'est fait en 43/45 heures - Les meilleures Flèches Pascales, c'est plus de 700 kms en 24 h - Bordeaux Paris (600) en 20 h. ... Mais le problème n'est pas forcément là ... ça reste quelque chose d'intéressant, sans doute à observer et plein d'enseignements pour les voyageurs sportifs, légers et visant 200 km/jour... et puis, c'est aussi un bon moyen (comme les précurseurs de notre activité) de montrer le vélo sous son meilleur aspect : une merveilleuse machine, au rendement parfait et capable de nous emmener très très loin ...
Un Paris Brest Paris (1200 km - plus de 12000 m de +) ça s'est fait en 43/45 heures - Les meilleures Flèches Pascales, c'est plus de 700 kms en 24 h - Bordeaux Paris (600) en 20 h. ... Mais le problème n'est pas forcément là ... ça reste quelque chose d'intéressant, sans doute à observer et plein d'enseignements pour les voyageurs sportifs, légers et visant 200 km/jour... et puis, c'est aussi un bon moyen (comme les précurseurs de notre activité) de montrer le vélo sous son meilleur aspect : une merveilleuse machine, au rendement parfait et capable de nous emmener très très loin ...
michel mathieu
www.lethieu39.fr
c'est aussi un bon moyen (comme les précurseurs de notre activité) de montrer le vélo sous son meilleur aspect : une merveilleuse machine, au rendement parfait et capable de nous emmener très très loin ...
À mon avis, ce type de championnats n'a pas pour but de faire la publicité de l'usage du vélo, mais de l'utiliser pour faire la promotion de marques industrielles, de matériel cycliste bien sûr mais aussi de boissons énergisantes. Les spectateurs sont déjà cyclistes pour la plupart et ceux qui ne le sont pas ne risquent pas de le devenir dans leur quotidien en voyant un spectacle qui ne montre le vélo que comme un outil pour la compétition dans des paysages qui n'ont rien à voir avec les villes habitées par les potentiels cyclistes qui ne roulent pas sur un vélo par peur de l'accident ou de la fatigue.
Ce qui mettrait nos contemporains sur un vélo, on le sait et c'est démontré, ce serait la transformation de l'espace public (routes, rues, etc.) en zone agréable et non dangereuse pour les cyclistes. Mais aussi l'arrêt du financement des réseaux d'information (tv, journaux, magazines, sites internet) par l'industrie de l'automobile. Et ça, ça coûte plus cher en terme pécuniaire comme en volonté politique réelle que de regarder un spectacle.
À mon avis, ce type de championnats n'a pas pour but de faire la publicité de l'usage du vélo, mais de l'utiliser pour faire la promotion de marques industrielles, de matériel cycliste bien sûr mais aussi de boissons énergisantes. Les spectateurs sont déjà cyclistes pour la plupart et ceux qui ne le sont pas ne risquent pas de le devenir dans leur quotidien en voyant un spectacle qui ne montre le vélo que comme un outil pour la compétition dans des paysages qui n'ont rien à voir avec les villes habitées par les potentiels cyclistes qui ne roulent pas sur un vélo par peur de l'accident ou de la fatigue.
Ce qui mettrait nos contemporains sur un vélo, on le sait et c'est démontré, ce serait la transformation de l'espace public (routes, rues, etc.) en zone agréable et non dangereuse pour les cyclistes. Mais aussi l'arrêt du financement des réseaux d'information (tv, journaux, magazines, sites internet) par l'industrie de l'automobile. Et ça, ça coûte plus cher en terme pécuniaire comme en volonté politique réelle que de regarder un spectacle.
Pas de deuxième vague en Europe : https://tinyurl.com/y5ytqzej
Bien d'accord sur le fait que ce genre d'organisation, commerciale, a surtout pour but de faire du bénéf. sur l'attrait que présente pour des "sportifs" le fait de participer à une organisation "extrême" et surtout médiatisée, télévisée ...
Mais je pense à l'influence qu'à eu, en course à pied nature, de certaines "épreuves" tout aussi commerciales (marathon des sables et autres) ... mais qui ont été suivies par un développement important des courses nature ... et une explosion du nombre de pratiquants sur ce type d' épreuves dont certaines sont désormais moins mercantiles .... Désolant sans doute, mais parfois ce genre de spectacle ouvre des horizons, même par des voies un peu "obliques" ...
Et si la "grande randonnée", le raid à vélo connaissait le même développement que les courses nature ? on peut rêver ...
Et surtout bien d'accord pour souligner que le développement du vélo ne se fera pas sans une prise en compte de nos véhicules dans la conception de notre voirie (et là c'est pas gagné ...)
Et surtout bien d'accord pour souligner que le développement du vélo ne se fera pas sans une prise en compte de nos véhicules dans la conception de notre voirie (et là c'est pas gagné ...)
michel mathieu
www.lethieu39.fr
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https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
😎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?😏
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?😏
Hi there,
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?
Nath
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?
Nath
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.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
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.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Heinz Stucke has passed away.
He never stopped traveling the world since 1962.
So sad.
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
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
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

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
Hi there,
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
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!
Hi everyone,
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
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
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!