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
Les vélos non démontés ne sont plus admis dans les TGV entre Paris et les principales villes du grand Est
by Donau2852
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Je m'immisce dans la conversation parce que je trouve que certains arguments sont un peu courts. Et Tatra n'a pas tort de resituer notre passion dans un environnement économique, qui n'est peut-être pas appelé de nos voeux, mais qui est là et bien là.
on ne peut pas, comme certains l'ont dit, adapter le monde à notre passion... tout simplement parce que d'autres gens ont d'autres passions et qu'il faut bien trouver le moyen que tout le monde vive.
Les TGV n'ont effectivement pas été conçus pour le transport des vélos, et je le regrette. Et même les TER ne peuvent pas accepter les vélos le matin aux heures de pointe. C'est comme ça, on ne peut pas construire des trains qui privilégieraient le vélo sur les passagers ; sauf bien sûr dans le cas de la loire à vélo, ou là, précisément, on encourage le vélo et on s'organise pour ça.
Nous sommes obligés de rationaliser. et construire des TER pour qu'ils acceptent tous les vélos le matin va coûter une fortune et personne ne voudra payer. Alors le civisme impose de laisser son vélo en gare et de prendre un Bicloo ou un truc de ce genre à l'arrivée.
Mais je suis d'accord que la SNCF devrait faire un effort pour les vacanciers et garder quelques places dans les trains de grande ligne.
ceci dit, les autres pays ne sont pas mieux que nous, contrairement à ce que certains écrivent bien trop vite... Au Danemark par exemple, c'est hors de prix et parfois archi bondé au point qu'on ne peut pas monter malgré le billet payé.
bref, un peu de mesure dans les arguments, ça ne ferait pas de mal.
La vraie vie dont je parle par métonymie n'est autre que le monde tel qu'il tourne autour de la France, et dans lequel elle n'a d'autre choix raisonnable que de s'intégrer.
Michel
Emporté par mon élan (comme à la première descente avec un vélo lourdement chargé 🙂), j'avais dépassé le cadre de la stricte gouvernance des chemins de fer pour considérer les choses d'une manière plus large, plus philosophique et sans doute trop théorique. Quand vous introduisez la notion de "vraie vie", vous revenez dans le concret et d'une certaine manière, je dois admettre que vous avez raison : la moins mauvaise des solutions finit toujours par s'imposer comme en quelque sorte une loi naturelle. Il suffit de regarder autour de soi pour s'en convaincre.
Michel
Emporté par mon élan (comme à la première descente avec un vélo lourdement chargé 🙂), j'avais dépassé le cadre de la stricte gouvernance des chemins de fer pour considérer les choses d'une manière plus large, plus philosophique et sans doute trop théorique. Quand vous introduisez la notion de "vraie vie", vous revenez dans le concret et d'une certaine manière, je dois admettre que vous avez raison : la moins mauvaise des solutions finit toujours par s'imposer comme en quelque sorte une loi naturelle. Il suffit de regarder autour de soi pour s'en convaincre.
Tiens , la dernière fois que j'ai pris le train, en Belgique, pour aller à la mer du Nord (c'est notre Amérique à nous..) le wagon vélo était plein à craquer. Beaucoup de personnes âgées, quelques unes dans leur fauteuil roulant, n'en revenaient tout simplement pas, que j'avais du payer 5€ pour mon vélo...
Aucune, n'a fait une réflexion comme quoi mon vélo aurait pu déranger, au contraire, certaines personnes handicapées ont tout fait pour me faire de la place.
Sinon, en France les TGV Dunkerque Paris sont bien souvent vide! Je vois pas en quoi deux ou trois vélos( facturé 10€ et non gratuit) dérangent !
Personnellement, j'ai pris le train des centaines de fois, en Belgique comme en France c'était toujours sympa.
Bonjour,
Ce que je connais le mieux en matière de train à grande vitesse, c'est la ligne de l'ouest depuis Montparnasse ; et là souvent c'est vraiment bondé, voire encombré et très chaotique. Surtout les jours de départs en congés. Là encore, il y a train et train, et différents concepts.
Michel
Tiens , la dernière fois que j'ai pris le train, en Belgique, pour aller à la mer du Nord (c'est notre Amérique à nous..) le wagon vélo était plein à craquer. Beaucoup de personnes âgées, quelques unes dans leur fauteuil roulant, n'en revenaient tout simplement pas, que j'avais du payer 5€ pour mon vélo... Aucune, n'a fait une réflexion comme quoi mon vélo aurait pu déranger, au contraire, certaines personnes handicapées ont tout fait pour me faire de la place. Sinon, en France les TGV Dunkerque Paris sont bien souvent vide! Je vois pas en quoi deux ou trois vélos( facturé 10€ et non gratuit) dérangent ! Personnellement, j'ai pris le train des centaines de fois, en Belgique comme en France c'était toujours sympa.
Ce que je connais le mieux en matière de train à grande vitesse, c'est la ligne de l'ouest depuis Montparnasse ; et là souvent c'est vraiment bondé, voire encombré et très chaotique. Surtout les jours de départs en congés. Là encore, il y a train et train, et différents concepts.
Michel
Tiens , la dernière fois que j'ai pris le train, en Belgique, pour aller à la mer du Nord (c'est notre Amérique à nous..) le wagon vélo était plein à craquer. Beaucoup de personnes âgées, quelques unes dans leur fauteuil roulant, n'en revenaient tout simplement pas, que j'avais du payer 5€ pour mon vélo... Aucune, n'a fait une réflexion comme quoi mon vélo aurait pu déranger, au contraire, certaines personnes handicapées ont tout fait pour me faire de la place. Sinon, en France les TGV Dunkerque Paris sont bien souvent vide! Je vois pas en quoi deux ou trois vélos( facturé 10€ et non gratuit) dérangent ! Personnellement, j'ai pris le train des centaines de fois, en Belgique comme en France c'était toujours sympa.
Tara, quand je me retrouve face à un groupe d'une vingtaine de personne qui n'a pas la même opinion que moi, bein je me dis qu'il n'a peut être pas tort.
J'analyse ses arguments et généralement, je dois avouer qu'il a raison.
Bon, ce n'est pas donné à tout le monde et faut avouer que son amour propre en prends un coup.
Allez, remets toi en cause le temps de cet exercice et peut être verras tu enfin la lumière.
Bonjour,
Là où on pose le thermomètre, on prend la température. Si vous faites un sondage dans un bureau de tabac, vous allez avoir du mal à trouver des gens qui approuvent l'augmentation des taxes sur ledit tabac. 🙂
Michel
Tara, quand je me retrouve face à un groupe d'une vingtaine de personne qui n'a pas la même opinion que moi, bein je me dis qu'il n'a peut être pas tort. J'analyse ses arguments et généralement, je dois avouer qu'il a raison. Bon, ce n'est pas donné à tout le monde et faut avouer que son amour propre en prends un coup. Allez, remets toi en cause le temps de cet exercice et peut être verras tu enfin la lumière.
Là où on pose le thermomètre, on prend la température. Si vous faites un sondage dans un bureau de tabac, vous allez avoir du mal à trouver des gens qui approuvent l'augmentation des taxes sur ledit tabac. 🙂
Michel
Tara, quand je me retrouve face à un groupe d'une vingtaine de personne qui n'a pas la même opinion que moi, bein je me dis qu'il n'a peut être pas tort. J'analyse ses arguments et généralement, je dois avouer qu'il a raison. Bon, ce n'est pas donné à tout le monde et faut avouer que son amour propre en prends un coup. Allez, remets toi en cause le temps de cet exercice et peut être verras tu enfin la lumière.
Allez Tatra, tu manques de concentration pour cet exercice.
Coupe ton ordi, ferme les yeux et recommence...
Ah ah, pas mal comme philosophie. Pour avoir raison, constituer un groupe de gens qui pensent pareil, dans un environnement où ils sont majoritaires, et ainsi on a raison 🙂
C'est ce que j'observe au quotidien, à une nuance près cependant : - Pour avoir raison, constituer un groupe de gens qui pensent pareil ou du moins à qui on a réussi à le faire croire, dans un environnement où ils sont majoritaires, le répéter sur tous les tons du soir au matin urbi et orbi et ainsi on finit par laisser penser que l'on a raison et qu'il n'y pas d'autre alternative.
C'est ce que j'observe au quotidien, à une nuance près cependant : - Pour avoir raison, constituer un groupe de gens qui pensent pareil ou du moins à qui on a réussi à le faire croire, dans un environnement où ils sont majoritaires, le répéter sur tous les tons du soir au matin urbi et orbi et ainsi on finit par laisser penser que l'on a raison et qu'il n'y pas d'autre alternative.
[...] rien n'étant jamais parfait, rien n'est jamais parfaitement désespéré [...]
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nuance importante!
Le groupe s'est constitué tout seul.
Allez Rhume, fais comme Tatra, ferme les yeux et concentre toi...
On peut même aller un peu plus loin avec votre logique, et la prendre à rebours : qui ici a envie de s'exposer à une meute de connivence, qui voit le monde surtout depuis sa passion, et qui, plus qu'à échanger des arguments, glisse vers des messages de pur dénigrement ? 🤪
Michel
Allez Tatra, tu manques de concentration pour cet exercice. Coupe ton tel, ferme les yeux et recommence...
Michel
Allez Tatra, tu manques de concentration pour cet exercice. Coupe ton tel, ferme les yeux et recommence...
Ah ces enfants alors, ils n'écoutent rien🤪.
Tien, si t'allait faire un tour de vélo pour te détendre...
Je n'ai pas besoin de me détendre.
Je suis très serein, détendu et calme, et j'ai du travail. 🙂
Michel
Ah ces enfants alors, ils n'écoutent rien🤪. Tien, si t'allait faire un tour de vélo pour te détendre...
Michel
Ah ces enfants alors, ils n'écoutent rien🤪. Tien, si t'allait faire un tour de vélo pour te détendre...
Un groupe peux se constituer sans que personne ne le constitue.
Ouhlalala,
Quand je dis fermer les yeux, c'est pour se concentrer, pas pour écrire😎.
Ou alors tu réfléchis comme tu écris, et là tout s'explique.
Allez, reformule ta phrase pour qu'on comprenne quelque chose.
Sage décision.
Bon vent!
Bien d'accord avec toi. J'ai bataillé un temps quand je travaillais et que le temps m'était compté, pour mixer vélo de "routarde" chargé 3 sacoches, avec le train !!😕 En TER c'était vraiment galère, TGV je n'ai même pas tenté... Maintenant je pars de chez moi... plus de problème !! Il faut se battre pour que cela s'améliore et SURTOUT en région !!
On ne voyage pas pour se guérir de soi, mais pour s'aguerrir, se fortifier, se sentir et se savoir plus finement... Michel Onfray
Super ! je vais de ce pas vérifier car si je peux décrocher "TGV" et n'avoir que les petites lignes cela me va parfaitement... Merci !!😉
On ne voyage pas pour se guérir de soi, mais pour s'aguerrir, se fortifier, se sentir et se savoir plus finement... Michel Onfray
et si à nouveau on tombe sur le même problème à cause des intercités qui ne transportent pas les vélos alors en plus il faut décocher "intercité" pour n'avoir plus que les TER.
O.K. Encore merci ; je vais tester. Ce soir je me coucherai moins tarte 😉
On ne voyage pas pour se guérir de soi, mais pour s'aguerrir, se fortifier, se sentir et se savoir plus finement... Michel Onfray
..
mauvaise nouvelle les vélos non démontés ne sont plus admis dans les TGV entre Paris et les principales villes du grand Est.Cela devient très difficile de voyager avec le Sncf les engagements à l'ouverture de la ligne tgv sont oubliés....🙁
Bonjour, Celà fait plusieurs années ( des dizaines de voyages) que je prend ( entre autres) les TGV Metz Paris ou Paris-Metz sans souci en démontant mon VTT avec roues slick, porte bagages avant et arrière, sacoches...je fais 2 paquets encombrants, le premier très encombrant comprenant le vélo avec les 2 roues, guidon et porte-bagages démontés et sommairement emballés dans une bâche de 2 mètres sur 3 mètres qui contraint l'ensemble avec 2 sangles à cliquets mais je suis en règle et n'ai essuyé aucune remarque des contôleurs, j'ai une housse "adaptée" (la SNCF ne définit pas du tout le type de housse à adopter), le deuxième paquet se compose de mes 4 sacoches, duvet, tente... SûR que le SOUCI est pour moi de passer 30 minutes à faire du démontage mais le SOUCI est que dans le couloir ( çà gêne le passage ) ou pire dans les casiers à bagages "normaux" où la fourche ou le dérailleur dépassent et peuvent blesser ou salir les passagers. C'est dommageable mais tant que çà reste marginal, çà peut passer mais quid de favoriser les moyens de déplacements mixtes et écologiques?
Bonjour, Celà fait plusieurs années ( des dizaines de voyages) que je prend ( entre autres) les TGV Metz Paris ou Paris-Metz sans souci en démontant mon VTT avec roues slick, porte bagages avant et arrière, sacoches...je fais 2 paquets encombrants, le premier très encombrant comprenant le vélo avec les 2 roues, guidon et porte-bagages démontés et sommairement emballés dans une bâche de 2 mètres sur 3 mètres qui contraint l'ensemble avec 2 sangles à cliquets mais je suis en règle et n'ai essuyé aucune remarque des contôleurs, j'ai une housse "adaptée" (la SNCF ne définit pas du tout le type de housse à adopter), le deuxième paquet se compose de mes 4 sacoches, duvet, tente... SûR que le SOUCI est pour moi de passer 30 minutes à faire du démontage mais le SOUCI est que dans le couloir ( çà gêne le passage ) ou pire dans les casiers à bagages "normaux" où la fourche ou le dérailleur dépassent et peuvent blesser ou salir les passagers. C'est dommageable mais tant que çà reste marginal, çà peut passer mais quid de favoriser les moyens de déplacements mixtes et écologiques?
Bedoo de Metz
On dit que les voyages forment la jeunesse mais heureusement pas qu'elle!
On dit que les voyages forment la jeunesse mais heureusement pas qu'elle!
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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!
I’m preparing for a long trip heading to Nepal, with stops along the way depending on my mood, work needs, and the season. I cycle a lot, but this will be my first big touring adventure. I’d like to camp regularly to keep costs down, so I’ll be riding on all kinds of surfaces: smooth and rough roads, main highways and rocky paths to find my camping spots, flat terrain and the occasional steep slopes.
For my bike model, I’m prioritizing durability, versatility, and repairability. From that perspective, I prefer a steel frame and fork with rim brakes since I’m used to them. I’ve narrowed my choices down to four models:
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur T-700 LTD (1400 €): steel frame, aluminum fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 28" wheels, 40mm tires, 36 spokes (2 mm), lightweight rear rack (max 20 kg), no front rack included, smallest gear ratio of 0.72, weight of 13.9 kg.
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (2200 €): steel frame and fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 26" wheels, 50mm tires, 36 spokes (2.34 mm), front and rear racks included (40+18 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Genesis Tour de Fer 30 (2150 €): steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, 28" wheels, 36 spokes, 40mm tires, front and rear racks included (27+10 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.77, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Rockrider ADTV 900 from Decathlon (1700 €): aluminum frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, USB port, 28" wheels, 47mm tires, 28 spokes, front and rear racks included (40+20 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 17.1 kg. This is the successor to the Riverside Touring 900, which was a hit.
I’ve got a few questions:
1/ Should I go for 26" or 28" wheels for my trip? 26" wheels seem better for rough terrain, but 28" wheels feel more comfortable on roads. I’ve also read that 26" tires/tubes are easier to find.
2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Hi,
what are the easiest ways to get back from Nordkapp without pedaling—
train, boat, or plane?
Has anyone already done this?
Thanks for sharing your tips!
17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳
From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets...
I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters.
Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits.
Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Tôi fan Việt Nam!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vX18zebe0
Period: March–April 2025
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Tôi fan Việt Nam!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vX18zebe0
Period: March–April 2025
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!
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 everyone,
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.
I’m planning to leave Nice for Toulouse around 10/15 and I’m looking for tips / great deals regarding: - The route: I was thinking of taking Nice - Grasse - Draguignan - Salernes - Cadarache - Cavaillon - Arles, then the Camargue, Sète, and the Canal du Midi to Toulouse. The idea is to avoid high-traffic roads and too many steep climbs. Are there any spots to avoid or must-see stops? Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the road, I was thinking that sleeping indoors might be preferable. If you have any budget-friendly accommodation suggestions along part of the route, don’t hesitate!
Thanks in advance, and if you’re in the area around that time, we could ride together... Ciao.
Another long-time dream of Claudio’s: the Petit Mont Cenis pass and the dam at the eponymous lake.
A place where many Italians, including my father, worked in the 1950s–60s.
Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne → Lanslebourg → Petit Mont Cenis → return. 315 km, 3 days. Bivouac at St-Michel-de-M.
Brouter link
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
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
Hi there,
Is there a bike route that crosses Italy to catch the boat to Sicily?
If so, where does it start and where does it end?
🇷🇼 Cycling in Rwanda: 4 episodes, an off-the-beaten-path adventure
After 3 weeks and nearly 1,200 km by bike across Rwanda, I made 4 videos to share this adventure in a different way: the landscapes, the encounters, the villages… but above all, all those incredible scenes of everyday life.
The 4 episodes are available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnfbxjccWAg
The 4th episode focuses on rural Rwandan life: simple, authentic, and sometimes surprising scenes that you only truly discover when you take the time to travel by bike.
If you have a few minutes, let yourself be transported to Rwanda…
Hi, I'm looking for info on cycling to Nordkapp via the EuroVelo 7. Has anyone done it already, and where’s the best place to start the EuroVelo 7?
Thanks
Hi,
We bought the MSR bike tent model (2-person + large awning that can fit 2 bikes) back in 2005. It’s served us really well, especially during a year-long trip in Africa. Now, one of the poles is broken, and we’d love to replace it since that’s the only issue with the tent—we still love it! The poles are 9.35 mm in diameter, with 8 sections of 49 cm and 2 sections of 28 cm. Total length when assembled: 416 cm. Actually, two large sections are broken: one straight and one curved. It’s a pain to find replacements since this model is no longer sold anywhere.
Would anyone have this model lying around unused and be willing to sell me a pole?
Hi everyone,
In early April, I’m redoing the Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Ouistreham), and then I’d like to cycle along the Cotentin Peninsula (which I don’t know at all), follow the coast up to Cherbourg, and then head back down to at least Saint-Malo. I’d love to know if it’s pleasant for cycling—are the roads nice? Not too windy? What are the must-see spots? Any great campsites? All your tips and advice are more than welcome, and I thank you in advance.
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike to meet some friends in Côte d’Ivoire in early November.
I’ll be starting in Abidjan and heading to Abengourou, which is close to the Ghana border.
I’d like to take the trails. Does anyone have recent info on eastern Côte d’Ivoire?
Any tips, safety advice, or must-see stops? I’m open to all suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Fx
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
I just took a trip in Tunisia from Tozeur to Douz, skirting Chott el Jerid to the south. I’m back with the urge to keep going further south via the 4x4 tracks to connect Douz to Ksar Ghilane. Has anyone driven this route recently or explored southern Tunisia?
Thanks for your tips!
fix
Hi, who can recommend a bike route from Vienne, Isère to Sicily, and what’s the best time of year to go?
Thanks
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
😎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?😏
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?
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’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
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