Cycling Travel: On the Road

Routes and Distances

Don’t plan too much distance or elevation per day, especially at the start; an average of 50 to 70 km will be more than enough. Also, plan rest days every 4 to 5 days of cycling. Of course, this will also depend on the road quality (tarmac, track, sand, etc.), the cyclist’s fitness, the trip’s duration, and the encounters along the way. Bring detailed maps, even if they’re not available everywhere, and always check road conditions in difficult areas.

For a month-long trip, expect between 1,400 and 1,800 km—more if the road and your condition allow. Even with a good mountain bike, trails and tracks quickly become tiring over long distances. So, unless there’s a special reason, stick to tarmac and asphalt, even if their condition isn’t always better in some countries (potholes, etc.).

Transporting Your Bike

By Plane

Pack your bike in its original box or SNCF cardboard boxes (5 €), remembering to deflate the tires (mandatory). While 20 to 23 kg is often allowed in the hold (15 kg on many charters), some airlines charge a special bike fee, even if the weight limit isn’t exceeded. In this case, make your bike as discreet as possible—don’t let it look like a bike. Don’t hesitate to disassemble it and distribute the parts across several bags (including carry-on).

Finally, check that your bike is loaded onto external carts, not the baggage conveyor belt (risk of damage), and that it’s labeled with your destination and contact details. Arrive 2 to 3 hours before check-in to prepare everything properly.

Other Transport

Safety

On the road, watch out for trucks, cars, pedestrians, and animals that may appear suddenly. Follow traffic rules (or adapt to local habits!) and don’t hesitate to load your bike onto a bus or truck for long, monotonous stretches or tough days. In hot areas, ride during cooler hours and rest during the hottest part of the day. Note that a bell, lights, and a helmet are recommended for safety.

For theft, there’s no miracle solution—avoid leaving your loaded bike unattended, even if it’s locked.

Food

This is crucial for cyclists. Remember, you’re the one powering the machine, so you need to refuel regularly!

Bring dehydrated foods, cereal bars, dried fruit, sweets, etc. Stay self-sufficient and pack a multi-fuel stove.

Sleep

For more details, see the guides "Camping" and "Traveler’s Equipment".

General

Don’t overlook this—after long days of cycling, restorative sleep is essential. Choose a sleeping bag suited to the temperatures you’ll encounter (down is higher quality than synthetic but more fragile and sensitive to moisture). If you opt for synthetic, Polarguard Delta padding is excellent. Self-inflating mats are lightweight, compact, and provide the best insulation. Sizes go up to knee-length, offering great comfort and lightness.

Camping

In many countries, designated campsites don’t exist. Prefer spots away from the road and stay discreet, or better yet, ask villagers if you can camp (or stay) with locals. Unless you’re sure of finding regular shelter, bring good gear for a good night’s sleep—starting a day tired isn’t ideal when traveling by bike.