The upside of setting off for several weeks is that two days of rain will always be saved by even better days. We canceled our week between Nuremberg and Prague because of terrible weather (hail, wind, cold, rain) 🏴☠️
After last year’s Montreal–New York trip (1,700 km via Toronto and in the rain 🤪), this August we’re taking our wheels to Norway.
Short route (around 900–1,000 km), from Trondheim to Bergen along the coast.
Speaking of coasts, it’s supposed to be stunning but not flat… a nice little baptism for my friend 😜.
After a bike/volcano trip from Goma to Nairobi this spring, I’ll be heading back to South America in September for a loop from Salta to Salta, crossing the stunning lagoons and salt flats of the Atacama via Paso Jama first, then Paso Sico. A few nearby volcanoes will be pretty tempting! It’ll all depend on how I’m feeling and the... mule!
This route isn’t easy by bike since resupply points are... very spread out, and the altitude... is often over 4,000 m.
Flying to Salta with a bike: does anyone know Alitalia? They’re the only airline that allows 2 x 23 kg for free, and it’s 40% cheaper than Air France—Toulouse to Salta round-trip for 1,050 € with Alitalia, versus at least 1,900 € with Air France (since bikes mean an extra fee of around 2 x 200 €). Anyone have a tip for this Toulouse-Salta flight?
Back from our (little) adventure, I’m sharing the link to our blog if you’re tempted to discover the trip we took along Lake Constance by bike with Baptiste, 5½ years old, this past summer.
http://2012familysconstancetour.blogspot.fr/
Lake Constance by bike sounds great—I just moved here today, so I’ll check it out more closely... Starting from Friedrichshafen, not sure which direction to take yet...
For my part, it’d be a round-the-world trip by bike, and maybe hitchhiking if I feel like it. The idea would be to start in Amiens, ride to Romania, head down to Greece, then go back up to drink some good wine and eat pizza at friends’ places in Italy. After that, stop by Santiago de Compostela, maybe visit some buddies in Braga, Portugal, then head down to see family in Côte d’Ivoire (if I can find them… haha). Since I won’t have the courage to swim to the Americas, I’d take a flight and stop to work in Texas (I’ve got a job waiting for me there). Then, I’d head up to Alaska or Québec—already not bad! That said, it’s all pretty hypothetical for now… First, I’ve got to go back to school, finish my training, get my *bac pro*, do my BTS, save up some cash, and get my health back on track. In the meantime, if I have the time, why not—*again*—a little bike trip around the UK (no joke, I’ve already spent at least 3 months there since last December).
Hi Luc, yeah, I crossed the Alps in winter. It was from Grenoble to Briançon. FYI, the night before I slept in a meter of snow in the valley—it was nearly -20°C, brrr! !
Thanks! :) If you want, I also have a blog where I more or less explain my trip, but it's not complete. I also traveled the Camino de Santiago on foot and went to Germany and Slovenia, but by bus this time! See you soon maybe ;)
Loic.
Hello fellow globetrotters!
So, we're dreaming of biking from Toulouse to Venice this summer. It’s our first big bike adventure, and I’d love to hear your expert tips on this.
We’d like to go by bike and return by train. Any routes you’d recommend? As for the bike, mine’s an old Peugeot that runs well, but... will it be enough?
Italy is uncharted territory for us—we’re open to all experiences, city and village tips! We’re planning to go for about three weeks in August. There you have it—don’t hesitate to help us out! =)
Hi, I’m not sure that crossing northern Italy is a great idea for a first trip—the roads are hellish, even by car.
I saw somewhere (can’t remember where) a guy who documented his first bike trip in a video, Montpellier to Trieste, and his conclusion was that he’d never do another bike trip because the roads were pure hell—way too tough.
It’s a shame, because there are plenty of gentler destinations in Europe.
It really depends on which part of northern Italy. For sure, if you take the highway, it’s not great😎. But there’s a really nice stretch around the lakes (Como, Garda). Otherwise, if you want to turn your legs to jelly, come through my place in Avignon🤪. It’s the same for every country—some spots are amazing, others are the complete opposite.
This summer, we're doing Vicenza to Venice and then the Adriatic coast. My husband created a custom route using only small roads and paths. Here’s our planned GPS track.
The Veneto region is well-known for bike trips.
Even though Italy has a reputation for busy roads with drivers like Fangio (!), we hope to find some peace on our custom route!
Especially since we're traveling with our 6.5-year-old son, who has his own bike!
If you want to check out our blog:
http://venetie2013.blogspot.fr
See you soon
Honestly, if there really are drivers like Fangio out there, you might as well not even venture into Marseille. All the rumors... Best to go there in person and see for yourself. Italy in the summer is tough—way too many tourists—but I still love it. That’s what makes Italy so charming.
Hello fellow globetrotters!
So, we're dreaming of cycling from Toulouse to Venice this summer. It's our first big bike trip, and I’d love to hear your expert advice on the subject.
We’d like to go by bike and return by train. Any routes you’d recommend? As for the bike, mine’s an old Peugeot that runs well, but… will it be enough?
Italy is uncharted territory for us—we’re open to all experiences, tips on cities, villages, anything! We’re planning to go for about three weeks in August. Feel free to share your thoughts! =)
Hi zebulon,
I did Venice to Geneva with a route that went mostly through Piedmont (Lake Garda and Lake Como) before heading north to the Aosta Valley.
It might not be the mountainous route you’re looking for, but as long as you avoid big Italian cities and major roads, there’s no traffic issue. In fact, I often found that Italian roads have a paved shoulder, which feels safer for cyclists.
From Toulouse, it’s nice to head toward the Montagne Noire (Mazamet, La Bastide-Rouairoux), then go down to Saint-Pons, and follow the Orb Valley to Lodève. After that, cross the southern Larzac, pass through Ganges, Alès, Nyons (26), Serres (05), Gap, Embrun, Briançon, and then reach the Italian lake region.
It’s not the smoothest ride, but if you stick to small roads, the landscapes are stunning.
Campsites are everywhere, and it’s peaceful—except in the French Alps, where you *must* avoid major roads.
Anyway, you should *definitely* avoid Marseille and the surrounding area, as well as the Côte d’Azur. Too many cars…
Hi there, I’m not sure crossing northern Italy is the best idea for a first trip—the roads are a nightmare even by car.
Keep in mind that it’s a common beginner mistake to try to go "in a straight line" by taking major highways. The second mistake is not having a detailed enough map to uncover those backcountry backroads. For a stress-free ride, the ideal is to stick to the roads marked in white on maps, even if it takes twice as long. This applies in France, Italy, or anywhere else...
Otherwise, I’ll be around the lakes region around June 10th, I think. If you want my route...
Hello, ...
To have some peace and quiet, the ideal would be to stick only to the routes marked in white on the maps, even if it takes twice as long. This applies in France, Italy, or anywhere else...
Otherwise, I’ll be around the Great Lakes around June 10th, I think. If you want my itinerary...
I’m not the one who started the Toulouse-Venice-Sieste project, but I’m *really* curious to know your itinerary!
Back in September 2009, we’d also planned a Nice-Rome route, which we ended up changing last minute (we did Rome-Sutri-Viterbo-Pitigliano-Montalcino-Asciano-Siena-Volterra-Lucca, then back to Rome; our flight to Nice was full, we’d waited too long...).
But we were *so* disappointed—especially since we missed scouting around Badalucco-Garessio-Finale Ligure! So if any of you have ridden or are planning to ride in those areas, I’d love to hear your comments, anecdotes, and any other details to tempt us and go back!
Personally, I'm thinking of going from Strasbourg to Berlin in June, and then returning (so making a loop). I'm not sure yet if I'll go all the way to the Baltic. If anyone has any tips, I'd obviously love to hear them!
I’m not the initiator of the Toulouse–Venice–Siestre project, but I’m really curious to know your itinerary!
I’ll arrive in Locarno/Ascona via Switzerland through the Gotthard Pass (hoping it’s clear of snow). Climb up to Arcegno, then descend to Porto Ronco with a stunning view of Lake Maggiore. Next, head to Verbania along the lakeside road (no choice, the terrain demands it). From there, take a ferry to Laveno, then head to Luino since the other side of the lake is less interesting. Visit the charming little town of Luino, then head to Lugano. Finally, make my way to Menaggio with a breathtaking view of Lake Como upon arrival. Cross over to Bellagio, then on to Lecco/Bergamo.
After that, I’m heading to Verona, but if you’re not in as much of a rush as I am, it’s better to skirt the lake on its eastern shore and go through the Adda Valley/Ponte di Legno/Trento/Verona.
From there, I’ll head toward Bologna... etc., meet you in Cagliari, Sardinia, in early July.
Personally, I'm thinking of going from Strasbourg to Berlin in June, and then returning (so making a loop). I'm not sure yet if I'll go all the way to the Baltic. If anyone has any tips, I'd obviously love to hear them.
I think the best option is to follow the EuroVelo route from Basel to Passau or even Linz, then head toward Prague. The roads in the Czech Republic aren't too busy, and if you've never seen Prague, it's definitely worth the detour...
I’m not the one who started the Toulouse–Venice–Siestre project, but I’m really curious to hear about your itinerary!
I’ll be arriving in Locarno/Ascona via Switzerland through the Gotthard Pass (hoping it’s clear of snow). Heading up to Arcegno, then down to Porto Ronco with a stunning view of Lake Maggiore. Next, I’ll take the road along the lake to Verbania (no choice, the terrain demands it). From there, I’ll take a ferry to Laveno and head toward Luino since the other side of the lake is less interesting. I’ll visit the charming little town of Luino, then head to Lugano. Finally, I’ll make my way to Menaggio with a breathtaking view of Lake Como upon arrival. Crossing to Bellagio, then on to Lecco/Bergamo.
After that, I’m heading to Verona, but if you’re not in as much of a rush as I am, it’s better to go around the east side of the lake and pass through the Adda Valley/Ponte di Legno/Trento/Verona.
From there, I’ll head toward Bologna... etc., meeting up in Cagliari, Sardinia, in early July.
Thanks for these amazing route suggestions! I’ll savor them all (starting with OpenRunner...) as I prepare for our retirement adventures!
We’re kicking off retirement in early August 2013, traveling by tandem. Two big projects, order still to be decided:
1.) Tour of the Americas (2 years starting from our home in southern Quebec).
2.) Grand Tour of the Mediterranean
Hi there!
I love riding close to the sea!
I’d like to do a bike tour somewhere by the coast this summer.
Ireland, England (good chance to practice English), Corsica?
Not sure yet.
Any other islands? Somewhere further south, before or after the worst of the heat?
Any suggestions?!!
Hi there,
Not an original idea, yes—the same as my 2013 project featured on my website’s homepage. If that’s the case, we might cross paths, but keep in mind it’s over 7,000 km round trip from my place. Happy planning!
Marc
Hi everyone,
Same here, a sea and beach lover ;)
At the end of 2011, I did Vannes (56) to La Rochelle (17) with lots of detours along the coast! http://afreek.free.fr/blog/
This year in August, I’ve decided to explore Corsica by bike (first time!)
Vannes > Toulon by train + bike, then down to Bastia, heading west (L’Île-Rousse), and I’ll follow the coast. Once I reach the south of the island, we’ll see!
Like in 2011, I’ll post a photo recap when I’m back.
See you soon, and I hope you all have a great time with your projects!
That's awesome! Bike travel plans are blooming now that spring is really here.
Good luck with the prep, everyone!
Thanks!
Mine just took shape: Basel (Switzerland) to Vienna (Austria) via the EV6, then from Vienna to Ljubljana (Slovenia) via the EV9, then through Italy via the Dolomites and the Italian lakes (route depending on how I feel), and finally back home through Switzerland with 1 or 2 mountain passes for dessert. That’s a little over 3,000 km in 1 month.
Brittany, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire on the itinerary:
On our end, we’re continuing our family travels. After last year’s Eurovélo 6 from Montbéliard to Angers, this August we’re heading out on a tour of Brittany starting from Angers, following the coastline (Nantes, Vannes, Quimper, Brest, Roscoff, Lannion, Saint-Brieuc, Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel). Then we’ll head toward Caen and Le Havre before making our way back to Angers through the inland routes (Orne, Sarthe).
A roughly 1,500 km journey over a month—we’ll take our time to explore, rediscover, and enjoy. Hoping the Breton weather isn’t too unpredictable...
This will be our last medium-length trip before our big family adventure in 2014–2015: a real 16-month cycling journey around the world!
Guillaume
In May, over 5 days, I’m planning to do Cherbourg–Le Havre by mountain bike, following the GR trails with some friends.
This summer, over a month, I’ll be cycling around Brittany from Vannes to Mont Saint-Michel, then around the Cotentin peninsula before heading back to Rouen—road bike and trailer in tow. I’ll probably be solo for that part.
This’ll really round out my France tour, which I should be able to finish in 2014.
Mid-May: a loop from Bordeaux to Arcachon, then by train and the EV1 to Bayonne, Toulouse via Pau (Pau–Saint-Gaudens train), and back along the Garonne lateral canal. Oysters, foie gras, Jurançon sheep’s cheese, cassoulet.
We only have 5–6 days, so we’ll take some train shortcuts.
Summer holidays: continuing the EV6 from Mulhouse eastward for a few weeks (beer, potatoes, sausages).
Mid-May, a "little" loop starting in the Hautes-Alpes, we join the EV6 from Besançon and follow it all the way to the Black Sea, then Turkey, Greece, the boot of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, the mainland, and after that we're still deciding on the route—do we go straight back up or return via Bordeaux, Nantes, and the Loire?
Mid-May, a "little" loop starting in the Hautes-Alpes, we join the EV6 from Besançon and follow it to the Black Sea, then Turkey, Greece, the boot of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, the mainland, and then we're undecided on the route—we go straight back up or return via Bordeaux, Nantes, and the Loire.
Wow! That’ll be an amazing "little loop"! Will you have a blog or something so we can follow your route and adventures?
We’ve been toying with the idea of a similar trip in 2 or 3 years (before that, we want to do the Americas, starting from home). Similar but in reverse, starting from Bordeaux or Lisbon, depending on our departure date. We also dream of crossing Morocco and then heading to Turkey via Algeria-Tunisia-Libya-Egypt-Israel-Lebanon-Syria, if the political conditions allow us to travel safely.
After doing Nantes to Royan last year, I’m heading off this Wednesday, May 1st with my 15-year-old son for a Brest to Vannes trip—8 days of biking to explore southern Brittany, hopefully with some sunshine!
Safe travels to everyone, there are so many great plans out there...
I'm hoping to do a Paris-Trouville or Paris-Fécamp ride... leaving Monday or Tuesday... round trip... but the weather's meh... still, I'm hopeful... already said that... I'm outfitting my road bike for it... I'm hopeful... I'm hopeful... 😕
for my part, around May 5th, I’m leaving from HONFLEUR and heading to CHERBOURG along the coast, passing through the D-Day landing beaches. Then down to GRANVILLE?? After that, SAINT-MALO, still following the coastline. After ST-MALO, I’ll return inland via VIRE and then back to HONFLEUR, depending on my mood.
If anyone has tips like wild camping spots, nice restaurants, or friendly campsites, I’m all ears!
Hope to meet some VoyageForum folks along the way.
Hi there,
The maritime climate is the big unknown for this trip... I covered this section back in 2005 during my tour of France. I mostly wild-camped without any issues as long as I avoided pitching the tent in the middle of towns. I didn’t eat at any restaurants to keep activities separate, so I don’t have any great tips for that.
(Full video available on my site under the E-video section. This part is included in Part 2 of my travel journal. The blog alternative is probably less user-friendly.)
Happy spring cycling!
Marc
PS There are plenty of accommodations, and even if 90% of them are closed this time of year, there’ll always be one to meet your needs.
We’re heading to Corsica in 15 days! Bastia via Centuri, the whole coast down to Porticcio, then back up through the interior toward Corte—Bastia. That’s the rough plan. Hoping the weather’s great for everyone with bike trips in the works!!!!! And for everyone else too ;)
For me, I’m leaving on May 27th for my first bike trek from Bagnols/Cèze to Saint Jacques de Compostelle via Le Puy (1,746 km in 26 days).
I got back on the bike after 46 years off and only logged 800 km of training in 6 months. It’s gonna be tough, but what an amazing journey ahead! Still feeling a little nervous as the date gets closer.
No matter what, I’ve got nerves of steel.
Inshallah
In May, a "little" loop too—starting in the Hautes-Alpes, joining the EV6 from Besançon, then following it all the way to the Black Sea, then Turkey, Greece, the boot of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, the mainland, and after that, we’re still deciding whether to go straight back up or return via Bordeaux, Nantes, and the Loire.
Wow! That’ll be an amazing "little loop"! Will you have a blog or something so we can follow your route and adventures?
We’ve been toying with the idea of a similar trip in 2 or 3 years (before that, we want to do the Americas, starting from home). Similar but in reverse—starting from Bordeaux or Lisbon, depending on when we leave. We also dream of crossing Morocco and then heading to Turkey via Algeria-Tunisia-Libya-Egypt-Israel-Lebanon-Syria, if the political situation allows us to travel safely.
You’re crazier than we are… but what would the world be without a little madness?
Anyway, here’s our blog we just set up: velocipedus-memera.over-blog.com
In 2013, I already cycled the Loire by bike from Couëron to Orléans between March 26–29. This summer, I’m heading to Germany: leaving from Hennebont (56) on Friday, August 2. Stops include Couterne (61), Breteuil (27), Hénonville (60), Pierrefonds (60), Marcy-sous-Marle (02), Givet (08), Saint Vith (Belgium), and Uckerath (Rhineland-Palatinate). There, I’ll visit the farm where my grandfather was a prisoner of war. After lots of research, I’ve found descendants from that era.
For the return trip, nothing’s set in stone yet, but I’ll probably take the route: Koblenz/Cochem/Trier/Verdun/Orléans and return by train.
I plan to stay at campsites, but if any forum members are along the route and have 15 m² of lawn to spare, I’d love to take you up on it! Also, I’d appreciate any tips or advice on my itinerary.
Happy preparations and good weather to everyone!!😎😎
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
