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?
Hello,
On the purely cycling aspect, I can’t be of much help, but here are a few thoughts based on your request.
For the duration you’re planning, there aren’t many loop routes feasible by bike that also allow for a long stretch along the ocean. To be honest, I don’t see any.
Heading north or northeast, there’s no loop that fits your timeframe and includes coastal roads. In the south, west, or east, there will always be very long, very sandy sections that, in my opinion, make it impossible to complete such a trip without some stretches where you’d have to carry your bike.
If you’re open to skipping the loop and considering a return flight, it seems possible to go from Tana to Fort Dauphin, following the southeast coast after leaving the RN7 just before Fianarantsoa.
For a loop that allows for a *bateau brousse* (bush boat) ride, you could try something like Tana - Ampefy - Antsirabe - Fianarantsoa - Mananjary - *bateau brousse* - Tamatave - Tana. No problem taking bikes on the boat since they’re mostly used for transporting goods.
The RN7 is extremely degraded, especially between Tana and Antsirabe, and honestly, cycling it must be a slog. Going via Ampefy lets you avoid that awful stretch (and also takes you through some really beautiful areas). On such rough tarmac and laterite tracks, I’ve no idea how many kilometers seasoned cyclists could manage, but in my opinion, it’s not so much the distance as the long sandy sections that are the issue for most loops—especially along the coast.
Happy planning!
Thanks so much for the feedback and all this info 😉
We’ll definitely adapt based on road conditions, and we’ll use the *taxi-brousse* if we need to!
See you around
Hi there
I hope you’ll give us at least a quick recap of your bike trip in Madagascar—it’s such a great way to explore the country, and not very common.
Safe travels with your prep!
hi there, I’m building on rotsaka’s idea: if you can fly back from Fort Dauphin, the east coast is a really great option.
Just so you know, in Madagascar, you’ll need a mountain bike, not a road bike.
Having done it myself—I’m not a "real" cycle-tourist—I’d recommend taking a taxi-brousse from Tana to Fianarantsoa, then to Manakara, and after that what’s called the "bac+10 track": Farafangana, Vangaindrano, Manombondro, Sandravinana (Hotel Cabane du Pêcheur—a little paradise), Maroroy (Chez Louisette), Manantenina (Hotel Le Bleu), and optionally Sainte Luce (watch out for lots of sand), then on to Fort Dauphin. In total, it’s 335 km as the crow flies, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
There aren’t 10 ferries anymore because bridges have been built, and part of the track has been replaced by road. In 2023, it was under construction, so it shouldn’t be completely wrecked now ;-)
In Farafangana, the owner of Hotel Le Concombre Masqué knows all this inside out and can give you great advice.
happy travels!
edit: a photo of Sandravinany and one of the RN5 when it’s not repaired—that is, most of the time.
Thanks so much!! I was just starting to look into the ferry route, and the tips on accommodation along the coast are really helpful! And cool about the photos—they give a great sense of the vibe and the route 😎
Just one more question: food-wise, can you find places to eat and stock up along the whole route, or are there more remote stretches?
I’ll definitely post a trip report on the forum once I’ve done the route 😉
Hello,
No complaints about the well-informed advice from Etranger. How long did that route take you? Any photos of RN5 or RN12?
Since you seem like experienced cyclists, in my opinion, you could consider starting your bike ride earlier than Manakara if you're setting out for 20 days.
At first, I’d still recommend biking from Tana to Antsirabe via Ampefy because the traffic isn’t too crazy, the landscapes are stunning, and the road is pretty good. After Antsirabe, you can either hop back on your bikes and continue on the RN7 (the beginning is still fairly busy), or take a *taxi-brousse* to reach either Ambositra, Ambohimahasoa, or Fianarantsoa—since the RN7 is much quieter after those towns. Even if the road isn’t great, it’s not as bad as the Tana-Antsirabe stretch. Or, of course, Manakara as suggested by Etranger.
From Fianarantsoa, you can cross the forest and take the gorgeous descent along the massive Ranomafana waterfall before reaching Manakara after a long stretch through the hills of Madagascar’s far east.
Alternatively, in the dry season, just after Ambohimahasoa and before Fianarantsoa, you can take the RN25 just before the bridge on the left toward Manadroy/Ambalakindresy, then head to Ranomafana via a rural track. It’s a proper dirt road, but it lets you avoid a section of the RN7 and keeps you in a quiet area (though you’ll pass through less forest than if you take the RN45 at Alakamisy Ambohimaha).
For hotels, you can also mark them on Google Maps and plan your stops accordingly.
Exactly, I mixed up with the RN5 (which I didn’t bike, but I saw muddy MTBs there...)—the photo is of the RN12 near Maroroy, and it’s often like that.
It’s true that it’d be a shame to miss the Fianar–Manakara descent...
Your route suggestions seem really good, even if I’m not a huge fan of the RN7—you know it better than I do in the details.
Still, it’s worth keeping a good buffer to wander around on the bac+10. I stayed several days in Sandravinany, for example, and regret not doing the same in other spots. I gave myself 15 days total from Manakara, *moramora*. I had a beat-up bike bought in Tana and did part of the trip with a broken derailleur—only two gears
It’s always a tough choice in Mada when you don’t have much time...
Cheers,
Additional little question: food-wise, can you find places to eat and stock up along the way, or are there more deserted areas?
You can find food all along the route—roadside eateries or vendors. Plan to bring bottled water at every stop.
The only deserted stretch is if you take the coastal track starting from Sandravinany (you get dropped off by pirogue on the sandbar opposite). Lots of sand, sketchy GPS, and very few people to ask for directions. I got pretty lost and did a lot of backtracking, but in hindsight, it’s still an amazing memory.
It all depends on your endurance and independence! :)
The longest bike-friendly route along the coast is on the east side between Toamasina (Tamatave) and Maroantsetra.
The first part from Toamasina to Soanierana Ivongo is paved and relatively easy. From Mahambo or Soanierana Ivongo, you can head to Île Sainte-Marie. The Antananarivo–Toamasina stretch is quite busy with trucks and transport vehicles, but it’s doable with a bit of caution. We’ve done it several times. You can also take a *taxi-brousse* (shared taxi) to Toamasina if you plan to tackle the more adventurous part after Soanierana Ivongo.
Beyond Soanierana Ivongo, the road is under construction up to Vahibe, but it’s really interesting. Past Vahibe, it’s a whole different adventure—but very practical by bike. You can spend a few days in small villages like Manompana, Antanambe, Siragnambe, Imorono, and Mananara. After Mananara, you’ll continue to Maroantsetra.
If you want a loop route, get ready for another adventure! :)
Bike to Fizono and Ankovana at the end of that track. Once there, hire porters to carry your bikes and luggage on foot across the Ambatoledama mountain range—it usually takes just a day on foot.
Then, pick up your bike again and ride to Antalaha, Sambava, Vohemar, Ambilobe, (Antsiranana/Diego Suarez), and Nosy Be. You *could* bike back to Antananarivo, but it’ll never be doable in 20 days. I’d recommend taking a *taxi-brousse* back to Tana from Ambanja or Antsohihy instead.
Happy travels!
Je suis Malagasy. Je suis né à Madagascar. J'ai grandi en voyageant partout à Madagascar. Je suis ravi de vous aider à visiter mon beau pays
Thanks so much for this suggestion and this amazing loop!
Twenty days might be a bit too tight, but why not do part of it?
It’s especially interesting to see that it’s possible to reach the east coast and Antalaha from Maroantsetra with bikes—and with porter support.
Anyway, I’ll keep the idea in mind. If not this time, it’ll give me a reason to come back and explore this region! 🙂
Have a great day
Hi there, I just read your post and, well, it makes me a bit nervous—did you really research Madagascar before setting off on a bike trip? It’s a great idea, but even biking along the coast from Tana isn’t exactly easy... there aren’t really proper roads. This year, I’m doing the volcano route via Ampefy—now *that’s* a good road for biking, though you’ll need to hang on tight with all the elevation changes. Other routes like the RN7 are a nightmare—dangerous and polluted.
Good luck!
Michel
Thanks for the tip about the route via Ampefy—I’ve heard the same from others about how beautiful the road is and how it helps avoid that stretch of the RN7 to the south!
It’s exactly what I was talking about with a buddy the other day: the more years go by, the more I "study" destinations, the more I leave room for the unexpected—probably the effect of accumulated experiences... or maybe just a general letting go. 😉
I’ll definitely post an update on the forum when I get back!
As promised, here’s a quick recap of my bike trip to Madagascar with a buddy. Just a heads-up—this feedback is from May 2026, and conditions can change fast in the coming weeks or months. I’ll stick to the biking part here, or I’d end up writing a novel 😅
Starting from Tana, we ultimately chose Tulear over Fort Dauphin—mainly because the 3-4 days of *taxi-brousse* (shared taxi) back from Fort Dauphin (if everything goes smoothly) didn’t sound too appealing. Plus, the airline required bike packaging, which we didn’t want to lug around. We could’ve probably found another solution, but we figured it’s just a postponement—Fort Dauphin will be for the next visit 😉
We took a detour via Ampefy to avoid the RN7—great call! Even with some solid climbs between Ampefy and Antsirabe, the road, often along ridges, had smooth tarmac and stunning views. Once back on the RN7, traffic was actually lighter than expected. Sometimes we wouldn’t see a single truck, *taxi-brousse*, or jeep for several minutes—or even longer—especially further south, past Fianarantsoa. Road quality varies (sections under construction, dirt, or gravel), but overall, biking was smooth, and we even kept up with *taxis-brousse* at times 😉
We made a few detours off the RN7 (Ranomafana, the magical Tsaranoro Valley, the gem Anakao—by boat—and Mangily). In total, 1,650 km, with 1,100 km for the Tana–Tulear stretch via Ampefy. All in 16 days of biking, plus a few extra days for sightseeing and surfing. If we’d had another week, we would’ve completed our loop as originally planned, heading back up via the RN9 to Manja and Morondava (apparently mostly redone now). The Morondava–Antsirabe section is more of a rough track, though.
For accommodation, it’s easy to find in towns, with a varied (and sometimes excellent) selection if you’re willing to spend a bit more. In villages, it depends on your standards 😅—bring a sleeping bag liner. Food-wise, every village has something to eat, though options thin out in the south. Aside from small restaurants serving local rice-based dishes, we snacked on fruit, doughnuts, and cassava, which made up most of our diet.
If you’ve got more questions, feel free to DM me. And if you’re on the fence about going—don’t hesitate! With a bit of experience, self-sufficiency, and adaptability, it’s an amazing destination.
Thanks again for all the pre-trip tips—they were super helpful!
Wow...
Congrats and thanks for the little recap, it's really nice.
It sounds easy when you read it, but knowing the place (in polluting, motorized mode), 2 weeks to do all that with the detours to Ranomafana and Tsaranoro is still quite an achievement.
Je voudrais faire le tour de Madagascar a velo a la fin de mes etudes. Je cherche des personnes qui auraient deja fait ca pour avoir quelques infos ou…
Je pars a madagascar tt le mois de novembre avec mon vélo, je cherche d'eventuels infos sur les itineraires sympas a faire, les places a voir et les infos…
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!
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!
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,
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,
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.
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike to meet some friends in Côte d’Ivoire in early November.
I’ll be starting in Abidjan and heading to Abengourou, which is close to the Ghana border.
I’d like to take the trails. Does anyone have recent info on eastern Côte d’Ivoire?
Any tips, safety advice, or must-see stops? I’m open to all suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Fx
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
