Hi everyone,
We’re planning to spend 5 months cycling as a family in Central Asia. To align with the weather, we’re thinking of arriving in Uzbekistan in April, heading toward the Ferghana Valley in late April/early May, and wrapping up with a long stretch in Kyrgyzstan from mid-May to early August.
I haven’t really dug into the third part (Kyrgyzstan) yet, but from what I’ve seen on the forum and online, cycling across Uzbekistan doesn’t seem all that appealing: long, straight desert stretches with lots of trucks.
Has anyone come across any "hidden gem" routes they’d be willing to share? I’ve already noted that it’s best to avoid riding toward Tashkent.
I’m looking for routes between Bukhara and Samarkand, and any nearby areas that are nice for cycling.
I’d love to fly into Dushanbe to reach Samarkand, but we all agree that it’s not a good fit for the season (early April) if we’re cycling, right?
Since you haven’t received any replies for several days, I asked an AI your question.
Here’s its response:
Hello and congratulations on this wonderful family bike trip project in Central Asia! Regarding your questions about Uzbekistan and Tajikistan:
**Uzbekistan: alternatives to the long straight line**
Your feeling about the classic crossing (desert, trucks, straight road) between the major cities is completely justified for the main section of the Silk Road. However, there are options to make the journey more interesting, including:
**1. The Nuratau Mountains (or Nourata) and Lake Aydarkul**
This is the most frequently mentioned "gem" to avoid the direct desert route between Bukhara and Samarkand.
Where? Northeast of Bukhara and northwest of Samarkand, in the Jizzakh/Navoi region.
Why? This mountainous area (the Nuratau Mountains) is ideal for cycling. You’ll find:
Small roads and tracks through traditional villages (Sentob, Uhum, Asraf).
More hilly, wooded landscapes (fruit trees, walnut trees) and wildlife.
The chance to stay in guesthouses for encounters with locals.
Proximity to Lake Aydarkul (a large body of water in the middle of the Kyzylkum Desert), with possible yurt camps.
Possible itinerary: You could consider a partial transfer from Bukhara to get closer to the start of the hilly area, then cycle through the Nuratau villages before reaching Samarkand (potentially with a final transfer to avoid the main road as you approach the city).
**2. Southeast of Samarkand (toward Shakhrisabz and Boysun)**
If you want even more relief and local culture before heading up to the Ferghana Valley:
Shakhrisabz: Tamerlane’s birthplace, accessible via a pass (Taktakaracha) from Samarkand, offering mountainous landscapes.
Boysun region: Further southeast, this area is known for its nature and ancestral traditions. It’s a bit off your route toward Ferghana, but if you have time (which seems to be the case with 5 months), it’s worth considering.
**3. The Ferghana Valley (your second part)**
You’re right to go there—it offers greener landscapes, crafts, and a different local culture (Margilan for silk, Rishtan for ceramics). The roads are often busier, but the scenery changes.
**Tajikistan (Dushanbe - Samarkand in April)**
This is a great idea for landscapes, as this area is much more mountainous than central Uzbekistan!
The seasonal issue: You’ll arrive in early April. The pass connecting Dushanbe to the north (toward Khujand and Uzbekistan, the Shahristan Pass or the Anzob Pass) may still be snow-covered, closed, or very difficult to cross by bike.
The Anzob Pass (the old road) should be avoided in April—it’s often impassable, and the tunnel is long and not recommended for cycling.
The Shahristan Pass is over 3,000m. If the Shahristan Tunnel is open, the route is possible, but the approach climb and altitude may still be cold and potentially snowy at the start of the month.
**Conclusion for Tajikistan/April:**
It’s very risky to plan a mountainous crossing like this in early April by bike. The climate in Uzbekistan at this time is ideal, though, which justifies your initial plan to land there.
**Summary for your trip:**
Arrival in Uzbekistan in early April.
Bukhara - Samarkand: Prioritize a route through the Nuratau Mountains and Lake Aydarkul for "hidden-gem small roads" and more enjoyable stops away from the main road and trucks.
From Samarkand to the Ferghana Valley: Continue to favor secondary roads to avoid the Tashkent highway. You’ll find quieter routes by heading further south (toward Jizzakh or the backcountry).
Wow, I'm already overwhelmed! I admit I don't really have the ChatGPT reflex, but it's pretty amazing what it can churn out. I'll keep this in mind and still try to get it validated by real-life feedback ;-)
Thanks anyway for doing this for me!
I’m also sharing Grok’s response, which adds more details. Why use just one AI when you can compare two?
What a fantastic family project! Five months of cycling through Central Asia is an unforgettable adventure. You’re absolutely right to consider both the weather *and* the appeal of the routes, since some sections in Uzbekistan—like you mentioned—can be pretty monotonous: flat, dull, and not very pleasant (truck traffic, straight roads through arid zones...).
✅ *Douchanbé > Samarkand in early April*
You’re spot on: *it’s not ideal for the season*.
The route from Dushanbe to Samarkand (especially via the Anzob Pass) goes through mountainous areas that are still *cold, even snowy* in April. The passes are around 2,700 m, and some may stay snow-covered until May. Plus, some tunnels (like the Anzob Tunnel) are known to be *dangerous or unpleasant* for cyclists.
So *avoid in April*, unless you’re prepared to hitchhike or transport your bikes through the wintry sections (which could be logistically tricky with a family).
🚴♂️ *Uzbekistan: Fun alternatives between Bukhara and Samarkand?*
It’s true—the *direct route from Bukhara to Samarkand (M37 then M39)* isn’t great for cyclists. Lots of trucks, wind, flat, and straight.
But there are some *more rural and scenic detours*, often recommended by bike travelers who want to avoid the main roads. 💡 Here are some "hidden gem" route ideas:
*Southern route via Qarshi and Kitab*
From Bukhara, head slightly south toward *Qarshi*, then continue to *Kitab*.
This route helps you bypass some of the traffic and takes you through slightly greener areas thanks to irrigation.
Kitab is just south of Samarkand, so you can easily head back up that way.
*Downside*: It’s not spectacular either, but *better than the M37*.
*Upside*: More villages, fewer trucks, and very welcoming people.
*Northern route via Navoi, Nurata, and Lake Aydarkul*
Another option is to head north toward *Navoi*, then turn toward *Nurata*, a charming little town with a sacred spring and hills.
From there, head to *Lake Aydarkul*: a gorgeous spot for camping (if the wind isn’t too strong).
*Upside*: Beautiful semi-desert landscapes, a lake, and peace and quiet.
*Downside*: Fewer resupply points in some areas. But doable with a little planning.
🔍 General tips for cycling in Uzbekistan
*GPS track*: Download routes on Komoot, RideWithGPS, or OpenCycleMap to avoid main roads. Many bike travelers share their tracks (I can help you find some).
*Accommodation*: Camping is often possible, but it’s still *chilly in April*, especially at night. Consider homestays or small hotels in towns.
*Water and food*: Easy to find in villages, but plan ahead in desert areas.
*Hospitality*: Uzbeks are warm and curious. One of the big highlights of cycling here!
🗺️ Early tip for Kyrgyzstan
You’re going to love it. There, *everything is a "hidden gem"*: valleys, lakes, mountain roads, yurts...
But in *mid-May*, you’ll need to choose your routes carefully: *high passes will still be closed or very cold*. Stick to *lower valleys*, like *Chong-Kemin*, *Lake Issyk-Kul*, or even toward *Kochkor* while avoiding passes too early.
👍 In summary:
*No*, Dushanbe > Samarkand by bike in April = too early (weather/mountains).
*Yes*, you can avoid the boring Bukhara > Samarkand route:
Either *north via Nurata + Aydarkul*
Check out *Komoot or WarmShowers* to find nicer routes.
Would you like me to suggest a *detailed route* for a scenic ride between Bukhara and Samarkand (off the main roads), with potential stops, camping spots, and accommodation?
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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
Hello,
Has anyone here had experience using a gas stove in Sardinia and Sicily? I’m wondering if screw-on gas canisters (not the blue Campingaz ones, but brands like Coleman, Primus, etc.) are easy to find.
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’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?
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.
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.
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.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam.
My question is about getting back to Nantes.
Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes.
By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains.
We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance!
Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
I’m planning to build a new touring bike.
I want to prioritize lightness.
That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads.
The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper.
I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork.
Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm.
It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring.
And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear.
More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
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 there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena
vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
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?
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes
Here are his travels
Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné
Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way
Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place
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First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025.
It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border.
We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure!
Thanks in advance.
