https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
Planning a bike trip?
by Janodou
Translated into English.
If my math is right, you're leaving in two days... We still have 6 days left, lol
Have a great vacation! !
Have a great vacation! !
We’re looking at three weeks in Portugal this September—probably a big loop around Porto, but no route set yet.
Have a great summer, and ride in the shade!
Have a great summer, and ride in the shade!
After much deliberation 🤪, I’ll be doing the North Sea Cycle Route, all by myself like a big girl 🙂. Leaving Saturday for Mijoux for the Eurovélogex, and after that—how far 😉???
Well, depending on what I feel like doing...
Deadline: August 15th !! 😕
And plenty of others in the pipeline!
Caroline
Deadline: August 15th !! 😕
And plenty of others in the pipeline!
Caroline
"Le voyage est un retour vers l'essentiel." (proverbe tibétain)
Hi Caro,
So we’ll see each other this weekend!
David, who you hosted in Avignon on December 25, 2009!!
Hi,
I’d love to hear about your latest adventures...
Can’t wait to be there!!!!
See you Saturday,
Caroline
I’d love to hear about your latest adventures...
Can’t wait to be there!!!!
See you Saturday,
Caroline
"Le voyage est un retour vers l'essentiel." (proverbe tibétain)
hi everyone, I’ve just finished my double crossing of France:
Montbrison/Dunkerque, Dunkerque/Perpignan, Perpignan/Anduze: 2800 km;
I was thinking of going to EUROGEX, but a death in the Oise is preventing us from doing so!!!
have a good evening and happy Gex
Due to a last-minute change, I won’t be able to make it to Eurovélogex (I’ve got to go to Bourges :(
So I’ll be free in early August, no plans yet!
Random ideas: - A quick trip to Saverne in early August for the Pow Wow - Burgundy + Franche-Comté
To be continued ;)
So I’ll be free in early August, no plans yet!
Random ideas: - A quick trip to Saverne in early August for the Pow Wow - Burgundy + Franche-Comté
To be continued ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jf8eiQKwVQ
Diaporama sur mon voyage à vélo de l'été 2009
We're all set! The whole family is ready to go for our early morning departure tomorrow.
Have a great vacation, everyone! :)
Have a great vacation, everyone! :)
Have a great vacation and happy family biking!
Just 4 more weeks until it's our turn to head to the Gironde with Baptiste, who's 4.5 years old and will be pedaling this year!
See you, Blandine
See you, Blandine
Blandine
I just got back from a bike tour of Armorique and Ille-et-Vilaine! Took me about 6 days for roughly 270 km :) And it was just excellent. Since my work contract ends on August 31st, I’m torn between traveling around France or biking across the UK! Planning for about two months. Either way, I’ll need to get my hands dirty with some mechanics because my Giant CRS3—all stock—might not cut it :P
Des petit tours de roues ...
http://loic-eurotrip.over-blog.com/
Hey Harptallica,
Last year we biked through Sweden—if you’ve got the time, you should go, it’s gorgeous and perfect for cycling.
See you around!
See you around!
Blandine
I hadn’t thought of that yet—the Nordic countries are a destination I’d love to explore during my Europe tour too, but cost-wise, I’m a bit worried about the temperatures in September, October, November, hehe!
Des petit tours de roues ...
http://loic-eurotrip.over-blog.com/
Listen, we had temps between 12°C in the morning, 20-22°C during the day (perfect for cycling), and 29°C by the Baltic Sea on the island of Öland.
Sun, rain, and fog too in August—we swam every day in the lakes and also in the Baltic Sea.
We have amazing memories. We did the eastern part of Sweden: Stockholm, Gothenburg, the big lake, Vadstena, Eksjö, then crossed back toward the Baltic to go to Oskarshamn, Öland, and Kalmar—605 km in 15 days.
There are hardly any cars on the back roads, plus you often have bike paths where you're in the forest...
Anyway, think it over: you can also find cheap Ryanair flights—you land 1.5 hours from Stockholm, in Nyköping (it’s a Ryanair hub). Perfect trip with gear in the hold.
See ya!
We have amazing memories. We did the eastern part of Sweden: Stockholm, Gothenburg, the big lake, Vadstena, Eksjö, then crossed back toward the Baltic to go to Oskarshamn, Öland, and Kalmar—605 km in 15 days.
There are hardly any cars on the back roads, plus you often have bike paths where you're in the forest...
Anyway, think it over: you can also find cheap Ryanair flights—you land 1.5 hours from Stockholm, in Nyköping (it’s a Ryanair hub). Perfect trip with gear in the hold.
See ya!
Blandine
I admit, it does sound pretty tempting! I’ll think about it (no rush, I’ve got all the time in the world, right...). It’s kind of a two-month prep trip for my Europe tour (traveling alone for a year... I love the idea, but I’ve got my doubts, you know?), and mostly to improve my English and just have a blast 😉, meet people, and all that... Plus, I’ve got a few addresses in Brighton and Portsmouth, so there you go!
Des petit tours de roues ...
http://loic-eurotrip.over-blog.com/
That’s awesome, Blandine! We’re leaving next week—here’s the plan: Baltic Sea loop.
- Start in Berlin, head to Rostock for a ferry - Arrive in southern Denmark, then on to Copenhagen - After the crossing, reach Malmö, then ride up the east coast, stopping at Gotland island, before heading to Stockholm and Uppsala. - Cross to Turku in Finland, then on to Helsinki. - Ferry to Tallinn, then ride to Riga and Kaliningrad - Cross most of Poland by train - From the Polish border to Prague - Final stretch from Prague to Nuremberg
Around 3,500 km, I think—we’ll be following EuroVelo routes 10, 9, and 4. We’re pretty much all set; we just got our tent, and I’m so excited I can’t stand it!!!!
Happy travels, everyone!
- Start in Berlin, head to Rostock for a ferry - Arrive in southern Denmark, then on to Copenhagen - After the crossing, reach Malmö, then ride up the east coast, stopping at Gotland island, before heading to Stockholm and Uppsala. - Cross to Turku in Finland, then on to Helsinki. - Ferry to Tallinn, then ride to Riga and Kaliningrad - Cross most of Poland by train - From the Polish border to Prague - Final stretch from Prague to Nuremberg
Around 3,500 km, I think—we’ll be following EuroVelo routes 10, 9, and 4. We’re pretty much all set; we just got our tent, and I’m so excited I can’t stand it!!!!
Happy travels, everyone!
Notre tour de la mer Baltique > http://bikearoundbalticsea.wordpress.com
This is my first project.
A test run to see if I can take my little girls next year.
I'm thinking of doing St Brévin to Toulouse over 2 weeks in September.
Since I'm a beginner and will be alone, I'd prefer accommodations other than camping.
If you have any info on cheap hotels or other options, I'd love to hear it. Thanks
I'm thinking of doing St Brévin to Toulouse over 2 weeks in September.
Since I'm a beginner and will be alone, I'd prefer accommodations other than camping.
If you have any info on cheap hotels or other options, I'd love to hear it. Thanks
Good evening,
So, trailers, panniers... everything's in the car (or ON the car when it comes to the bikes!). We're leaving tomorrow at dawn, heading for Lake Constance...
Have a great holiday and safe travels to everyone.
So, trailers, panniers... everything's in the car (or ON the car when it comes to the bikes!). We're leaving tomorrow at dawn, heading for Lake Constance...
Have a great holiday and safe travels to everyone.
hey everyone!
So, we’re taking off this Sunday for our Tour de France. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to grab a bite with us, ride a few kilometers together, reserve a spot in your garden for our tent, or just share some great tips.
Full route on the site: https://sites.google.com/site/bandoftheroad/ and http://vttourdefrance.blogspot.com/
cheers! Happy bike touring, and hope we cross paths on the road.
So, we’re taking off this Sunday for our Tour de France. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to grab a bite with us, ride a few kilometers together, reserve a spot in your garden for our tent, or just share some great tips.
Full route on the site: https://sites.google.com/site/bandoftheroad/ and http://vttourdefrance.blogspot.com/
cheers! Happy bike touring, and hope we cross paths on the road.
Hey Leziquet!
Normally no, but if we're ahead of schedule, we'll head down to the Var. In that case, I'll get in touch.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Here we go! The bags are packed, tomorrow’s the big day for Monika and me. We’re starting easy—13 km to catch the trains that’ll take us to Berlin, the real starting point of our Baltic Sea bike tour. On the agenda: 9 countries, about 3,500 km, 80 days.
Follow our journey on our blog.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer, fellow travelers
Follow our journey on our blog.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer, fellow travelers
Notre tour de la mer Baltique > http://bikearoundbalticsea.wordpress.com
For my part, it’ll be more modest.
I’m taking delivery of my new frame this Saturday. An Orbea Travel A40, which will serve as the base for building my touring bike.
I’m planning a round trip from Paris to Bordeaux in August, just to get the feel of it and see what tweaks I’ll make to this ride.
Either way, I wish you an amazing trip, and may adventure be with you.
I’m taking delivery of my new frame this Saturday. An Orbea Travel A40, which will serve as the base for building my touring bike.
I’m planning a round trip from Paris to Bordeaux in August, just to get the feel of it and see what tweaks I’ll make to this ride.
Either way, I wish you an amazing trip, and may adventure be with you.
Psyclopathe.
suffering from an extreme love of bicycles.
mais je me soigne ... je deviens autophobe.
Hi there,
This is my first post here :) We’re heading off for three weeks, just the two of us, to explore the Atlantic coast. Everything’s almost ready, except for one problem we haven’t solved yet: how to take our bikes on the train!! The routes are Paris-Hendaye, then Le Croisic-Paris for the return trip, and there’s nothing really clear about bikes—do they need to be assembled, disassembled, is it paid or free??! From what we’ve gathered, it seems we’ll have to disassemble our bikes and put them in a suitable bag. It’s a bit of a hassle, first to get to the station, and then because we’ll have to carry the bags throughout the whole trip.
If any of you have tips from your experiences about transporting bikes on an iDTGV/TGV, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks everyone, and happy travels! :) For us, it’ll be a first big adventure :)
This is my first post here :) We’re heading off for three weeks, just the two of us, to explore the Atlantic coast. Everything’s almost ready, except for one problem we haven’t solved yet: how to take our bikes on the train!! The routes are Paris-Hendaye, then Le Croisic-Paris for the return trip, and there’s nothing really clear about bikes—do they need to be assembled, disassembled, is it paid or free??! From what we’ve gathered, it seems we’ll have to disassemble our bikes and put them in a suitable bag. It’s a bit of a hassle, first to get to the station, and then because we’ll have to carry the bags throughout the whole trip.
If any of you have tips from your experiences about transporting bikes on an iDTGV/TGV, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks everyone, and happy travels! :) For us, it’ll be a first big adventure :)
Paris to Hendaye (or the reverse): Easy and comfortable
night sleeper with an extra 10 € (I think) for the bike
nothing to dismantle
note: you have to buy it at the station and pay the bike supplement online didn’t work last I heard with a bit of luck, you’ll have the compartment to yourselves with the bikes next to you, secured to hooks
sometimes a conductor might stick you with a difficult passenger who was causing trouble in another compartment! That happened to me even twice: two snorers! but it’s rare :))
otherwise, it’s super comfortable. You travel like VIPs—the first compartment is reserved for travelers with bikes it also depends on the period
note: you have to buy it at the station and pay the bike supplement online didn’t work last I heard with a bit of luck, you’ll have the compartment to yourselves with the bikes next to you, secured to hooks
sometimes a conductor might stick you with a difficult passenger who was causing trouble in another compartment! That happened to me even twice: two snorers! but it’s rare :))
otherwise, it’s super comfortable. You travel like VIPs—the first compartment is reserved for travelers with bikes it also depends on the period
It's all or nothing with the train. When I took the Rennes - TGV Haute Picardie route, on the way there it was just a "compartment" where everyone piled their luggage, and my bike was crammed in the very back, half-lying down because of the lack of space. On the way back, it was a special carriage with bike racks—so calm and even super comfortable! I wondered if I wasn’t in first class, lol.
Otherwise, no need to dismantle anything. Just make sure to check the carriage number so you end up right in the bike-friendly one.
Des petit tours de roues ...
http://loic-eurotrip.over-blog.com/
hi there,
if you don’t want to ride with your bike covers, as soon as you arrive, send them to poste restante (general delivery) at the station where you’ll catch your return TGV. That way, no extra bulk during your trip.
Blandine
Blandine
Blandine
Some trains allow bikes on board without needing to disassemble or pack them, for a fee of 10 € per trip. To find out which trains accept bikes as-is, you can check the SNCF website. For trains that allow bikes, a bike pictogram appears next to the train number (you’ll need to click on the "Train Details" tab). For example, the Monday train leaving Paris at 7:10 AM and arriving in Hendaye at 12:59 PM accepts bikes. *Note: No iDTGV trains allow unpacked bikes.*
you can also buy blue garden tarp and wide adhesive tape locally. just bring the removal keys
you prep ahead of time
example: pedals don’t always come off easily if they’re too tight. stop by a bike shop for pre-loosening with a long wrench (leverage effect) if needed
unscrew by turning left or right depending on whether it’s the left or right pedal
overnight trains are called "Lunea"—ideal in my opinion high-speed trains (TGV) = a hassle. Conductors might tell you "Niet", no bikes allowed!
overnight trains are called "Lunea"—ideal in my opinion high-speed trains (TGV) = a hassle. Conductors might tell you "Niet", no bikes allowed!
my kind boss gave me 4 weeks off for a bike trip
2 weeks by car
it's decided, I'm taking the bike heading south, southeast, southwest, north, northwest against wind and tide
http://www.google.fr/url?url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1hlgp_clip-video-les-charlots-merci-patro_music&rct=j&sa=X&ei=BP4sTuiLIY-g-AbgpfHsDQ&ved=0CCQQuAIwAQ&q=merci+patron+les+charlots&usg=AFQjCNGfKClbBhQWCzT0vkURvDLzutVHyg
http://www.google.fr/url?url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1hlgp_clip-video-les-charlots-merci-patro_music&rct=j&sa=X&ei=BP4sTuiLIY-g-AbgpfHsDQ&ved=0CCQQuAIwAQ&q=merci+patron+les+charlots&usg=AFQjCNGfKClbBhQWCzT0vkURvDLzutVHyg
@+
Leaving tomorrow:
http://aventures.ordinaires.free.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260&Itemid=280
For the curious, the journey can be followed under the "Sur la route" label on my site—there’s already a first article waiting for you.
Have a great summer, everyone… and to all the women I forgot earlier! !
Touring Europe along the coasts for me, in the works.
The snag? No support (family, friends)—quite the opposite, in fact.
For a trip I’ve dreamed of for so long, one I *can* do (physically, financially, mentally), the prep is just draining... it’s really bringing me down. 😕
Come on, a year to convince them it’s not suicidal—especially my mom—and that this trip will be something amazing.
That’s it, the countdown’s officially on. Still little support, but whatever—I’m not doing this for them, I’m doing it for me!
Leaving January 2012, no exact departure/return dates, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no odometer. Basically, no stress.
Really getting ready now. 😉
For a trip I’ve dreamed of for so long, one I *can* do (physically, financially, mentally), the prep is just draining... it’s really bringing me down. 😕
Come on, a year to convince them it’s not suicidal—especially my mom—and that this trip will be something amazing.
That’s it, the countdown’s officially on. Still little support, but whatever—I’m not doing this for them, I’m doing it for me!
Leaving January 2012, no exact departure/return dates, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no odometer. Basically, no stress.
Really getting ready now. 😉
That’s it, the countdown has officially started.
Still not much support, but I’m not doing this for others—I’m doing it for me!
Leaving in January 2012, no exact departure or return date, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no counter. In short, no overthinking.
Really getting ready now. 😉
I know people who shock everyone just by biking to work every day. No support for your project from your close ones? You won’t lack it here—you’ll even spark some envy. Start a blog so we can follow your prep first, and your trip afterward (if possible). There are tons of blogs sharing experiences similar to yours. Though they’re not always easy to find.
So lucky! !
Leaving in January 2012, no exact departure or return date, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no counter. In short, no overthinking.
Really getting ready now. 😉
I know people who shock everyone just by biking to work every day. No support for your project from your close ones? You won’t lack it here—you’ll even spark some envy. Start a blog so we can follow your prep first, and your trip afterward (if possible). There are tons of blogs sharing experiences similar to yours. Though they’re not always easy to find.
So lucky! !
premiers (modestes) voyages : http://http://envelo04.blogspot.fr/
Yeah!
I'm leaving for a Europe tour in September. Same for me—I'll leave when I'm ready, materially, physically, and mentally.
Ordered parts from Bikester, the rest from Rando Cycle, and clothes from D4 in the next few days—10 months of travel!
Des petit tours de roues ...
http://loic-eurotrip.over-blog.com/
I returned from a 700 km bike trip around Lake Constance and along the Rhine (first on the Swiss side, then the German side), followed by a loop through Alsace—breathtaking landscapes, ... so many unexpected encounters ... the feeling of living in another world, where you realize that living with less lets you see the world differently ... no radio, even less TV, no internet ... can’t wait for the next one!
That’s it, the countdown has officially started.
Still not much support, but I don’t care—I’m not doing this for others, I’m doing it for myself!
Leaving in January 2012, no exact departure or return date, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no odometer. In short, no overthinking.
Really getting ready now. 😉
Hats off to you for going against the grain of those stuck in their daily grind... sometimes it’s because they dream of it too but don’t dare, which is why they come off as bitter...
As for me, I’m also leaving in January 2012—from Toulouse for an 8-month bike trip across South America. No exact end date, but the goal is to reach Ecuador starting from Patagonia...
Leaving in January 2012, no exact departure or return date, no precise route (just a rough map of Europe), no odometer. In short, no overthinking.
Really getting ready now. 😉
Hats off to you for going against the grain of those stuck in their daily grind... sometimes it’s because they dream of it too but don’t dare, which is why they come off as bitter...
As for me, I’m also leaving in January 2012—from Toulouse for an 8-month bike trip across South America. No exact end date, but the goal is to reach Ecuador starting from Patagonia...
Rêve ta vie, vis ton rêve
Love the Kwasimon class! 😎
2012 is looking promising. 🙂
2012 is looking promising. 🙂
Love all these plans!
Less exotic but just as refreshing (that’s the magic of biking), we’ve been riding from Facture-Biganos along the southern Arcachon Basin to the Gironde estuary near Pointe de Grave. The journey’s almost over since we’re only 35 km from the tip. Baptiste, 4.5 years old, has been riding his bike solo every day, covering 15 to 20 km.
Right now, we’re stuck in the tent because of the rain—it’s really coming down!
Gorgeous wild coastline, stunning spots, perfect with a kid: even better than the Landes two years ago.
Met tons of cyclists—feels like bike travel is really taking off!
Blandine
Blandine
Blandine
For me, it'll be about 1,300 km over 3 weeks in Benin, leaving January 2012...
Met a lot of cyclists: I get the feeling that bike travel is really taking off more and more.
Blandine
It’s true—when you pass through these areas, it’s pretty obvious (and it’s what made me want to give it a try).
And even elsewhere in France, it feels like it’s snowballing. A cool new trend... (well, more like a lifestyle, really).
Blandine
It’s true—when you pass through these areas, it’s pretty obvious (and it’s what made me want to give it a try).
And even elsewhere in France, it feels like it’s snowballing. A cool new trend... (well, more like a lifestyle, really).
hi there
Leaving on August 21st for the Houillères canal downstream from Sarreguemines toward Trier, following the banks of the Saar River.
Then the Moselle River banks toward Cochem and its vineyards.
A short detour to Aachen, then the Volcano Route in the Eifel Mountains.
Back to the rivers with maybe the Albert Canal toward Liège, Charleroi, and then the Meuse River banks toward the French Ardennes—Sedan or Rethel.
That’s my planned route.
Happy travels!
JC
Le temps s'échappe à tire-d'aile? Sois sans peur.
Et l'heureux sort n'est pas éternel? Sois sans peur.
Profite de l'instant que te vaut la Fortune.
Sans regret, sans regard vers le ciel, sois sans peur.
O Kayyam
Hi,
My "island-to-island" project wrapped up on Saturday. Goodbye to those who followed me over these past 2 months, and to everyone else—see you next year!
Marc
Hello,
I’m new to this forum and passionate about all kinds of travel. A quick intro: 52 years old, energetic, a former Parisian coffee roaster, and I’ve been living in Montpellier for 12 years. I love the idea of bike travel for the human connection it offers with the country and its people. I’m actively preparing to make a big dream come true: taking my time and traveling from Fairbanks, Alaska to Ushuaia in 2012. Traveling solo has its perks, but I’ll admit that sharing the experience with someone would be incredibly rewarding. That’s about it. If anyone has the same dream in mind, I’d be happy to get in touch. I already have the bike and pretty much all the gear. I also want to thank everyone for this forum—it’s a goldmine of information that’s helped me avoid a lot of mistakes in my choices.
I hope you all get to realize your dreams too, because life’s way too short to let boredom take over.
Jipé 🙂
I’m new to this forum and passionate about all kinds of travel. A quick intro: 52 years old, energetic, a former Parisian coffee roaster, and I’ve been living in Montpellier for 12 years. I love the idea of bike travel for the human connection it offers with the country and its people. I’m actively preparing to make a big dream come true: taking my time and traveling from Fairbanks, Alaska to Ushuaia in 2012. Traveling solo has its perks, but I’ll admit that sharing the experience with someone would be incredibly rewarding. That’s about it. If anyone has the same dream in mind, I’d be happy to get in touch. I already have the bike and pretty much all the gear. I also want to thank everyone for this forum—it’s a goldmine of information that’s helped me avoid a lot of mistakes in my choices.
I hope you all get to realize your dreams too, because life’s way too short to let boredom take over.
Jipé 🙂
hi there
in summer 2012 I’m planning to cover 3,000 km in 4 weeks, starting from Bourgoin-Jallieu (38). The route includes crossing the Northern to Southern Alps, following the Mediterranean coast from Nice to Perpignan, crossing the Pyrenees, following the Atlantic coast from Biarritz to Bordeaux, and then traversing the Massif Central via Cahors, Aurillac, Le Puy-en-Velay, Annonay, and heading back to Bourgoin.
PS: If anyone’s interested in joining for part of the ride, that’d be great—I’m currently setting off solo.
PS: If anyone’s interested in joining for part of the ride, that’d be great—I’m currently setting off solo.
A little trip to the Camargue the weekend of November 11th 🙂
Hoping the rain will have moved on by then, if we go 😉
And then, probably Armenia this summer.... No exact dates yet....
Hoping the rain will have moved on by then, if we go 😉
And then, probably Armenia this summer.... No exact dates yet....
"Le voyage est un retour vers l'essentiel." (proverbe tibétain)
3 days in Normandy in the Pays d'Auge for the weekend of 11/11 to pick the last apples 😛 left on the trees.
For me, four weeks in India from Mumbai to Goa—first through the interior and then along the coast. Not too fast, taking in the landscapes and the people. Leaving in 15 days, hoping the monsoon is over and the roads are repaired.
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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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?
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
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.
Can you take an electric bike on trains in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland?
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
