Plans? Oh, those... 🙂
My next one will likely be Portugal by bike in spring or autumn 2012—a project that’s moving along slowly, but I’m in no rush.😉
Three "big" cycling trips and a hiking trek in Africa in two years... time to take a breather!
To answer the question about plans for the next cycling season:
In spring 2012, we’re riding the Portuguese coast from Lisbon north toward Santiago de Compostela, then the Camino Francés (in reverse) to Biarritz, along the French coast to Nantes, the Loire, and then straight north to Paris to finish the trip.
It’ll be our first trip in Europe.
Here’s mine for next summer😎: the Moselle Valley all the way to Koblenz, starting from home via Belgium and Luxembourg. As much as possible on bike paths, with a partial train return.
Otherwise, loop rides on the long weekends in May.
Best regards.
Hello everyone,
What a wonderful discussion, showing how cycling can inspire dreams before captivating our legs and eyes for days on end, all around the world.
For my part, I’m planning a new Paris-Montargis-Grenoble trip this December. In previous years, I’d aimed for the Loire to avoid hills (Morvan, Côte d'Or, Mâconnais slopes, foothills of the Alps, etc.), which meant covering more kilometers.
This year, for a change, I’m going for straight lines—and thus the steep climbs—while cutting down on the distance.
Has anyone got any suggestions for beautiful landscapes along this "direct" route between Montargis and Grenoble?
Great idea! Right now, I'm mapping out Toulouse - Montpellier - Nîmes, and like you, I'll be heading through the Alps (but to get to Italy). Normally, it'd look something like "Valence - Grenoble - Briançon," hoping the roads won't be blocked!
We’re already planning for summer 2012 (I know it’s early, but it gives us something to dream about and keeps us moving forward in the meantime!). We’re thinking of cycling around Lake Constance, between Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, with Baptiste, who’ll be 5½, still on his bike.
So if you’ve done it before, don’t hesitate to share your favorite spots—campgrounds, things to see, etc.!
Project: leaving and probably never coming back (or just to say hello)
Anyway, I’ve got nothing left to do here, and no one’s waiting for me anywhere—whether it’s for a "normal" job (tough for some of us!), love, friendship, etc.
So on foot, by bike, or whatever, I’ll wander wherever the wind or my mood takes me.
I’m selling off what I don’t need soon, and I’m outta here 😉
If anyone wants to join me for part of the journey, why not chat about it!
For my part, late June 2012 it’ll be Brittany—I’m leaving from Bourges and doing a loop of about 1000 km, and I’ve only got 2 weeks. Nothing but bliss! Can’t wait for spring....
For me—well, for us, my wife and I—we did a Corsica tour in mid-May 2012 over about a month and a half. We took it easy since we had the time and knew the terrain’s topography calls for caution... Short stages, time to meet the locals and explore the backcountry, and, of course, a few swims. We live in the Doubs region and plan to drive to Toulon (where we’ll take the ferry) with our car. I’m still looking for a secure parking spot (like a private space from an individual) to leave our vehicle within a 30 km radius of Toulon for the duration of our trip, which we’ll do entirely by bike. Wishing you all great rides...
I’ve been preparing my next bike trip for a few months now.
I’m planning to hit the road for about 3 years!!
First part - 2012:
From Geneva to Beijing, following the Silk Road for around 10 months.
Switzerland-France-Italy-(Boat)-Greece-(boat)-Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan-(boat)-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China.
That’s about 12,000 to 15,000 km.
Second part - 2013 to 2014:
From British Columbia to Chile.
I’m thinking of crossing the two American continents via the Rocky Mountains and the Andes, but I haven’t planned this part yet. I’ll take my time preparing it from Vancouver in the first few months of 2013.
There you go! :) And I’m really excited to talk about it!
hi there, I biked the Loire two years ago—such a great memory! But watch out for the Saint-Nazaire bridge—it’s really dangerous for cyclists. Happy trails!
Jumping in!
In May 2009, my wife and I did a really lovely bike-and-bivouac tour in the area: Les Vans - Genolhac - Mont Lozère - Causse du Sauveterre - Causse Méjean - Gorges du Tarn and de la Jonte.
Over 2 weeks: one full day of rain and just a few hours here and there, nothing more.
The broom in bloom with the remaining snow on Mont Lozère in the background—it’s a treat, and so is everything else...
If you bivouac with the right gear, it’s safer; some spots are pretty isolated.
Great tips anyway, but it’s hilly...
Ciao
For your Corsica tour, if you change your departure port from Toulon to Nice, I can keep your car in a quiet private alley right across from my house. I live in Auribeau near Cannes, and you can reach Nice by following the coastline through Antibes. From Nice, the Italian company Corsica Ferries offers great rates for the crossing.
As for me, my next project will probably be a French trip from Cannes to Arcachon along the Mediterranean coast and the Canal du Midi.
See you!
Bye,
fx
Good evening fix06, thanks for your interest in my request! I can leave from Nice or Toulon, it doesn’t matter, since the main thing for me is to find a safe place to park my vehicle during my trip. Maybe I’ll have 1 or 2 more offers by April (fingers crossed). I’ll keep your message and get back in touch with you at the start of the year. I live in the Doubs—if your bike rides take you to my area, let me know, and you’ll have a place to stay and meals. My phone number: 0637577110. Thanks again, cheers.
Just to clarify that at the end of my "Island Hopping" 2011 trip, I took the TER to Menton and then the Lunea to Nice for Belfort. In a couchette in the carriage next to the bike storage, this option can be considered.
Crossing the Northern Alps from north to south down to Nice, following the Gulf of Lion to reach Perpignan, crossing the Pyrenees to Biarritz. Following the Atlantic coast up to Bordeaux and crossing the Massif Central back to the starting point, in northern Isère between Lyon and Chambéry. Trip of about 1 month and 3,000 km.
If you're traveling in July, you might run into a great group of cyclists between the Alps, Pyrenees, and Massif Central... Sounds like a beautiful route anyway.
Wow, all these different projects are so inspiring!
For us, if all goes well, it’ll be Germany by bike. With the kids, we need a place where we can ride on car-free paths—basically, well-equipped bike routes—and it seems like Germany is perfect for that. I can’t wait; it’s the only time of year we break out of our routine. The whole family is counting down the days. Plus, for the kids, it’s their first time leaving France, so...
Anyway, this forum with all the personal sites where we check out bike customs, southern Spain... it fuels our dreams, and that’s a good thing.
Gaétan,
We’re actually leaving from Porto around April 30th, heading east through the Douro Valley... totally improvising... 😉 toward Lisbon (in a zigzag) and we think we’ll arrive in Lisbon 10 to 15 days later. Then we’ll head back up the coast to Porto.
If you’re passing through Bordeaux from May 25th, let us know—we’d be happy to host you.
(Same username on http://www.warmshowers.org/ )[;]
Hi there,
Around April, near Easter, I’m setting off from Mâcon heading to Paray-le-Monial, Nevers, the Canal du Nivernais, Sens, Fontainebleau, and the 😏Forest of the Parisian West.
Soissons, Compiègne, the Thiérache region (cheese!), Chimay and its abbey (possibly—actually, definitely—sampling its very strong dark Trappist beer brewed by the monks), and wrapping up at the Vauban citadel of Rocroi.
Depending on the weather and traffic toward Paris, I might mix in some public transport.
Happy trails! JC😏
Gaétan,
We’re actually leaving Porto around April 30th, heading east along the Douro Valley... totally improvising... 😉 toward Lisbon (in a zigzag) and we think we’ll arrive in Lisbon 10 to 15 days later, then head back up the coast to Porto.
If you’re passing through Bordeaux after May 25th, let us know.... We’d be happy to host you.
(Same username on http://www.warmshowers.org/ )[;]
15 days from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley! 😮
I hope you’re not planning to go beyond the Lamego area, otherwise you’ll need way more than 15 days. Having just returned from Portugal and traveled through the Douro Valley, I would’ve added another week if I’d known there could be that much elevation gain in just one kilometer... and that’s the case for most of the valley (except the national road after Lamego and the secondary road from Lamego back to Porto).
15 days from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley! 😮
I hope you’re not planning to go beyond the Lamego area, otherwise 15 days won’t be nearly enough. Just got back from Portugal, and after riding through the Douro Valley, I’d have added another week if I’d known there could be that much elevation gain in just one kilometer… and that’s the case for most of the valley (except the national road after Lamego and the secondary road from Lamego to Porto).
Hi Béatrice,
Well, thanks for your message—we’ll see how it goes when we’re there…😛 Since flat country’s a bit boring, this’ll wake us up!! 😏
We’ve planned three weeks to go from Porto to Faro via the Douro Valley (and in no particular order…) Torre (maybe, depending on the weather), Viseu, Coimbra, Fátima, Belém, Nazaré, Sintra, Lisbon, Tróia, the coast toward Faro, and then back up through the Algarve to Almodôvar, Mértola, Beja, etc.
Here's another one... It's a journey from the Swiss Jura to Paris this summer, timing it so I can pedal more or less dry. I'm aiming for late July. I'll return by TGV so I don't leave the family alone for too long...
The bike should arrive in the next few days, and I'm planning the stages by reading tips from the experts here.
I'm planning a trip from Paris to Dieppe, and the return, of course.
I love biking around Paris, and all my trips are by bike, but I've never gone on a bike tour.
If I enjoy it, I might push on to the Bay of Somme.
Hi everyone, in June we’re planning to ride from Strasbourg to our place (near Nice) via the Vosges, the Jura, and depending on how we feel, maybe crossing the Alps (that’s me who’d love to do it, my wife’s a bit less keen...). Otherwise, we’re thinking the Drôme or the Verdon... we’ll see how it goes! I’m taking the chance to ask for advice from anyone who’s done this before. Thanks, and happy travels to all!
France to Australia in 7 months via a flight from Singapore to Darwin! Departing in 45 days, on June 1st, and returning by plane for Christmas! Budget: 1500 €, including 500 € for visas. Pure, hardcore adventure! :)
France Germany Austria Hungary Former Yugoslavia Turkey Iran Pakistan India Nepal Myanmar Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Malaysia Singapore Australia
We planned 3 weeks to go from Porto to Faro via the Douro Valley, (and in no particular order....) Torre (maybe depending on the weather), Viseu, Coimbra, Fatima, 😮Bethelem, 😮Nazaré, Sintra, Lisbon, Troia, the coast toward Faro, and then head back up through the Algarve toward Almodovar, Mertola, Beja, etc....
So.... no, not Bethelem... but BATALHA !! Sorry....😊
I’m heading off on a year-long trip around the world with a friend (France, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Iran—if things don’t get too unstable there—India, China, Mongolia, then back through Russia, probably part of it on the Trans-Siberian).
We don’t have a precise itinerary, obviously.
As for prep, we’re only really set with vaccines so far.
We’re leaving in early September—it’s getting close!
Oh, and Tjodalv, you’re going through Pakistan, right? Planning to cross the whole country by bike?
Just humbly sharing that I’ll be doing Bordeaux to Cahors via the Lot, then back through Montauban and the canal. Family commitments mean I’ve got to keep it short this time. When? Either mid-August or early September. Looking forward to other routes with flatter profiles in the future.
This year, we're starting from Toulouse heading to the Ariège and Eastern Pyrenees, then making our way to Perpignan before returning to Carcassonne. It should take us 9 days.
We're leaving in the second half of May... Hope we don't run into too much snow for camping!
Works great for me and a friend—we're heading to Alaska in July.
We’ll be crossing from Prudhoe Bay in northern Alaska all the way to Quebec City, Canada.
Three months on the road and over 8,000 km ahead, all to promote eco-friendly travel by bike... 🙂
Big congrats to the other projects too—some really cool ideas out there!
The bike is almost ready for a "return from Athens": Geneva to Athens by air, Euboea Island, heading south towards Delphi, the Gulf of Corinth and Patras, the west coast to Igoumenitsa, ferry crossing to Ancona, the Italian coast towards Venice, and a return to my native Jura via the Italian lakes and the Simplon Pass... planned for just over 3 weeks. Hoping it all holds up... safe travels to everyone!
Hey everyone, so my plan is to cycle through South America from Buenos Aires to Cartagena in Colombia (and if my legs, morale, and finances hold up, through Central America, the USA, and all the way to Canada!).
I don’t have my bike yet, I’ve never done an expedition like this, and I only speak a little Spanish—this is gonna be one hell of an adventure!!
Departure planned for mid-September 2012.
To wrap up, here’s a little quote borrowed from Mandolpierre’s signature:
"If someone tells you it’s impossible, do it and you’ll find out how easy it was." David Henry Thoreau
Well, I’m hitting the road on my bike on June 6th for a round-the-world trip heading east with no real itinerary. It’s all about going with the flow and no time limit. I’ll pop in on the forum now and then to check in and share updates.
I’m leaving partly thanks to all of you and this goldmine of a forum, so a big thank you!
Safe travels to everyone hitting the road! As for me, my current projects involve fixing up a bike in the basement and gathering parts for a future build... someday...
Hello everyone, some great plans in the works, each to their own pace and desires. For us, my wife and I are doing a full cycling tour of Corsica starting on 15/05, hoping the good weather holds out. Wishing you all the best, kind regards😉
I’d been watching this ultra-light travel movement or trend for a while.
So I gave it a try—goodbye to the 5 panniers and rear racks.
A 15L saddle bag for clothes and a stove cookset.
Two cages on the fork blades: 2x5L—mattress on one side, tent on the other.
A 5L frame bag for miscellaneous items: battery, camera, small bits and pieces.
And one on the handlebar for the sleeping bag.
I tested it this summer on a crossing from Valence to Perpignan via the Massif Central.
My conclusions:
The obvious advantage is the reduced weight. In total, I had 12 kg on the bike, which makes climbing in the mountains much easier.
Another benefit I hadn’t considered is the significantly lower wind resistance compared to a traditional setup—you really feel it when the wind’s against you.
Of course, it’s not all perfect...
For example, it’s impossible to carry a food stock. You buy just enough before each meal or go to a restaurant!
You also have to accept a more spartan comfort level at stops.
In conclusion, I think for summer trips in regions where resupplying is easy, it’s an interesting option—especially if there’s significant elevation gain.
On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for enough autonomy, so some trips are off the table.
On the bike side, I swapped my Shimano 11/34 cassette for an 11/40. Even though Shimano doesn’t recommend it with a 105 derailleur and a 46/30 double chainring, it works really well.
The only limit is avoiding the 46/40 gear ratio.
Hi,
what are the easiest ways to get back from Nordkapp without pedaling—
train, boat, or plane?
Has anyone already done this?
Thanks for sharing your tips!
Hi, does anyone have recent info on the Shikoku pilgrimage? We’re traveling as a pair by bike, and I plan to camp whenever possible because from what I’ve seen, accommodations are pretty expensive, especially for long trips. I’d love any info or tips—thanks in advance! Aichatou
I’m planning to leave Nice for Toulouse around 10/15 and I’m looking for tips / great deals regarding:
- The route: I was thinking of taking Nice - Grasse - Draguignan - Salernes - Cadarache - Cavaillon - Arles, then the Camargue, Sète, and the Canal du Midi to Toulouse. The idea is to avoid high-traffic roads and too many steep climbs. Are there any spots to avoid or must-see stops? Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the road, I was thinking that sleeping indoors might be preferable. If you have any budget-friendly accommodation suggestions along part of the route, don’t hesitate!
Thanks in advance, and if you’re in the area around that time, we could ride together... Ciao.
Hi,
I need to arrive in Thessaloniki by bike at the end of September and I plan to head to Istanbul along the coast.
Could anyone help me pick the best route? Safety, difficulty.
Thanks in advance.
Marc
Hi everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the forum :)
I’m preparing for a long trip heading to Nepal, with stops along the way depending on my mood, work needs, and the season. I cycle a lot, but this will be my first big touring adventure. I’d like to camp regularly to keep costs down, so I’ll be riding on all kinds of surfaces: smooth and rough roads, main highways and rocky paths to find my camping spots, flat terrain and the occasional steep slopes.
For my bike model, I’m prioritizing durability, versatility, and repairability. From that perspective, I prefer a steel frame and fork with rim brakes since I’m used to them. I’ve narrowed my choices down to four models:
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur T-700 LTD (1400 €): steel frame, aluminum fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 28" wheels, 40mm tires, 36 spokes (2 mm), lightweight rear rack (max 20 kg), no front rack included, smallest gear ratio of 0.72, weight of 13.9 kg.
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (2200 €): steel frame and fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 26" wheels, 50mm tires, 36 spokes (2.34 mm), front and rear racks included (40+18 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Genesis Tour de Fer 30 (2150 €): steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, 28" wheels, 36 spokes, 40mm tires, front and rear racks included (27+10 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.77, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Rockrider ADTV 900 from Decathlon (1700 €): aluminum frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, USB port, 28" wheels, 47mm tires, 28 spokes, front and rear racks included (40+20 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 17.1 kg. This is the successor to the Riverside Touring 900, which was a hit.
I’ve got a few questions:
1/ Should I go for 26" or 28" wheels for my trip? 26" wheels seem better for rough terrain, but 28" wheels feel more comfortable on roads. I’ve also read that 26" tires/tubes are easier to find.
2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳
From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets...
I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters.
Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits.
Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Hi,
can anyone give us some tips on how to get to North Cape from Lyon Gerland?
What’s the best route to join the EuroVelo 7?
How many kilometers is it from Lyon to North Cape via EuroVelo 7?
The best month to leave—we’re thinking early May.
Thanks for any advice!
Looking for a female travel companion for a cycling trip (arriving by plane in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and cycling toward Montevideo, Uruguay, returning by plane to France from Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 1,500 km
Hello everyone!
I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.
Experience:
I already have solid experience in bicycle touring in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, I maintain excellent physical condition by cycling an average of 250 km over 3 days per week (4 hours a day at 20 km/h).
The trip & the pace:
Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore.
Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.
Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!
Another long-time dream of Claudio’s: the Petit Mont Cenis pass and the dam at the eponymous lake.
A place where many Italians, including my father, worked in the 1950s–60s.
Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne → Lanslebourg → Petit Mont Cenis → return. 315 km, 3 days. Bivouac at St-Michel-de-M.
Brouter link
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne
Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel
Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
🇷🇼 Cycling in Rwanda: 4 episodes, an off-the-beaten-path adventure
After 3 weeks and nearly 1,200 km by bike across Rwanda, I made 4 videos to share this adventure in a different way: the landscapes, the encounters, the villages… but above all, all those incredible scenes of everyday life.
The 4 episodes are available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnfbxjccWAg
The 4th episode focuses on rural Rwandan life: simple, authentic, and sometimes surprising scenes that you only truly discover when you take the time to travel by bike.
If you have a few minutes, let yourself be transported to Rwanda…
Hi,
We bought the MSR bike tent model (2-person + large awning that can fit 2 bikes) back in 2005. It’s served us really well, especially during a year-long trip in Africa. Now, one of the poles is broken, and we’d love to replace it since that’s the only issue with the tent—we still love it! The poles are 9.35 mm in diameter, with 8 sections of 49 cm and 2 sections of 28 cm. Total length when assembled: 416 cm. Actually, two large sections are broken: one straight and one curved. It’s a pain to find replacements since this model is no longer sold anywhere.
Would anyone have this model lying around unused and be willing to sell me a pole?
Hi everyone,
In early April, I’m redoing the Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Ouistreham), and then I’d like to cycle along the Cotentin Peninsula (which I don’t know at all), follow the coast up to Cherbourg, and then head back down to at least Saint-Malo. I’d love to know if it’s pleasant for cycling—are the roads nice? Not too windy? What are the must-see spots? Any great campsites? All your tips and advice are more than welcome, and I thank you in advance.
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
I just took a trip in Tunisia from Tozeur to Douz, skirting Chott el Jerid to the south. I’m back with the urge to keep going further south via the 4x4 tracks to connect Douz to Ksar Ghilane. Has anyone driven this route recently or explored southern Tunisia?
Thanks for your tips!
fix
😎Fellow traveling cyclists or not, all of you who love travel, the pleasure of physical effort, nature, beautiful machines, people with true passions they seek to fulfill, and who also enjoy reading great literature about all this—the *200* magazine is for you just as it is for me. I should mention I have no financial or other interest in this (in an era where we accuse our politicians of all sorts of vile interests, I prefer to take precautions). I’ve been subscribed since the beginning, and every three months, I get my 130 pages of dreams (the magazine just went from 110 to 130 pages).
It covers everything from the trans-America route to the TCR (Trans Continental Race) from Belgium to a small town in Turkey, with mind-blowing averages—4,000 km and 80,000 m of elevation gain in 8 days and 15 hours for the winner. Let that sink in, and all of it without assistance—accepting a patch could penalize you. There’s also a story about crossing Iran, encountering one of the world’s most welcoming populations, following in the footsteps of Nicolas Bouvier, as well as retirees leisurely traversing France. The common thread in all these stories? Beautiful writing. Take, for example, a stunning article: *"Passengers of the Cold: From Edinburgh to Thurso, at the very north of Scotland, 550 km of moors, coasts, and icy wind. In Thurso, the road ends at a quay, facing the Orkney Islands. We wanted a November trip, off-season. We wanted to surprise winter. Just before the snow."* A sublime piece on the experience of facing adversity and the chance encounters along the road and in the elements.
Before I embarked on my own bike trips, I dreamed a lot about them—from the Atacama to the Gobi, along the Mekong, and not forgetting France. And now, these 130 pages every quarter keep those dreamy vibes alive through stories written in the most beautiful prose.
I’ll stop here because it might sound like I’m advertising, but if you don’t know *200*, I invite you to discover it. It’ll give you wings for the most incredible challenges or simply reinforce your desire for slow rides with your eyes open to others and nature.
A little news to wrap up: Axel Carion and a friend just broke the record for crossing South America from Colombia to Ushuaia in 59 days. On its own, that doesn’t mean much, but I can’t help it—it makes me dream. You should see how he talks about it, the flashes of that wild nature he’s stored away: a snowstorm at Paso Jama and the surreal sight of the suddenly snow-covered Licancabur!
Luc
PS: The magazine is called *200* because a day’s ride starts at 200 km—well, I’ve never done a ride like that since my longest was 167 km (with 18 kg of luggage, mind you), but why not one day? The magazine will explain how to tackle your first 200, and then the question in conclusion: when will you do your first 300?😏
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
