Ceux qui connaissent l'état de la voie verte et du chemin de halage qui borde le canal peuvent-ils me guider dans mon choix? En d'autre termes, le canal est-il faisable avec un vélo de route quelque peu aménagé? Merci Pierre
Un vélo pour le canal du Midi?
by Laporte4
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
Cette été, je fais Toulouse Agde par le canal du midi, avec mes deux filles. étapes de 50 Km, un détour dans la montagne noire.
L'une est équipée. Pour la seconde, j'ai le choix:
- je lui prête mon vélo de route, guidon plat, roues de 700 montées avec des pneus de 28, selle confortable;
- on lui prête un VTT de série, entrée de gamme chez Décathlon il y a 10 ou 15 ans. Bref un tape cul je crains.
Ceux qui connaissent l'état de la voie verte et du chemin de halage qui borde le canal peuvent-ils me guider dans mon choix? En d'autre termes, le canal est-il faisable avec un vélo de route quelque peu aménagé? Merci Pierre
Ceux qui connaissent l'état de la voie verte et du chemin de halage qui borde le canal peuvent-ils me guider dans mon choix? En d'autre termes, le canal est-il faisable avec un vélo de route quelque peu aménagé? Merci Pierre
Bonjour,
Pour la 1ere partie (goudron) le vélo de route est mieux
Pour la 2e partie, c'est le VTT !
J'ai fait récemment Carcassonne - Béziers : piste avec cailloux et racines, sentier monotrace, boue due à l'arrachage des platanes : cela passe en vélo de route, mais le VTT n'est pas du luxe !
Peut-être faire Toulouse - Bordeaux en vélo de route ?
Bon voyage.
Pour la 1ere partie (goudron) le vélo de route est mieux
Pour la 2e partie, c'est le VTT !
J'ai fait récemment Carcassonne - Béziers : piste avec cailloux et racines, sentier monotrace, boue due à l'arrachage des platanes : cela passe en vélo de route, mais le VTT n'est pas du luxe !
Peut-être faire Toulouse - Bordeaux en vélo de route ?
Bon voyage.
Flanoche
Bonjour
J'ai vu toutes sortes de vélo sur le canal du midi qui est très tape-cul en dehors d'un cours kilométrage en macadam: - vélo de course - vélo de ville - VTC - VTT
Perso je l'ai fait avec un simple VTC.
Dans un seul cas le VTT devrait l'emporter: après une pluie abondante le chemin n'est plus que de la boue donc n'est pas praticable avec autre chose qu'un VTT avec de gros pneus à crampons.
Clairement pour moi le VTT n'est pas un vélo de randonnée. D'ailleurs il n'a pas été conçu pour ça.
Ton vélo de route est le mieux des 2. Bien sûr il faudra le ménager à cause du poids des bagages plus les chocs.
un autre critère : choisir le vélo sur lequel on est le plus à l'aise.
J'ai vu toutes sortes de vélo sur le canal du midi qui est très tape-cul en dehors d'un cours kilométrage en macadam: - vélo de course - vélo de ville - VTC - VTT
Perso je l'ai fait avec un simple VTC.
Dans un seul cas le VTT devrait l'emporter: après une pluie abondante le chemin n'est plus que de la boue donc n'est pas praticable avec autre chose qu'un VTT avec de gros pneus à crampons.
Clairement pour moi le VTT n'est pas un vélo de randonnée. D'ailleurs il n'a pas été conçu pour ça.
Ton vélo de route est le mieux des 2. Bien sûr il faudra le ménager à cause du poids des bagages plus les chocs.
un autre critère : choisir le vélo sur lequel on est le plus à l'aise.
si tu as des bons pneus correctement gonflés, je ne vois pas pourquoi tu "enchainerais les crevaisons"
Flanoche
Un vélo de route à roues de 700 est à proscrire, même sans bagages. Il faut au minimum un VTC et le mieux est quand-même un VTT.
Je confirme mon 1er message :
sur la partie Carcassonne - Béziers, par beau temps, tous les vélos passent ... .. mais le VTT est plus confortable, surtout si le temps est humide !
sur la partie Carcassonne - Béziers, par beau temps, tous les vélos passent ... .. mais le VTT est plus confortable, surtout si le temps est humide !
Flanoche
Ok, merci d'insister Flanoche.
Mais pourquoi le vélo avec roue de 700 est à proscrire?
Admettons, je suis tes conseils: ma fille part donc avec un vieux vtt et je lui change la selle; c'est déjà un meilleur confort.
Penses-tu alors que je puisse prendre le vélo de route que je lui destinais (sachant pour le coup que c'est moi qui porte les bagages et tire une remorque), ou tes conseils (privilégier plutôt un vtt, même vieux, entrée de gamme et sans confort aucun) valent pour moi aussi?
Mais pourquoi le vélo avec roue de 700 est à proscrire?
Pour ces raisons: Sur la voie verte du canal du Midi, seuls 80 km possèdent un bon revêtement : ailleurs c’est un chemin de halage en terre, en plus ou moins bon état !
Bon revêtement Toulouse – Port-Lauragais (50 km) Bon revêtement Carcassonne -Trèbes (15 km) Bon revêtement Béziers - Portiragnes (15 km)
Je vous invite à lire cet article le-plaisir-a-velo.com/...di--Un-scandale.html
Pour ces raisons: Sur la voie verte du canal du Midi, seuls 80 km possèdent un bon revêtement : ailleurs c’est un chemin de halage en terre, en plus ou moins bon état !
Bon revêtement Toulouse – Port-Lauragais (50 km) Bon revêtement Carcassonne -Trèbes (15 km) Bon revêtement Béziers - Portiragnes (15 km)
Je vous invite à lire cet article le-plaisir-a-velo.com/...di--Un-scandale.html
Ce n'est pas moi qui proscrit le 700
Je dis juste qu'en 700, s'il pleut, sur les portions de sentiers ou sur les portions ou il y a des racines mouillées, c'est un peu galère !
Je ne comprends pas que tu dise qu'il n'y a aucun confort sur un VTT (même vieux) ? Les cyclistes débutants sont souvent plus à l'aise sur un VTT que sur un vélo de route (position)
Mais, je le répète, c'est faisable sur tous les vélos (cela reste la route le long d'un canal ou d'un fleuve la moins bien entretenue de France)
Je dis juste qu'en 700, s'il pleut, sur les portions de sentiers ou sur les portions ou il y a des racines mouillées, c'est un peu galère !
Je ne comprends pas que tu dise qu'il n'y a aucun confort sur un VTT (même vieux) ? Les cyclistes débutants sont souvent plus à l'aise sur un VTT que sur un vélo de route (position)
Mais, je le répète, c'est faisable sur tous les vélos (cela reste la route le long d'un canal ou d'un fleuve la moins bien entretenue de France)
Flanoche
Je vous invite à lire cet article le-plaisir-a-velo.com/...di--Un-scandale.html
Super les photos Rogerd, je pense que chacun va prendre conscience de l'état de la route !
Lors de notre passage récent, j'avais entendu dire qu'une cycliste était tombée dans le canal (glissade sur une racine ?)
Super les photos Rogerd, je pense que chacun va prendre conscience de l'état de la route !
Lors de notre passage récent, j'avais entendu dire qu'une cycliste était tombée dans le canal (glissade sur une racine ?)
Flanoche
oui, j'avais déjà lu ce reportage: c'est vrai que ça calme!
merci en tout cas, nous voilà avertis; je me dis qu'en étant avertis avant de partir, on se prépare mieux, on se prépare pour. Vtt sûrement Par contre, je refuse pour l'heure de croire en la conclusion de l'article: fuir le canal. Un peu abusif, non? Pierre
merci en tout cas, nous voilà avertis; je me dis qu'en étant avertis avant de partir, on se prépare mieux, on se prépare pour. Vtt sûrement Par contre, je refuse pour l'heure de croire en la conclusion de l'article: fuir le canal. Un peu abusif, non? Pierre
Oui, c'est abusif, ce petit voyage est un excellent souvenir pour nous
J'espère que vous aurez du beau temps !
Flanoche
en 2003 j'ai fait Bordeaux à Sète par le canal des 2 mers (garonne+midi)
A l'époque pas de macadam sur le canal de Garonne et le canal du midi sauf autour de Toulouse.
je n'ai pas trouvé que le midi était tape-cul.
j'y suis retourné en 2010 et là une toute autre histoire. j'ai trouvé que c'était très tape-cul et déplaisant.
mon explication : - en 2003 le canal du midi était très peu fréquenté. quelques racines et cailloux effleuraient de ci de là. Rien de bien méchant. - en 2010 j'y ai trouvé une grosse fréquentation.
hypothèse : la fréquentation a enlevé beaucoup de terre et découvert beaucoup de racines et caillous.
P.S. à tout ceux qui semble méconnaitre le canal de Garonne. Je vous encourage à le parcourir. Il est aussi agréable que le canal du midi et vous y trouverez désormais depuis plusieurs années une piste cyclabe en macadam tout du long. en 2007 hélas elle commençait sérieusement à se dégrader en quelques endroits.
pour ceux que ça intéresse quelques photos de ma ballade sur le cana de Garonne en 2003
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
ici une tempête de nuit a fait tomber des arbres sur des km il m'a fallu emprunter la route!
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
ici les effets de la boue sur mon vélo je suis quand même passé mais c'était pénible même avec des pneus de 35 mm et crantés sur les bords.
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
j'y suis retourné en 2010 et là une toute autre histoire. j'ai trouvé que c'était très tape-cul et déplaisant.
mon explication : - en 2003 le canal du midi était très peu fréquenté. quelques racines et cailloux effleuraient de ci de là. Rien de bien méchant. - en 2010 j'y ai trouvé une grosse fréquentation.
hypothèse : la fréquentation a enlevé beaucoup de terre et découvert beaucoup de racines et caillous.
P.S. à tout ceux qui semble méconnaitre le canal de Garonne. Je vous encourage à le parcourir. Il est aussi agréable que le canal du midi et vous y trouverez désormais depuis plusieurs années une piste cyclabe en macadam tout du long. en 2007 hélas elle commençait sérieusement à se dégrader en quelques endroits.
pour ceux que ça intéresse quelques photos de ma ballade sur le cana de Garonne en 2003
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
ici une tempête de nuit a fait tomber des arbres sur des km il m'a fallu emprunter la route!
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
ici les effets de la boue sur mon vélo je suis quand même passé mais c'était pénible même avec des pneus de 35 mm et crantés sur les bords.
picasaweb.google.com/...&feat=directlink
SALUT J'AI VU LA RÉPONSE DE VF PROMENEUR
UNE BONNE ALTERNATIVE EST DE FAIRE COMME NOUS AVONS FAIS MON ÉPOUSE ET MOI
DES DÉCATHLON ROCK RIDER 500 (18 ans et bas de gamme) équipés de pneus en 26 x1.50 Vittoria "le randonneur" "decathlon aussi" se montant sur les jantes d'origines en gros 50 euros de pneumatique et on roule comme CA depuis longtemps et nous passons partout et bien charges
cordialement

UNE BONNE ALTERNATIVE EST DE FAIRE COMME NOUS AVONS FAIS MON ÉPOUSE ET MOI
DES DÉCATHLON ROCK RIDER 500 (18 ans et bas de gamme) équipés de pneus en 26 x1.50 Vittoria "le randonneur" "decathlon aussi" se montant sur les jantes d'origines en gros 50 euros de pneumatique et on roule comme CA depuis longtemps et nous passons partout et bien charges
cordialement

claude et cath
COMTOIS RENDS TOI NENNI MA FOI
je vous conseille plutot
le canal du centre
le canal de bourgogne
la loire a velo
claude et cath
COMTOIS RENDS TOI NENNI MA FOI
Un grand merci vf promeneur pour ces conseils. Les photos de ton vélo parlent toutes seules!
et merci à Claudecath25: je vais donc faire comme vous: améliorer le vtt qu'on me prête avec une selle et de bons pneus.
Par contre je maintiens la destination: nous avons une contrainte sur le lieu de départ et celui d'arrivée. Si la boue rend le voyage désagréable, nous quitterons le canal pour utiliser d'autres routes. Je verrai
Merci encore
Pierre
En 2010, j'ai fait le trajet d'Agde à Bordeaux et c'est le Canal du Midi que j'ai préféré. C'est sûr ça roule mal, il faut faire attention où on met les roues mais j'ai apprécié cet aspect; on en était pas encore à l'abattage des arbres. Je roulais avec un VTC, ça me semble indispensable et j'ai cassé un rayon...réparé à Castelnaudary.
En comparaison, le canal latéral de la Garonne m'a paru moins intéressant même si on y roule très bien et de fait, beaucoup plus vite.
Bon voyage, en prenant son temps on passe partout !
perso je l ai fais l année derniere sur un vtc decatlhon
original 500, je suis passer partout mais c est vrai ya des portion ou ca ne passe pas en velo de route
notamment le dernier troncon pour arriver a agde
faut etre hyper vigilant, sais pas l age des enfants, mais attention
si tu es a agde faut pas la rater la piste cyclabe bord de plage qui va jusqu a sete, (de marseillan a sete sans voiture)
Merci Bikonaute
Je suis bien content de lire que tu as trouvé du plaisir à faire le canal du midi!
c'est vrai qu'on lit beaucoup de retours assez négatifs.
Je crois que si on s'attend à un terrain difficile, on vit mieux le voyage; si on s'attend à de l'enrobé, forcément on est très déçu!
Du coup j'entraine mes filles sur des petits chemins de terre: fini le bitume!
Pierre
Bonjour,
Nous avons fait Béziers-Langon l'été dernier avec nos deux enfants 10 et 13 ans. Environ 500km. Nous avions des VTT sur lesquels nous avions mis des pneus type VTC.
Nous n'avons pas du tout regretté notre choix de vélo. De Béziers jusqu'a environ 50 km avant Toulouse le chemin n'est pas adapté à des vélos de route. Si dessous quelques photos.
De même si vous avez une remorque, une mono roue est recommandée. Je n'ai pas de photos mais juste après Béziers le chemin est comme les photos ci-dessous.
Conclusion, avec un VTT pas de problème. C'est vraiment très agréable. Les enfants ont d'ailleurs adoré la partie technique Béziers-Toulouse moins monotone que la partie bitume Toulouse-Bordeaux.
Nous remettons le couvert en vélo cet été normalement.
Olivier
Nous avons fait Béziers-Langon l'été dernier avec nos deux enfants 10 et 13 ans. Environ 500km. Nous avions des VTT sur lesquels nous avions mis des pneus type VTC.
Nous n'avons pas du tout regretté notre choix de vélo. De Béziers jusqu'a environ 50 km avant Toulouse le chemin n'est pas adapté à des vélos de route. Si dessous quelques photos.
De même si vous avez une remorque, une mono roue est recommandée. Je n'ai pas de photos mais juste après Béziers le chemin est comme les photos ci-dessous.
Conclusion, avec un VTT pas de problème. C'est vraiment très agréable. Les enfants ont d'ailleurs adoré la partie technique Béziers-Toulouse moins monotone que la partie bitume Toulouse-Bordeaux.
Nous remettons le couvert en vélo cet été normalement.
Olivier
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Bonjour qui peut me conseiller un trajet à vélo de Vienne Isère jusqu"en Sicile et qu'elle est la meilleur période.
Merci
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
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?😏
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?😏
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!
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!
Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
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I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Heinz Stucke has passed away.
He never stopped traveling the world since 1962.
So sad.
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

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

Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
Hello,
Has anyone here had experience using a gas stove in Sardinia and Sicily? I’m wondering if screw-on gas canisters (not the blue Campingaz ones, but brands like Coleman, Primus, etc.) are easy to find.
Thanks for your feedback!
Thanks for your feedback!
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

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

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




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


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



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

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




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


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



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
hey everyone,
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?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
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?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
A shout-out to a cycling colleague from Savoie
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php

The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php


The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!













